BMW, Mercedes, VW and Ford plan FAST charge network
A joint venture to build an ultra-fast recharging network for electric cars across Europe has been agreed by Ford, BMW, Mercedes and Volkswagen.
The BMW Group, Daimler AG, Ford Motor Company and Volkswagen Group with Audi and Porsche have all but their signatures to an MOU to create the highest-powered charging network in Europe.
They are planning to quickly create a large number of stations across Europe to make long distance EV travel hassle free, offering power levels up to 350kW across an initial target of 400 sites.
By 2020, the consortium reckon drivers of BEVs in Europe will have access to thousands of charging points, with the aim of making the charging experience as easy filling up with petrol.
The new charging network will be based on the Combined Charging System (CCS) standard with the aforementioned 350kW DC fast charging for new BEVs which can accept that level of charge, but the network is designed to serve all CCS BEVs regardless of make or age.
Unsurprisingly, all the parties had something to say, so in the spirit of balance we’ll give them all their voice:
BMW said:
This high-power charging network provides motorists with another strong argument to move towards electric mobility”,says Harald Krüger, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG. “The BMW Group has initiated numerous public charging infrastructure projects over the last years. The joint project is another major milestone clearly demonstrating that competitors are combining forces to ramp-up e-mobility.
Mercedes said:
The breakthrough of e-mobility requires two things: convincing vehicles and a comprehensive charging infrastructure. With our new brand EQ, we are launching our electric product offensive: by 2025, our portfolio will include more than ten fully electric passenger cars. Together with our partners, we are now installing the highest-powered charging infrastructure in Europe”,says Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars. “The availability of high-power stations allows long-distance e-mobility for the first time and will convince more and more customers to opt for an electric vehicle.
Ford said:
A reliable, ultra-fast charging infrastructure is important for mass consumer adoption and has the potential to transform the possibilities for electric driving”, says Mark Fields, president and CEO, Ford Motor Company. “Ford is committed to developing vehicles and technologies that make people’s lives better, and this charging network will make it easier and more practical for customers across Europe to own electrified vehicles.
Audi said:
We intend to create a network that allows our customers on long-distance trips to use a coffee break for recharging”, says Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG. “Reliable fast charging services are a key factor for drivers to choose an electric vehicle. With this cooperation we want to boost a broader market adoption of e-mobility and speed up the shift towards emission-free driving.
And, finally, Porsche said:
There are two decisive aspects for us: ultra-fast charging and placing the charging stations at the right positions”,says Oliver Blume, Chairman of the Executive Board of Porsche AG. “Together, these two factors enable us to travel in an all-electrically powered car as in a conventional combustion engine vehicle. As automobile manufacturer, we actively shape our future, not only by developing all-electrically powered vehicles but by building up the necessary infrastructure as well.
It’s going to cost a few bob to deliver on the promise, and the founding partners are encouraging other car makers and regional partners to get involved.
The venture is still subject to definitive agreements and approval in some jurisdictions, but that should be a mere formality.
Pete Cunningham says
Will these chargers be able to charge Teslas as well, or will it be a case of let’s catch up on the Tesla infrastructure and exclude them from being able to charge at these new chargers. I wonder!!
Cars UK says
As far as we can work out, Tesla won’t be able to us the CCS chargers as it stands, even though they are the only ones who can make use of the current max of 150kW charging – never mind the 350kW at the new stations – because their charging plugs won’t fit.
But it seems a modification by Tesla to make CCS chargers compatible is quite straightforward, and Tesla’s recent membership of CharIN – which is responsible for CCS expansion – probably makes it a certainty.