14.2.2013 ABB supports new EV charging standards

A new Combined Charging System (CCS) will be available in Europe in the second quarter of 2013, supported by leading technology group, ABB.

The new charging standard will combine today's industry standardization with fast charging convenience to support the next generation of electric vehicles.

The new multistandard functionality will be available in Europe in the second quarter of 2013 including a special CCS version for car dealerships, followed by a targeted launch in the USA in the second half of 2013.

The expansion of the ABB fast charging portfolio brings together European standardization and fast charging technology reducing infrastructure complexity and dramatically improving charging compatibility across all EV brands.

"ABB's expanded portfolio enhanced with its cloud-based connectivity services is a natural solution for EV infrastructure providers to effortlessly incorporate any charging standard – be it CCS or CHAdeMO – into their charging network without absorbing the high costs of software integration and testing," said Hans Streng, Head of ABB's Product Group EV Charging Infrastructure.

He continued: "By providing a broader EV infrastructure platform, customers can now simply tailor their installed base of fast chargers depending on the amount of CCS or CHAdeMO legacy cars available in a specific region."

ABB was the first company to demonstrate a working prototype of the CCS standard at EV26 in Los Angeles and at eCarTec in Munich in 2012. ABB's EV fast charging portfolio for the 'charge-and-go' segment will continue to feature the Terra 51 CHAdeMO fast charging point, as well as a single port 50 kW CCS fast charging station and the 50kW multi-standard CHAdeMO & CCS station, optionally equipped with fast alternating current (AC) outlet.

A 20 kW variant will be launched in both single CCS and multistandard outlets later this year as a logical addition to the current CHAdeMO 20kW station for offices and retail locations.

CCS is a global open standard adopted by European and North American leading automotive manufacturers. The new CCS capable fast chargers are part of the wider interoperability testing programs for all next generation electric vehicles and are designed to significantly improve user experience by providing EV drivers with increased assurance surrounding charging availability and convenience.