ABB launches world’s fastest electric car charger: 100km range in 3 minutes

Technology major ABB has announced the launch of its new innovative all-in-one electric vehicle (EV) charger, which it claims provides the fastest charging experience in the market. The new Terra 360 modular charger can simultaneously charge up to four EVs with dynamic power distribution.

The company says this means drivers will not have to wait if somebody else is already charging ahead of them. They can simply pull up to another plug. The new charger has a maximum output of 360 kW and is capable of fully charging any electric car in less than 15 minutes, meeting the needs of a variety of EV users, whether they need a fast charge or to top their battery up while grocery shopping.

Frank Muehlon, president of ABB E-mobility Division said: “With governments around the world writing public policy that favours EVs and charging networks to combat climate change, the demand for EV charging infrastructure, especially charging stations that are fast, convenient and easy to operate is higher than ever. The Terra 360, with charging options that fit a variety of needs, is the key to fulfilling that demand and accelerating e-mobility adoption globally.”

Theodor Swedjemark, chief communications and sustainability officer, ABB said: “It’s an exciting day for ABB, who as the global leader in electric vehicle fast charging, is playing a key role in enabling a low carbon society. With road transport accounting for nearly a fifth of global CO2 emissions, e-mobility is critical to achieving the Paris climate goal. We will also lead by example by switching our entire fleet of more than 10,000 vehicles to non-emitting vehicles.”

The Terra 360 modular charger will be available in Europe from the end-2021, and in the USA, Latin America and Asia Pacific regions in 2022. Its innovative lighting system guides the user through the charging process and shows the State of Charge (SoC) of the EV battery and the residual time before the end of an optimal charge session. The company says the world’s fastest EV charger is also wheelchair accessible and features an ergonomic cable management system that helps drivers plug in quickly with minimal effort.

As well as serving the needs of private EV drivers at fuelling stations, convenience stores and retail locations, Terra 360 chargers can also be installed on an organisation’s commercial premises to charge electric fleet cars, vans and trucks. This gives owners the flexibility to charge up to four vehicles overnight or to give a quick refill to their EVs in the day.

ABB says as Terra 360 chargers have a small footprint, they can be installed in small depots or parking lots where space is at a premium. The modular chargers are fully customisable and can be personalised for appearance, customers can ‘brand’ the chargers by using different foiling or changing the colour of the LED light strips. There is also the option to include an integrated 27-inch advertisement screen to play video and pictures.