ABB launches cost-effective 20kW DC fast charger for the Americas

NEW BERLIN, Wis., April 8, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- ABB, the leading power and automation technology group, today launched the Terra SmartConnect (SC), a breakthrough product that will significantly improve the business case for installing electric-vehicle (EV) fast chargers throughout North America. The Terra SC will be available for delivery in the Americas in the second quarter. Initial shipments will support the CHAdeMO fast-charging standard, with SAE / Combined Charging System units available later this year.

The Terra SC is a cost-effective direct-current (DC) charger specifically designed for convenient fast charging in commercial and office areas. It fully charges an electric car in 30 to 120 minutes, while the driver attends a business meeting, goes to the movies or enjoys a meal. The Terra SC is also ideal for people who want to keep driving but don't necessarily need a full charge: it can charge the battery of currently available EVs from 30% to 80% in less than half an hour. More applications include workplaces, fleet operators, parking operators, rental companies, car dealerships, shopping malls, and the EV infrastructure service providers who serve those applications.

Seamless integration into AC networks
Through the use of open standards, the ABB DC chargers have the ability to integrate seamlessly into existing AC charging networks. "Electric vehicle service providers will find a great benefit in the easy integration of DC charging into their offering," notes Cal Lankton, Director of the Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure business for North America. "In congested areas, where EV drivers are vying for charging station access, the speed of DC technology will free up more charging stations and capacity for more drivers. This directly translates into greater flexibility for service providers to increase the number, and use frequency, of customers."

Easy to install, easy to use, with optimal connectivity
Despite its focus on cost minimization, the Terra SC will be fully UL-listed, and comes standard with an outdoor-rated steel housing, a full-color, eight inch, intuitive touch-screen user interface and all the smart connectivity features that ABB's Terra chargers are known for. It is quick and easy to install at almost any location due to its ultra-thin design and simple floor and wall-mount connections; these features also create maximum space efficiency.

"The launch of the Terra SC demonstrates our commitment to deliver the optimal charging solution for every possible location in the network, both in terms of functionality and affordability. With its breakthrough price, low commissioning costs, easy installation and smart design features, the Terra SC creates an even more compelling case for installing EV fast chargers at many more locations throughout the world, providing a strong boost to the development of electric mobility," said Hans Streng, Senior Vice President and General Manager of ABB's EV Charging Infrastructure business globally.

The Terra SC is a web-connected charger that includes a full range of connectivity features, including remote assistance, management and servicing, with smart software upgradeability. Its key optional features include RFiD and PIN code authorization, as well as a web-based statistics module with data per user to support energy usage reporting. ABB's connectivity suite supports all existing and future connection standards within the same network, and immediate "plug-and-play" functionality using the Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP).

A growing family of DC fast chargers
The Terra SC perfectly complements ABB's existing portfolio of fast-charging solutions. ABB's en-route fast charger, the Terra 51, is used mainly in applications which require the fastest charge possible, offering a 15-30 minute "charge and go" service. "The development and release of the Terra SC model demonstrates our commitment to offer the best fast charging solution for every possible location in the network - both in terms of functionality and affordability," added Lankton.

The growing number of electric vehicles is driving a global market opportunity for charging solutions, including sophisticated monitoring systems and software to support the electric grid. ABB estimates that the market for charging infrastructure solutions will be worth $1 billion by 2017, and nearly $4 billion by 2020. Since launching Europe's first commercially operated fast-charging station in the Netherlands in May 2010, ABB has delivered and installed many DC charging stations and networks throughout the region. Earlier this year, ABB installed a network of 170 fast chargers throughout Estonia, creating the world's first DC charging infrastructure with full nationwide coverage.

ABB (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.

SOURCE ABB