BMW, Daimler, Ford, Volkswagen join forces to build ‘ultra-fast’ EV chargers
BMW Group, Daimler AG, Ford Motor Company, and Volkswagen Group with Audi and Porsche have agreed to create a high-powered DC charging network across Europe that can supply electric vehicles (EV) of up to 350 kW.
The joint venture is set to launch around 400 ultra-fast charging sites next year with a goal of building thousands of open-network charging points along highways and major thoroughfares by 2020.
The network will be based on Combined Charging System (CCS) standard technology, which uses a connector that is fully compatible with most current and next generations EVs, explains a company release.
“A reliable, ultra-fast charging infrastructure is important for mass consumer adoption and has the potential to transform the possibilities for electric driving,” said Mark Fields, president and CEO, Ford Motor Company.
This was seconded by Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars, saying that this network “will convince more and more customers to opt for an electric vehicle.”
For Harald Krüger, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG, the carmakers’ collaboration is “another major milestone clearly demonstrating that competitors are combining forces to ramp-up e-mobility.”
Other carmakers and regional partners are also encouraged to participate in the network.
