Iceland has been forced to deploy new 'fast charging' infrastructure across its capital Reykjavik, following the rapid increase and adoption of electric vehicles in the country. Iceland's government has been aggressively pursuing the electrification in its transport sector, and Icelandic motorists are acutely aware of the benefits of moving away from fossil-fuel powered cars towards clean electric vehicles.
However, because of the sharp uptake in electric vehicles, ON Power, a subsidiary of Reykjavik Energy has selected ABB to rollout 15 new 'fast chargers' to augment the country's charging infrastructure for electric vehicles.
It has been disclosed that the Terra multi-standard DC charges 53 CJG will be installed at various junctures across Iceland's main highway and the charging infrastructure will be commissioned by the end of 2017. In addition to this, it has emerged that the public sector tender has come into place through ABB's channel partner.
ABB has claimed that the fast chargers can charge an electric vehicle in 15-30 minutes, which easily blows away current fast charging infrastructure on the market. The charging system features easy-to-read touch screen displays and graphic visualization together with low operational noise. ABB has also claimed that all chargers can be combined with comprehensive solutions that enable user authorization, network connectivity and payment.
Business Development Manager at ON Power, Jon Sigurdsson, declared that its latest investment in charging infrastructure only serves to reiterate its commitment to making Iceland more environmentally friendly and green, and claimed that electrification of the transport industry is a practical, progressive and necessary move by the country.
Sigurdsson said, "We have chosen to invest in fast charger technology as part of our role in the green transformation of Iceland. Iceland's electricity production is primarily based on sustainable energy. This is why it makes perfect sense for the transport sector to be a part of the electrification process. It was important for us to find a supplier that would enable us to future-proof the charging network. The range of the Terra 53 CJG enables this, and via its open industry standards, also gives full flexibility with online remote access."
Figures released by governmental departments related to transport claim that there are currently around 1,400 electric vehicles on the roads in Iceland, which it suggests is largely down to a state-financed incentive program which supports the purchase of electric cars. ABB has stated that its tender for fast chargers is part of Iceland's overall nationwide campaign to promote and expand its e-mobility strategy by increasing the availability of flexible and robust charging stations across key areas to meet increased demand.
Head of Global Business for Electric Charging Infrastructure at ABB, Frank Muehlon said Iceland was a leader in its approach to implementing eco-friendly polices and its progressive approach to the electrification of its transport sector would benefit all Icelandic citizens.
He said, "Iceland is a progressive country, which introduces new energy standards and makes use of the country's sustainable energy resources to support its infrastructure. The advantages with this type of fast charger can be found in the multi-protocol design, which supports cloud-based technology. This gives ON Power access to real time data for the remote control and proactive control of the operation and technical status of the charging stations. This gives a fully flexible overview of the entire charging network."
ABB claims to have delivered fast charger solutions as part of its contribution to promoting sustainable mobility since 2010 and has sold more than 5,000 e-vehicle fast chargers globally. Iceland expects to use the new fast chargers in 2018.