BMW, Daimler, Ford and Volkswagen are developing ultra-fast electric charging stations
Several major European car manufacturers are putting aside their traditional rivalry to jointly develop a network of charging stations accessible to all electric vehicles. This unprecedented cooperation will begin in 2017, with a target of around 400 operational sites in Europe..
The BMW group, Daimler AG (Mercedes), Ford Motor Compagny and the Volkswagen group signed a memorandum of understanding earlier this week with the aim of creating and deploying the "most powerful charging network in Europe". This historic agreement between the automotive giants provides for the deployment of very high power charging stations (350 kW) along the main motorways in Europe..
The four groups, long skeptical about the interest of electro-mobility, clearly indicate their resolution to now fully engage in electric propulsion through this collaboration described as "unprecedented". Thanks to this project, two of the main obstacles to the democratization of electricity could be lifted: the lack of charging points and the time needed to charge the batteries..
The network of ultra-powerful and fast charging stations that BMW, Daimler, Ford and Volkswagen would develop would indeed be capable of recharging the battery of any electric or rechargeable hybrid vehicle to the CCS (Combined charging system) standard, in less than one hour. To be compared to the delays often between 4 and 8 hours on the public stations currently in operation !
"We want to create a network where our customers will only need a coffee break to charge their vehicles over long distances," explains Audi big boss Rupert Stadler, who also owns Ducati. From there to imagine a future "with batteries" to illustrate this project in the more or less near future, there is perhaps only one step…
Recall that among the major motorcycle manufacturers, only BMW and KTM currently market (Freeride E scooters and off-road motorcycles), while Harley-Davidson is considering it with its. This limited offer must necessarily titillate the competition, which is probably developing its own two-wheelers to "plug" into this trendy sector, therefore potentially expanding. !
400 terminals from 2017, several thousand from 2020
The deployment of these terminals will begin in 2017 with an initial objective of "400 points" in Europe. From 2020, "customers would have access to thousands of high-power charging points", enthusiastically the four co-signers who remain very vague on the technical, practical and economic details of the project….
So the amount of money injected into this ambitious deal remains a mystery, as does its provenance: entirely from the pockets of BMW, Daimler, Ford and VG, or partly subsidized by Europe? Furthermore, the precise location of the first 400 stations is not specified: will Germany be the best served, since this joint venture brings together three of its manufacturers? ?
Finally, the last essential aspect: on what criteria will be calculated the price of "full" electricity in these terminals? Because even if BMW, Daimler, Ford and Volkswagen are careful not to mention it, these recharges will obviously pay off. It remains to be seen whether the cost of recharging will remain reasonable and attractive or if the costs incurred in the development of these high-tech terminals will not cause it to reach too high a level..
With the long-term fear of seeing the full "juice" becoming more or less as expensive as its equivalent in gasoline or diesel, risk all the more realistic that this electrical network takes place on the edge of the highways. However, as for "traditional" service stations, the motorway operating companies will not hesitate to demand high sums for the installation of these electric terminals on their network….
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