Greentech Lead America: ABB, a power and automation
technology group, has launched its Terra 51 direct current (DC) charger in
the US market.
The Terra 51 will be manufactured in New Berlin,
Wisconsin and is available for delivery in the second half of this year.
The Terra 51 is a fast charger that reduces electric
vehicle charging times from eight hours to 15 to 30 minutes by using
alternating current (AC). ABB believes this fast charger will further drive
mass adoption of electric vehicles in North America.
The Terra 51 is CHAdeMO certified and will also be
compliant with all the relevant US safety directives before start of
deliveries. It can be used on all DC fast chargeable cars in the market.
“Our Terra 51 fast charger has proven to be a rock
solid solution in Europe and we are now certifying this web-connected charger
for the US market to serve the fast growing base of CHAdeMO cars such as the Nissan
Leaf
and Mitsubishi i. The ability to quickly recharge enables drivers to use their
electric vehicle throughout the day without experiencing the typical range
anxiety; fast charging will initiate further adoption of electric
mobility,” said Hans Streng, senior vice president and general manager of
ABB’s Product Group EV Charging Infrastructure.
The Terra charger comes standard with a full range of
cloud-based services that provide connectivity, security, applications and
support and enable operators to get the most out of their charging
infrastructure.
All Terra chargers are connected to a IT network
providing software upgrades, remote maintenance, servicing and monitoring.
Connectivity also puts more analysis and control functions in the hands of grid
operators to help them ensure better power quality in the grid.
ABB will showcase the Terra 51 and its robust and smart
connectivity solutions for operators at the 26th International Electric Vehicle
Symposium in Los Angeles.
ABB future plans include to introduce the Terra
Smart Connect, which is a more cost-effective park and
charge solution for locations where people can easily spend one or two hours
and do not necessarily require a 15-30 minute fast charge in to the US market.
ABB to invest $5 million in clean electric transportation
company ECOtality
Recently, ABB said that it will make a follow-on
investment in ECOtality of $5 million in the form of convertible debt. This
investment follows the $14 million venture capital investment ABB made in the
company in 2011.
editor@greentechead.com