Car companies unite to create European electric vehicle charging network

A group of leading car-makers have announced a plan to work together to create a charging network in Europe. BMW Group, Daimler AG, Ford Motor Company and Volkswagen Group have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to create a joint venture.

The goal is the quick build-up of a sizable number of stations in order to enable long-range travel by drivers of battery electric vehicle (BEVs) drivers.

The projected ultra-fast high-powered charging network with power levels up to 350 kW will be significantly faster than the most powerful charging system currently deployed. The charging experience is expected to evolve to be as convenient as refueling at conventional petrol stations.

The build-up is planned to start in 2017. An initial target of about 400 sites in Europe is planned. By 2020 the customers should have access to thousands of high-powered charging points. The goal is to enable long-distance travel through open-network charging stations along highways and major thoroughfares, which has not been feasible for most BEV drivers to date.

The network will be based on Combined Charging System (CCS) standard technology. The network is intended to serve all CCS equipped vehicles to facilitate the BEV adoption in Europe.

The CCS charging infrastructure expands the existing technical standard for AC and DC charging of electric vehicles to the next level of capacity for DC fast charging with up to 350 kW. The companies' next generation of BEVs are being engineered to accept this full power of the charge stations, allowing them be recharge in a fraction of the time of current models. 

The automobile manufacturers intend to make substantial investments to create the network, underscoring each company’s belief in the future of electric mobility.

While the founding partners – BMW Group, Daimler AG, Ford Motor Company and Volkswagen Group – will be equal partners in the joint venture, other automobile manufacturers will be encouraged to participate in the network to help establish convenient charging solutions for BEV customers. The joint venture will also be open for cooperation with regional partners.

The joint venture formation is subject to execution of definitive agreements and merger control approval in various jurisdictions.

Harald Krüger, chairman of the board of management of BMW AG, said: “This high-power charging network provides motorists with another strong argument to move towards electric mobility. The BMW Group has initiated numerous public charging infrastructure projects over the last years. The joint project is another major milestone clearly demonstrating that competitors are combining forces to ramp-up e-mobility.”

Dr Dieter Zetsche, chairman of the board of management of Daimler AG and head of Mercedes-Benz Cars, said: “The breakthrough of e-mobility requires two things: convincing vehicles and a comprehensive charging infrastructure. With our new brand EQ, we are launching our electric product offensive: by 2025, our portfolio will include more than ten fully electric passenger cars. Together with our partners, we are now installing the highest-powered charging infrastructure in Europe. The availability of high-power stations allows long-distance e-mobility for the first time and will convince more and more customers to opt for an electric vehicle.”

Mark Fields, president and CEO, Ford Motor Company, said: “A reliable, ultra-fast charging infrastructure is important for mass consumer adoption and has the potential to transform the possibilities for electric driving. Ford is committed to developing vehicles and technologies that make people’s lives better, and this charging network will make it easier and more practical for customers across Europe to own electrified vehicles.”

Rupert Stadler, chairman of the board of management of AUDI AG, said: “We intend to create a network that allows our customers on long-distance trips to use a coffee break for recharging. 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.”

Oliver Blume, chairman of the executive board of Porsche AG, said: “There are two decisive aspects for us: ultra-fast charging and placing the charging stations at the right positions. Together, these two factors enable us to travel in an all-electrically powered car as in a conventional combustion engine vehicle. As automobile manufacturer, we actively shape our future, not only by developing all-electrically powered vehicles but by building up the necessary infrastructure as well.”