DBT CEV fast chargers power 3 LEAFs 12,500 km over 42 days in 2012 Oranje Trophy

14 August 2012

Three Nissan LEAF electric vehicles drove 12,500 km (7,767 miles) through ten countries in 42 days supported by France-based DBT CEV’s fast charging technology as part of the 2012 Oranje Trophy. The feat is thought to be the longest journey achieved by these electric vehicles in such a condensed period of time, enabled only through the use of fast charging technology.

Charging the LEAFs. Click to enlarge.

The Oranje Trophy—which supports Dutch athletes competing in this summer’s series of European sporting events—journey started on 14 June in Amsterdam and took the travelling motorcade of 30 vehicles (comprising cars, vans, trucks and motorbikes) through Poland and the Ukraine, where they stopped to support the Netherlands’ footballers playing in Euro 2012. They then drove up through Russia, all the way to the North Cape in Finland—after which the crews headed back through Norway, Sweden and Denmark to finish in London in time for the opening of the Holland Heineken House in Alexandra Palace ahead of the Olympic Games.

Along the journey, the Nissan LEAFs were replenished by electric charging company DBT CEV’s DC Quick Charging technology—powered by a diesel generator fueled by GTL diesel on a truck—which allows compatible electric vehicles to recharge up to 80% of their batteries in less than 30 minutes. This enabled the competing electric vehicles to travel distances of 120–130 km (75–81 miles) per charge and, at times, up to 600 km (373 miles) per day.

The CHAdeMO-compliant (Rev.0.9) DC quick charger has an output voltage range of DC50 ~ 500V and current range of up to 125A.

DBT CEV’s fast chargers are due to be manufactured in Sunderland (UK) following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding earlier this year between Nissan and Gateshead College for the development of a Zero Emission Centre for Excellence.