It’s not everyday you hear the biggest fast charging network is rolling out. But can you guess in which country?
Not the U.S.
Most of us would imagine the largest fast charger network for of electric vehicles (EV) would be in the U.S.. Unfortunately, that isn’t the case, not even remotely, despite Tesla Motors’ 75 Superchargers and the continuous fight between the Japanese CHAdeMO and the European SAE standard. China however is probably very please to use the squabbling to its advantage by using the opportunity to unroll the planets largest fast CD charging network. Surprised? You shouldn’t.
China now has the largest automobile market in the world, and it intends on continuing its growth, while the west spends more time arguing futile debates. Considering a new car rolls out on Chinese roads every two seconds, it makes sense why carmakers have used much of their resources, and bailouts to build manufacturing plants in this new developing economy.
Daimler and BYD chose ABB, one of the leading power and automation technology company, also a well known EV charger maker for the largest fast charging network in the world.
Press release
Shenzhen BYD Daimler New Technology Co., Ltd. chooses ABB to supply direct current (DC) fast chargers for rapid charging of new DENZA electric vehicle over the next six years
ABB, the leading power and automation technology group, announced a strategic collaboration today with Shenzhen BYD Daimler New Technology Co., Ltd. (BDNT) to supply direct current fast chargers over the next six years for DENZA. China will become the global leader for electric vehicle (EV) fast charging.
The wall-mounted chargers will have a number of innovations designed for user convenience and safety, such as a mobile app that allows remote monitoring and control of charging sessions, with the option of charging status change notifications. First deliveries are expected in mid- 2014. The charging solution will be sold through DENZA dealerships along with the vehicle.
EVs are one of China’s seven emerging strategic industries. ABB and DENZA will work together to help support China’s efforts to increase sustainable mobility.
The Chinese government has introduced a direct current (DC) fast charging “GBT” standard to encourage technical innovation and stimulate market acceptance of EVs. The urban charging infrastructure will be a key driver for EV adoption. The GBT standard will give Chinese consumers the opportunity to conveniently charge their vehicles at home or at public charging stations. Public DC fast charging is expected to be rolled out in China in the near future.
“We are honored to be a partner in this venture to move urban transportation forward in a more sustainable way. By combining car sales with fast chargers, DENZA is taking a bold step to address a key obstacle for potential buyers of EVs,” said Ulrich Spiesshofer, CEO of ABB Group. “ABB’s EV charging solutions have been expanding rapidly worldwide as the underlying technology combines our key strengths in power electronics, software, service and power distribution.”
The fully electric DENZA car is designed for journeys of more than 200 kilometers and is among the first long-range EVs to go on sale in China. Market research shows that consumers value long-range EVs, but expect short charging times. DENZA will offer its customers the convenience of fast charging at home, at work or at public charging stations.
“The DENZA represents a significant step in sustainable transportation for the Chinese automotive market. It was vital that we had the right partner to support this innovative concept,” said Arno Roehringer, COO of BDNT. “ABB is the ideal technology partner for us, and – equally important – it has the service expertise to install this solution.”
China’s EV market is expected to quickly gain momentum in the coming years due to technology and market innovations, the GBT national fast-charging standard and favorable incentives. ABB has worked on pilot projects with local OEMs and utilities in China since 2010. In 2013, it began to build up a local EV organization to support this growth including R&D, manufacturing, logistics, and service.
Shenzhen BYD Daimler New Technology Co., Ltd. is a joint venture established by BYD Auto, a leader in China’s EV industry, and Daimler AG, one of the biggest producers of premium cars and the world’s biggest manufacturer of commercial vehicles with a global reach. The joint venture, established in 2010, concentrates on R&D in new energy automotive technologies and specializes in supplying high-quality, eco-friendly new energy vehicles that are safe and convenient to use. DENZA will have its world premiere at the 2014 Beijing Auto Show.
ABB (www.abb.com) is a leader in power and automation technologies that enable utility and industry customers to improve their performance while lowering environmental impact. The ABB Group of companies operates in around 100 countries and employs about 150,000 people. ABB has a full range of business activities in China, including R&D, manufacturing, sales and services, with 19,000 employees, 36 local companies, and an extensive sales and service network across 90 cities.
