ABB to build Europe's largest electric vehicle fast-charging network

Leading European power and automation technology leader ABB yesterday said it had won a tender offer to build Europe's largest network of fast-charging stations in the Baltic nation of Estonia.

The order from the Estonian government is for 200 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations that would create the world's first fast-charging infrastructure with full nationwide coverage.

ABB said it would start deliveries in the second quarter and plans to have all Terra systems direct current (DC) chargers running by the end of this year.

As part of the five-year contract, ABB will also deliver network operating support services for the chargers in the field and the backbone IT architecture. ABB won the order together with its partners G4S and NOW! Innovations, which provide first-line customer support and payment solutions, respectively.

"This order shows that the rollout of EV charging infrastructure solutions is gaining momentum, and complements the recent run of small orders we've taken in other European countries from original equipment manufacturers in the automotive industry and infrastructure customers," said Ulrich Spiesshofer, head of ABB's discrete automation and motion division.

"To be successful, this infrastructure needs to be open to any kind of electric car. Our connectivity solutions are designed to support all existing and future connection standards within the same network," Spiesshofer said.