Electrify America has selected ABB, BTC Power, Efacec and Signet to jointly install more than 2000 ultra-fast electric vehicle (EV) charging systems across the US.
The chargers will be installed across 484 stations in the US.
The Direct Current (DC) fast chargers are claimed to offer charge speeds of up to 20 miles of per minute at 350kW, which is seven times faster than the present 50kW DC chargers.
Focusing on both future and present electric vehicles, Electrify America’s charging systems will have a range in power from the mostly commonly used 50kW and up to 350kW for its highway stations.
Electrify America president and CEO Mark McNabb said: “These state-of-the-art chargers will provide the latest in charging technology for today’s electric vehicles and those expected in the future that will feature larger batteries.”
The company's systems will also offer DC fast chargers ranging from 50kW to 150kW for metro locations. The company plans to include L2 AC charger at majority of metro DC fast charging stations to let plug-in hybrids and non-DC-charge capable EVs to charge.
The company will be offering CHAdeMO (50kW) connector along with dual-handle chargers with CCS1 (50 to 150kW or350 kW) connectors. These ensure that all fast charging capable cars will be able to use its stations. While metropolitan charging stations will have three to six chargers with CCS1 connectors, highway stations will be offering four to ten.
Electrify America also claimed that its charging systems have been custom-design, with several advanced features. One such feature is liquid cooled CCS1 charging cables. The cooling is said to be a key factor that enables higher-amperage charging without significant increase in cable thickness for charging power at and above 150kW from 350 amps.
The company is set to start the installation of the ultra-fast charging systems from this spring with a goal to make all the stations operational at the 484 sites in 17 metropolitan areas and on highways in 39 states by next year end.
This plan is part of the company’s Cycle One infrastructure investment. The charging stations will be located at convenient parking areas with access to retail, dining, and other facilities and attractions.
McNabb said: “By placing our ultra-fast charging systems in locations drivers enjoy stopping at, we help reduce charging anxiety and increase the public acceptance of electric vehicles. Dramatically increasing the charging speed by offering the first-ever certified cooled-cable 150/350kW DC Fast Chargers is also a significant step, meaning less time is spent refueling.”
