Nine rapid charge points for electric vehicles have been sold by ABB for the ecar network in Northern Ireland. Unlike domestic charge points, which take six to eight hours to charge an electric vehicle overnight, the ABB Terra 52 is a multi-standard rapid charging station designed to simultaneously charge a vehicle in 30 minutes or less.
Irene Breen, ecar Project Manager, comments: “Rapid chargers allow motorists to make long journeys without having to stop for several hours to charge. The 30 minute fast charge allows a comfort break or quick coffee as part of a long journey. As such, they are important in allowing ecar to offer a realistic alternative beyond the urban commuter type user.”
The fast chargers form a part of the ecar Project, led by the Department for Regional Development and the Department of Environment. The project has established a network of charging points in major towns and cities across the province.
The ABB Terra 52 combines a stylish, rugged design with leading technology. Its multi-standard/multi-protocol design means the ABB Terra 52 is compatible with all electric vehicles currently on the road. Providing direct current (DC) charging at 50 kW, it supports the global CHAdeMO standard, which promotes a standardised connection for fast charging. The ABB Terra 52 also conforms to EN61851-1, the standard for alternating current (AC) charging up to 22 kW which is compatible with electric vehicles, new and old.
