March 15, 2014
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ABB China Electric Charger for Smart EV Solutions

ABB and BDNT Planned China Major Electric Fast-Charger Network

ABB about to coordinate with China’s electric vehicle market. For they are preparing for a major expansion in 2014 with their charger technology. At the center of that push, Shenzhen BYD Daimler New Technology Co., Ltd. partnered with ABB in China to support a large network of electric vehicle fast chargers.

The agreement called for ABB to supply direct-current fast chargers for DENZA electric vehicles over a six-year period.

At the time, the companies viewed charging infrastructure as one of the most important pieces of China’s growing EV market.

China Electric Vehicle Fast Charger Built Around DENZA

ABB designed wall-mounted chargers that focused on convenience, safety and connectivity.

For example, drivers could use a mobile app to monitor and control charging sessions remotely. In addition, the system could send notifications when the charging status changed.

The companies expected the first chargers to arrive in mid-2014. DENZA dealerships planned to sell the charging equipment alongside the electric vehicle.

That approach gave buyers access to both the vehicle and its charging solution in one place.

China Pushes Electric Vehicle Charger Network

China had already identified electric vehicles as one of its strategic emerging industries.

Therefore, charging infrastructure became an important part of the country’s transportation strategy.

The Chinese government also introduced its GB/T DC fast-charging standard. The standard helped create a more consistent charging environment while encouraging manufacturers to develop compatible equipment.

Meanwhile, ABB and DENZA expected public fast charging to expand across Chinese cities.

More chargers could make EV ownership easier. More importantly, they could reduce concerns about charging access.

DENZA Targets Longer Electric Range

The fully electric DENZA was designed to travel more than 200 kilometers, or roughly 124 miles, between charges.

That represented a relatively substantial electric driving range for the Chinese market at the time.

However, range alone could not guarantee widespread EV adoption. Drivers also wanted shorter charging times and convenient places to plug in.

Consequently, DENZA planned to give customers several charging options. Owners could potentially charge at home, at work or at public charging locations.

ABB Expands Its EV Infrastructure Business

ABB had already worked with automakers and electric utilities in China before announcing the DENZA partnership.

The company began Chinese EV pilot projects in 2010. Then, in 2013, ABB expanded its local EV operations.

Those operations included research and development, manufacturing, logistics and service.

As a result, ABB was positioned to support a much larger charging rollout as China’s EV industry grew.

BYD and Daimler Join Forces

Shenzhen BYD Daimler New Technology was formed in 2010 as a joint venture between BYD Auto and Daimler AG.

The partnership focused on developing new-energy vehicles specifically for the Chinese market.

BYD brought extensive experience in batteries and electric vehicles. Meanwhile, Daimler contributed decades of automotive engineering and manufacturing expertise.

Together, the companies created the DENZA brand.

The DENZA electric vehicle was scheduled to make its world premiere at the 2014 Beijing Auto Show.

Conclusion

The ABB and BDNT partnership showed how quickly China was beginning to build an ecosystem around electric transportation.

Electric cars were only one part of that transition. Charging infrastructure, national standards, software and service networks were equally important.

Moreover, connecting vehicle sales directly with home and public charging helped address one of the biggest barriers facing early EV buyers.

Looking back, the 2014 agreement represented an early sign of the massive EV and charging infrastructure expansion that would eventually make China the world’s largest electric vehicle market.