German Automakers (and Ford) Join Forces to Build Massive European Charging Network
Audi, Porsche and Volkswagen are joining Daimler, the BMW Group, and Ford to create the highest-powered charging network in Europe.
The network will establish a standard charging system for the brands and help speed up charging times.
Using the Combined Charging System, all of the automakers’ battery electric vehicles will be able to charge at an initially planned 400 sites across Europe. The charging points, capable of power levels of up to 350 kW, will charge Battery Electric Vehicles faster than today’s most powerful charging points.
“There are two decisive aspects for us: ultra-fast charging and placing the charging stations at the right positions,” said Oliver Blume, Chairman of the Executive Board of Porsche, in a statement. Together, these two factors enable us to travel in an all-electrically powered car as in a conventional combustion engine vehicle.”
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Volkswagen and its compatriots plan to start construction in 2017 and expect thousands of high-power charging points to dot Europe’s major roads by 2020.
“We intend to create a network that allows our customers on long-distance trips to use a coffee break for recharging”, said Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI. “Reliable fast charging services are a key factor for drivers to choose an electric vehicle. With this cooperation, we want to boost a broader market adoption of e-mobility and speed up the shift towards emission-free driving.”
This article originally appeared on Fourtitude
Sebastien is a roving reporter who covers Euros, domestics, and all things enthusiast. He has been writing about the automotive industry for four years and obsessed with it his whole life. He studied English at the Wilfrid Laurier University. Sebastien also edits for AutoGuide's sister sites VW Vortex, Fourtitude, Swedespeed, GM Inside News, All Ford Mustangs, and more.
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