Electrify America chooses ABB to power EVs across the US

US-based Electrify America has selected Swedish-Swiss based automation company ABB to supply its Terra HP charging stations as part of a massive electric vehicle infrastructure project in the United States.

The chargers are claimed to recharge even the largest electric vehicle battery in under  15 minutes. Electrify America plans to place hundreds of charging stations within and around 17 metropolitan areas and along multiple nationwide highway corridors.

Creating a national network of fast charging stations – the EV equivalent of fueling stations – is considered crucial for widespread adoption of electric cars.

Seth Cutler, Chief Engineer, Electrify America said, “These new charging systems are designed to provide an optimal driver experience – offering fast, convenient and reliable service whenever and wherever they need it.”

Greg Scheu, President of ABB’s Americas region said, "Our Terra HP systems will ensure that sustainable e-mobility is supported with industry-leading, high power charging technology, and will remain so into the future."

According to ABB, nearly 200,000 EVs were sold in the U.S. in 2017. However, the country’s charging infrastructure hasn't kept the pace required to spur mass adoption of electric transportation. Among some prospective consumers, "range anxiety’’ – wondering if they will find someplace to recharge their batteries during a road trip - continues to be a deterrent when it comes to electric vehicles.

ABB’s Terra HP  can operate at powers of up to 350 kilowatts, is able to add almost 200 miles (320 kilometres) of range to an EV in a time frame not much longer than needed to refuel a gas engine vehicle. 

Electrify America plans to place chargers on highway routes at intervals of no more than 120 miles (195 kilometres). ABB’s Terra HP chargers are compatible with both the CCS and CHAdeMO DC fast charging standards, which are found on most of the electric cars available today.

ABB’s product portfolio includes charging technologies for electric cars, buses and trucks, as well as solutions for the electrification of ships, railways and cable cars. And with more than 6,500 DC fast charging stations installed in 60 countries, ABB is leading globally in connected DC fast charging technology.

ABB is partnered with Formula E, the world’s first fully electric international FIA motorsport series. 

ABB India has expressed its support towards the Indian government as well by installing an EV fast charging station at the NITI Aayog office in New Delhi.