Manufacturers will join forces to build electric charging network
Manufacturers will join forces to build an electric charging network
A number of top car manufacturers in Germany have agreed to partner together to jointly invest thousands of ultra-fast electric car charging sites all across Europe.
In a joint statement, six carmakers, VW, its Audi and Porsche luxury brands, BMW, Daimler and Ford's European division are planning a joint venture to fund the setting up of charging stations across Europe starting next year
With the rapid onset of electrically powered vehicles, it is envisioned that the cooperation across all the biggest car makers in building charging infrastructure will boost mainstream public acceptance of electric cars.
This rapid mobilisation in electric charging infrastructure is as a direct result of the success of Tesla Motors in the US, which has received huge pre-orders for its Model 3 electric car.
German rivals, Volkswagen (VOWG_p.DE) and Daimler's Mercedes are accelerating their own electric car programs to counteract Tesla’s entrance into the market.
The car manufacturers want to build 400 charging sites by 2020. This is to ensure that customers have access to thousands of charging points.
The combined charging system (CCS) technology will allow for ultra-fast power levels of up to 350 kilowatts (kW) hours.
Chief Executive of Daimler, Dieter Zetsche said,
"The availability of high-power stations allows long-distance electric mobility for the first time and will convince more and more customers to opt for an electric vehicle,"
The six manufacturers have said that they will be equal partners in the new initiative and they have also asked other competitors to join in the project.
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