Electrify America selects ABB, BTC Power, Efacec and Signet to supply 150/350 kW EV fast chargers
17 April 2018
Electrify America has selected charging equipment suppliers ABB, BTC Power, Efacec and Signet jointly to deploy its new ultra-fast electric vehicle (EV) charging systems throughout the United States.
The charging equipment suppliers will share delivery of more than 2,000 chargers across 484 stations in the US. The charging systems will offer the first certified cooled-cable 150/350 kilowatt (kW) DC Fast Charger. Electric vehicle chargers that offer this kind of power deliver energy for up to 20 miles of range per minute of charge at 350 kW—seven times faster than today’s 50 kW DC chargers.
Electrify America’s charging systems will have a range in power from 50kW, the most commonly used fast charging for electric vehicles today, up to 350kW for its highway stations. The Electrify America systems will also offer DC Fast Chargers ranging from 50kW to 150kW for metro locations. An L2 AC charger will also be offered at a majority of metro DC fast charging stations to accommodate plug-in hybrids and non-DC-charge capable EVs.
All charging stations will offer a CHAdeMO (50kW) connector, plus additional dual-handle chargers with CCS1 (50 to 150kW or350 kW) connectors, ensuring that all fast charging capable cars will be able to use the Electrify America stations.
Metropolitan charging stations will have three to six chargers with CCS1 connectors, while highway stations will offer four to ten.
The chargers have been custom-designed for Electrify America and have several advanced features including liquid-cooled cables. This is the first time that liquid cooled CCS1 charging cables have received certification. The cooling is a key factor in enabling higher-amperage charging without a significant increase in the cable thickness for charging power at and above 150kW from 350 amps.
Excellent project, specially the 350+ kWh quicker units. The planed 2000 units is a good start but is no where near enough.
Germany is planning for 100,000 units.
China will probably go for 1,000,000 charging facilities?
Posted by: HarveyD | 17 April 2018 at 07:26 AM
Critically, from the pdf, here is WHEN they are going in:
'Electrify America will begin installing the ultra-fast charging systems this spring with the goal of all stations being operational or under construction at 484 sites in 17 metropolitan areas and on highways in 39 states by the end of 2019 as part of its Cycle One infrastructure investment. Stations will be located at convenient parking areas with access to retail, dining, and other facilities and attractions.'
Posted by: Davemart | 17 April 2018 at 08:03 AM
I imagine you'll find that charging at chargers like these won't be cheap, it will be "competitive" with gasoline on a per mile basis.
Also, it may not be very good to charge at such high C rates.
I dread to imagine what it will cost to charge in Europe where gasoline is $6 - $8 / us gallon.
So, you'll be able to charge cheaply at home and in work, but once you deviate from your known routes and need fast charging, you'll be paying full price.
Posted by: mahonj | 17 April 2018 at 09:26 AM
Tomorrows' batteries may/will be able to accept charges at higher C rates with acceptable effects on their performance and useful operation life span. Otherwise, extended range all weather BEVs will not exist unless you carry 2-tons of batteries for extended trips.
Alternatively, you could exchange batteries every 200 to 300 miles and leave yours behind to be slow charged.
Tomorrows FCEVs could/will solve that problem?
Posted by: HarveyD | 17 April 2018 at 05:59 PM
People might pay gasoline rates for fast charging.
It is a now and then event that makes for cleaner air and less imported oil.
Posted by: SJC | 18 April 2018 at 03:51 PM