A number of the world’s top car makers have teamed up and are launching a new electric charging network in Europe called Ionity. The companies include Mercedes (Daimler), Ford, Volkswagen, Audi, and Porsche.
The car makers are creating a new pan-European charging network for electric vehicles, and these chargers come with a capacity of 350 kW, which significantly reduces the time it takes to charge your vehicle. The car makers intend to have a total of 400 charging stations across Europe by 2020.
Launching approximately 400 HPC stations by 2020, IONITY will make long-distance journeys easier and marks an important step for electric vehicles. Based in Munich, Germany, the joint venture is led by Chief Executive Officer Michael Hajesch and Chief Operating Officer Marcus Groll, with a growing team, set to number 50 by the start of 2018.
“The first pan-European HPC network plays an essential role in establishing a market for electric vehicles. IONITY will deliver our common goal of providing customers with fast charging and digital payment capability, to facilitate long-distance travel,” said Hajesch.
Benefits of the Ionity Charging Network
The Ionity charging network is set to revolutionize the electric vehicle (EV) market in Europe. One of the primary benefits is the reduction in charging time. With a capacity of 350 kW, these chargers can significantly cut down the time it takes to recharge an electric vehicle, making long-distance travel more feasible and convenient. This is a substantial improvement over the current charging infrastructure, which often requires several hours to fully charge a vehicle.
Moreover, the network’s pan-European reach ensures that EV owners can travel across borders without worrying about finding a compatible charging station. This is particularly important in Europe, where many countries are in close proximity, and cross-border travel is common. The availability of fast chargers at regular intervals will alleviate range anxiety, a common concern among EV owners.
Strategic Locations and Future Expansion
The strategic placement of these charging stations is another critical aspect of the Ionity network. The 400 stations planned by 2020 will be strategically located along major highways and key routes, ensuring that EV drivers have easy access to charging facilities during long trips. This network will not only benefit individual EV owners but also support the broader adoption of electric vehicles by making them a more practical option for long-distance travel.
In addition to the initial 400 stations, there are plans for further expansion. As the demand for electric vehicles continues to grow, the Ionity network is expected to expand its reach, adding more stations and increasing the density of the network. This will further enhance the convenience and reliability of electric vehicle travel across Europe.
The collaboration between major car manufacturers like Mercedes, Ford, Volkswagen, Audi, and Porsche underscores the industry’s commitment to sustainable transportation. By pooling their resources and expertise, these companies are taking a significant step towards reducing the carbon footprint of the transportation sector and promoting the adoption of electric vehicles.
Furthermore, the Ionity network will incorporate digital payment capabilities, making it easier for users to pay for charging services. This feature will streamline the charging process and enhance the overall user experience, making electric vehicle ownership more appealing to a broader audience.
You can find out more details about the new Ionity charging stations over at BMW at the link below.
Source BMW
Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals
Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
