EVgo, which operates a network of public electric vehicle (EV) fast-charging stations, and electrification technology company ABB have announced that they will deploy a High-Power fast-charging station in Fremont, Calif., that is capable of delivering incredibly fast charging speeds.
Specifically, the High-Power fast-charging system, manufactured by ABB, features a maximum charging rate of 150 kW – providing a charge that is three times faster than what is available today.
EVgo says the charger will assist with next-generation EV charging research, and it will allow testing of EV research platforms at 150 kW initially. Further, the installed system has the potential to reach charging speeds of up to 350 kW with an upgrade.
As automakers align on future hardware and service standards, EVgo is using the station to study utility impacts, installation standards, permitting, and building and safety requirements. The station will also provide a demonstration platform for electrical certification committees and building code officials.
Both EVgo and ABB consider the implementation of High-Power fast charging as a critical step in the evolution of EVs, as automakers are introducing new EVs with increased battery capacities and longer ranges. Already, two automakers have announced plans to sell vehicles in the U.S. that will charge at significantly higher rates in less than two years. Additionally, five automakers have announced a collaboration to build 400 High-Power charging stations (350 kW) throughout Europe.
As reported, the fastest available public chargers currently in the market are 50 kW, which can provide roughly three miles per minute of charge. A 150 kW charger can provide nine miles per minute, and a 350 kW charger will provide more than 20 miles per minute.
The new charging station will be available to automotive research vehicles on request and is intended to help inform future advances in EV development, range, capacity and charging speed.
“EVgo has taken another first step in next-generation High-Power fast charging that will advance the entire electric vehicle industry,” says Terry O’Day, vice president of product strategy and market development at EVgo. “Our goal is to enable improved fast-charging service in the future, helping our automotive OEM partners provide even more convenient and appealing options to their customers.”
EVgo says it partnered with Lucky Supermarkets to install the charger at its Mowry Avenue location in Fremont, where the High-Power fast-charging station is now in service. Fremont was chosen for the High-Power charging station location because the area currently has the highest traffic in the EVgo network. The High-Power charging station utilizes a CCS connection standard but is not open to the public.
EVgo currently operates over 900 fast chargers in 66 of the top-selling automotive markets in the U.S. and supports all current charging standards. The network utilizes a variety of flexible charging plans for drivers, including pay-as-you-go, low-cost membership charging plans and unlimited charging plans for customers of partner OEMs, including BMW, Nissan and Ford.