ABB is partnering in the eCharge4Drivers project, part of the Low Carbon Green Vehicles programme: User Centric Charging Infrastructure.
Along with 31 other stakeholders, ABB will collaborate with eCharge4Drivers to conduct demonstrations across key EU cities to understand consumers' perspectives on EV charging infrastructure.
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A European Commission initiative which invites and supports consortia to develop smarter and more convenient EV charging infrastructure, eCharge4Drivers has been developed to accelerate the shift towards electrified and sustainable mobility.
ABB says while sales of EVs in Europe have been on the rise, with Europe representing the second largest market for EV sales in 2019 at 561,000 units, drivers often face problems with limited charging options and other qualitative requirements which could potentially discourage mass adoption.
Multiple studies show that increasing accessibility to appropriate charging infrastructure and marketing the benefits of electric mobility are key enablers to broadening the EV customer pool.
Based on the outcome of surveys conducted in the EC's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme, the eCharge4Drivers project will start to investigate in more detail, users' perceptions and expectations on various charging and mobility options and parking habits across the EU. This will inform the subsequent design and development of relevant solutions in improved chargers and convenient services.
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By GlobalDataThe project brings together 32 of the most important e-mobility organisations in the region, including ABB alongside companies such as Bosch, BMW, Volvo, Fiat plus a number of leading European educational institutions. The initiative has a budget of EUR18.8m (US$21.2m) with pilot demonstrations due to start in the second half of 2021.
ECharge4Drivers will develop and demonstrate pilot projects in ten regions across Europe, including metropolitan areas and Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) corridors, with ABB supplying multiple chargers for use in the majority of the pilot areas. The pilots create the opportunity to develop and test new technologies.
"ABB's unrivalled expertise in electrification and its global leadership in e-mobility and digital technology will play a vital role in driving the European Union's shift to sustainable transportation and a zero-emission future for all," said ABB global business for E-mobility Infrastructure Solutions head, Frank Muehlon.
ABB will develop scalable EV chargers for the demonstration with new functionalities such as large digital displays with customisable interfaces. The modular chargers can be expanded according to usage and will be carried across demo sites in containers.
The chargers will feature ABB's Dynamic DC sharing technology, which supports power sharing across multiple charging points, enabling high power charging for vehicles as needed.
The charging stations and all other peripheral equipment will support the ISO 15118 Plug & Charge features, creating a standardised ecosystem for the transfer of information and enabling interoperability to increase the usability and efficiency of the chargers.
The chargers will have a site power manager and all energy measurements will be in accordance with the European Measurement Instruments Directive (MID). Users will have several payment options, including credit cards and smartphones.
ABB Ability is a dedicated digital suite for centralised control and enables fast global service and proactive maintenance, which are crucial for the rapid deployment of EV charging infrastructure to support the electric future of mobility.
ABB has sold more than 14,000 DC fast chargers around the world and most recently won the Global E-mobility Leader 2019 award for its role in supporting the international adoption of sustainable transport solutions.
ECharge4Drivers is a four-year project of EUR14m co-financed by the European Union through the Horizon 2020 Programme.
