Major vehicle manufacturers developing high-power EV charging network in Europe

400 sites across Europe will allow electric vehicles to charge up to a capacity of 350kW

BMW Group, Ford Motor Company, Volkswagen Group and Daimler AG, with Audi and Porsche have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to create the highest-powered battery electric vehicle (BEV) charging network in Europe.

The goal is the quick build-up of a sizable number of stations in order to enable long-range travel for BEV drivers. This will be an important step towards facilitating mass-market BEV adoption.

The network will be based on Combined Charging System (CCS) standard technology, a quick charging method for BEVs that delivers high-voltage DC. The planned charging infrastructure will take the existing technical standard for AC and DC charging of electric vehicles and increase the capacity for DC fast charging to up to 350kW. BEVs that are engineered to accept this high-powered charge will be able to recharge brand-independently in much less time than today’s BEVs. The network is intended to serve all CCS equipped vehicles to facilitate the BEV adoption in Europe.

The build-up is planned to start in 2017. An initial target of about 400 sites in Europe is planned. By 2020 customers should have access to thousands of high-powered charging points.

The goal is to enable long-distance travel through open-network charging stations along highways and thoroughfares, that has not been feasible for most BEV drivers to date. The charging experience is expected to become as convenient as refueling at conventional gas stations.

Mark Fields, president and chief executive of Ford, said: “A reliable, ultra-fast charging infrastructure is important for mass consumer adoption and has the potential to transform the possibilities for electric driving. This charging network will make it easier and more practical for customers across Europe to own electrified vehicles.”

Rupert Stadler, chairman of the board of management at Audi, said: “Reliable fast charging services are a key factor for drivers to choose an electric vehicle. With this cooperation we want to boost a broader market adoption of e-mobility and speed up the shift towards emission-free driving.”

The joint venture formation is subject to execution of definitive agreements and merger control approval in various jurisdictions.