Automakers launch IONITY JV to build 350 kW high power charging European network for EVs
03 November 2017
BMW Group, Daimler AG, Ford Motor Company and the Volkswagen Group with Audi and Porsche launched IONITY, a joint venture that will develop and implement a High-Power Charging (HPC) network for electric vehicles across Europe. (Earlier post.) Launching approximately 400 HPC stations by 2020, IONITY will make long-distance journeys easier and marks an important step for electric vehicles.
A total of 20 stations will be opened to the public this year, located on major roads in Germany, Norway and Austria, at intervals of 120 km, through partnerships with “Tank & Rast”, “Circle K” and “OMV”. Through 2018, the network will expand to more than 100 stations, each one enabling multiple customers, driving different manufacturer cars, to charge their vehicles simultaneously.
With a capacity of up to 350 kW per charging point, the network will use the European charging standard Combined Charging System to significantly reduce charging times compared to existing systems. The automakers hope the brand-agnostic approach and Europe-wide distribution will help make electrified vehicles more appealing.
Choosing the best locations takes into account potential integration with existing charging technologies and IONITY is negotiating with existing infrastructure initiatives, including those supported by the participating companies as well as political institutions. The investment underlines the commitment that the participating manufacturers are making in electric vehicles and relies on international co-operation across the industry.
The founding partners, BMW Group, Daimler AG, Ford Motor Company and the Volkswagen Group, have equal shares in the joint venture, while other automotive manufacturers are invited to help expand the network.
Based in Munich, Germany, the joint venture is led by Chief Executive Officer Michael Hajesch and Chief Operating Officer Marcus Groll, with a growing team, set to number 50 by the start of 2018.
A hand to IONITY.
Those very quick charge (350+ KW) charging facilities are a must for near future very quick (5 minutes) charge EV batteries.
Very quick charge (5 minutes) batteries and quick charge facilities (350+ KW) will make extended range BEVs a practical reality in the early 2020s.
Posted by: HarveyD | 04 November 2017 at 07:38 AM
We take so much for granted these days. This is a huge announcement for infrastructure build out and hardly anyone even comments. LOL
Posted by: DaveD | 05 November 2017 at 06:44 PM
I believe some thanks go to Tesla for inspiring (or forcing?) innovation in charging stations.
Posted by: Brent Jatko | 06 November 2017 at 03:40 PM
TESLA has not developed ultra quick charge (5 minutes) batteries nor ultra quick charging facilities (350 Kw to 700 Kw) yet.
ABB already has 350+ KW charging facilities with more capacity coming.
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Posted by: marshal singh | 13 May 2018 at 01:44 AM