VitaeMobility, ABB to Deploy a Network of 50 DC Fast Chargers throughout Belgium

ANTWERP, Belgium and ZURICH, Switzerland, June 28, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

Belgium's first smart fast charging network allows carefree electric mobility for all EV drivers

VitaeMobility, specialists in e-mobility for business and government fleets and consumers, and ABB, the leading power and automation technology group, today announced a partnership to install and manage 50 Terra Smart Connect (SC) DC fast chargers at multiple locations throughout Belgium. The company specifically chose ABB's Terra Smart Connect (SC) as it is the only smart connected charging station on the market that supports EV charging for company fleets in 30-120 minutes. The first installations for the nationwide network will be in place by the end of July.

Installing DC fast chargers is a necessary next step towards encouraging the proliferation of electric vehicles. It provides drivers with convenient access to state-of-the-art charging infrastructure and reduces range anxiety, a common concern associated with EV ownership. The investment by VitaeMobility to create a fast charging network complements its current business offering, such as a smart car leasing concept, and further demonstrates the company's commitment towards the ongoing development and support of EV transportation and infrastructure grounded in a sustainable economic model. The collaboration between ABB and VitaeMobility will enable the company to continue its strong growth curve in the Belgium market. The EV charging station infrastructure and services market is set to experience significant growth reaching 1.6 million units globally by 2015, according to Pike Research.

"EV adoption offers more than energy efficient transportation; it helps cut our dependency on carbon-producing foreign fuels, lessens our ecological footprint by reducing emissions and makes economical sense since their maintenance and operations are far less costly in the long run," said Gunter De Pooter, Executive Director of VitaeMobility.

ABB will carry out the installations of the chargers and will deliver network operating support services (NOC) and the backbone IT architecture which provides each web-connected charger with a full range of connectivity features, including remote assistance, management and servicing and smart software upgradeability. Maintenance and repair services will be taken care of by ABB's local support team in Belgium.

"Providing customers with data and software services is critical to shifting driver behavior towards cleaner alternatives," said Hans Streng, General Manager of ABB's EV charging infrastructure group. "ABB's charging infrastructure offering takes into consideration the entire e-mobility spectrum; from SMART grid interface and software services to technology offerings that allow customers to tailor chargers to their own needs such as their own billing solutions. This will create a more direct relationship with EV drivers."

For more information and product images please click on http://www.abb.com/abblibrary/DownloadCenter/?showresultstab=true&categoryid=9AAC172658

ABB (http://www.abb.com) is a leader in power and automation technologies that enable utility and industry customers to improve performance while lowering environmental impact. The ABB Group of companies operates in around 100 countries and employs about 145,000 people.

VitaeMobility is a sustainable, integrated company that focuses on effectively reducing CO2 emissions. Therefore VitaeMobility offers a number of new and integrated sustainable mobility solutions: innovative car leasing concept, smart charging infrastructure and production and distribution of sustainable power.

SOURCE ABB