ABB, the leading power and automation technology group, today entered the US market for electric vehicle charging solutions with the launch of its best-selling Terra 51 direct current (DC) charger, marking the start of a massive infrastructure rollout that will further drive the mass adoption of electric mobility. The Terra 51 will be manufactured in New Berlin, Wisconsin and is available for delivery in the second half of this year.
The Terra 51 is an intelligent DC fast charger that reduces electric vehicle charging times from eight hours, using regular alternating current (AC), to as little as 15 to 30 minutes. The Terra 51 was initially launched in Europe in 2010 as the region’s first commercially available DC charging station and is well established as the leading fast charger in terms of installed base, reliability and functionality. ABB will showcase the Terra 51 and its robust and smart connectivity solutions for operators at the 26th International Electric Vehicle Symposium (EVS26) May 6-9 in Los Angeles.
The growing number of electric vehicles is driving a global market demand for charging solutions that include sophisticated monitoring systems and software to support the electric grid. ABB recently started rolling out the world’s first DC charging infrastructure with full nationwide network coverage of 200 chargers in Estonia.
“Our Terra 51 fast charger has proven to be a rock solid solution in Europe and we are now certifying this web-connected charger for the US market to serve the fast growing base of CHAdeMO cars such as the Nissan Leaf and Mitsubishi i. The ability to quickly recharge enables drivers to use their electric vehicle throughout the day without experiencing the typical range anxiety; fast charging will initiate further adoption of electric mobility,” said Hans Streng, Senior Vice President and General Manager of ABB’s Product Group EV Charging Infrastructure.
The Terra 51 comes standard with a full range of cloud-based services that provide connectivity, security, applications and support and enable operators to get the most out of their charging infrastructure. All Terra chargers are connected to a robust IT network providing software upgrades, remote maintenance, servicing and monitoring. Connectivity also puts more analysis and control functions in the hands of grid operators to help them ensure better power quality in the grid. The Terra 51 is CHAdeMO certified and will also be compliant with all the relevant US safety directives before start of deliveries.
The Terra 51 services all DC fast-charge capable cars that are currently on the market. At EVS26, ABB will also showcase the first prototype of a Terra 51 that supports the Combo charging standard, adopted by US and European carmakers.
“To be successful, we believe the US electric vehicle charging infrastructure needs to be open to any kind of electric car. Our connectivity solutions are designed to support all existing and future connection standards in the same network. The first Combo cars will be available at the end of 2013 and we’re ready to support that,” Streng said.
ABB is committed to driving the rollout of charging infrastructure by delivering the optimal charging solution for every possible location in the network – both in terms of functionality and affordability. Future product introductions in the US will include the Terra Smart Connect (SC), which is a more cost-effective “park and charge” solution for locations where people can easily spend one or two hours and do not necessarily require a 15-30 minute fast charge.
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