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BMW, Merc, Ford, VW, Porsche & Audi join forces to keep their EVs charged

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<B>JOINING FORCES:</B> Automakers in Europe are joining forces to create an electric charging network across. <I>image: NewsPress</I>
<B>JOINING FORCES:</B> Automakers in Europe are joining forces to create an electric charging network across. <I>image: NewsPress</I>

Stuttgart/Ingolstadt - BMW, Daimler AG, Ford and Volkswagen (with Audi and Porsche) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to create the highest-powered 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 battery electric vehicle drivers.

Starting in 2017

The projected ultra-fast high-powered charging network with power levels up to 350kW will be significantly faster than the most powerful charging system deployed today. The build-up is planned to start in 2017.

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

READ: New beginnings for VW? More electric cars on the way

The goal is to enable long-distance travel through open-network charging stations along highways and major thorough fares, which has not been feasible for most battery electric vehicle (BEV) drivers to date.

The charging experience is expected to evolve to be as convenient as refueling at conventional gas stations.

The network will be based on combined charging system (CCS) standard technology. The planned charging infrastructure expands the existing technical standard for AC - and DC charging of electric vehicles to the next level of capacity for DC fast charging with up to 350kW.

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BEVs that are engineered to accept this full power of the charge stations can recharge brand - independently in a fraction of the time of today’s BEVs. The network is intended to serve all CCS equipped vehicles to facilitate the BEV adoption in Europe.

What the automakers have to say:

BMW Group

Harald Krüger, chairman of the board of management of BMW AG: “This high-power charging network provides motorists with another strong argument to move towards electric mobility.

“The BMW Group has initiated numerous public charging infrastructure projects over the last years. The joint project is another major milestone clearly demonstrating that competitors are combining forces to ramp-up e-mobility.”


Daimler AG

Dr. Dieter Zetsche, chairman of the board of management of Daimler AG and head of Mercedes- Benz: “The breakthrough of e-mobility requires two things: convincing vehicles and a comprehensive charging infrastructure. With our new brand EQ, we are launching our electric product offensive: by 2025, our portfolio will include more than ten fully electric passenger cars. Together with our partners, we are now installing the highest-powered charging infrastructure in Europe.

"The availability of high-power stations allows long-distance e-mobility for the first time and will convince more and more customers to opt for an electric vehicle.”


Ford

Mark Fields, president and CEO, Ford: “A reliable, ultra-fast charging infrastructure is important for mass consumer adoption and has the potential to transform the possibilities for electric driving.

“Ford is committed to developing vehiclesand technologies that make people’s lives better, and this charging network will make it easier and more practical for customers across Europe to own electrified vehicles.”


Audi

Rupert Stadler, chairman of the board of management of Audi: “We intend to create a network that allows our customers on long-distance trips to use a coffee break for recharging. 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.”

Porsche

Oliver Blume, chairman of the executive board of Porsche AG: “There are two decisive aspects for us: ultra-fast charging and placing the charging stations at the right positions.

“Together, these two factors enable us to travel in an all-electrically powered car as in a conventional combustion engine vehicle. As automobile manufacturer, we actively shape our future, not only by developing all-electrically powered vehicles but by building up the necessary infrastructure as well.”

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