Fast chargers for electric vehicles should become a more common sight throughout Europe after EV charging point provider POD Point teamed up with power and automation technology group ABB.
The collaboration aims to fast-track a network of public charging infrastructure that will rival the most advanced geographic areas in the United States, which is currently dominated by Coulomb Technologies with its ChargePoint America Project.
Current projects involving POD Point and ABB’s partnership include the integration of ABB chargers into the Eire’s ESB back office system, and the installation of rapid chargers in Norway with EV Power.
In the UK, ABB have installed rapid chargers in the Midlands, Northern Ireland and Scotland with plans for London and Wales.
Erik Fairbairn, POD Point CEO, said: “All EV charge point providers are experiencing growing sales, but the challenge of networking the infrastructure needs to be overcome.
“Networking public charge points will spur the development of location-finding apps, which will benefit the EV driver.
“Networking is also needed to enable owners to monitor charge point usage, generate income from their charge points, and perform remote software upgrades and repairs - so avoiding costly on-site maintenance visits.”
ABB’s Terra 51 fast charger, which was launched earlier in 2012, can provide an 80% charge ‘top up’ within 15 minutes.
They will be networked using POD Point’s back office systems using the Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP), which is rapidly becoming the industry standard for networking EV charging stations.
John has been writing about cars since the start of 2011, with a particular fondness for models with USB connectivity and a serious distaste for steering wheels with too many buttons. Can often be found trying to seduce 1.0-litre engines. When away from things that go brum, apostrophe snob John can often be found making noise with varying degrees of musicality.
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