The network. Click to enlarge.

The chargers are installed in urban areas with more than 5,000 inhabitants, and on major roads throughout the country, creating the highest concentration of DC chargers in Europe. On highways, the chargers are never more than 60 km (37 miles) apart, making it possible for electric vehicles to travel anywhere within the Baltic state without running out of power.

ABB’s Terra 51 DC fast chargers comply with the CHAdeMO charging standard and can be used for charging vehicles with DC of up to 50 kW as well as with alternating current (AC) of up to 22 kW. The methods can be used simultaneously, if necessary.

The fact that recharging is so easy is one of the main reasons more and more Estonians will decide in favor of electric cars in future. Our entire transport policy should be based on the notion that environmentally friendly travel is the cheapest and simplest option there is.

—Keit Pentus-Rosimannus, Estonia’s Minister of the Environment

ABB won the contract in 2011 and completed the network in just six months. The contract includes a five-year agreement to provide technical network operating support services for the chargers, which are connected to the central system via an Internet connection, as well as backbone IT architecture. The commercial operation to serve the Estonian EV drivers is handled by local third parties, and is based on a payment platform from parking industry.

Alongside the comprehensive charging infrastructure, Estonia offers subsidies of up to 50% of the purchase price of electric vehicles to encourage their adoption.