Audi part of Multi-manufacturer plan to establish electric car charging stations in Europe

Audi knows as much as anyone that electric cars will only ever be truly successful if the issue with range is really nailed down. Unlike cars powered by internal combustion engines which take minutes to refuel, electric cars can take hours to fully recharge. The limitations on charging is only part of the battle, finding a place to recharge can also be challenging.

This multi-manufacturer joint venture includes Ford, BMW, Porsche, Daimler (Mercedes Benz) and Audi, who all currently offer and are developing electric cars. They plan to build a network of several hundred high power charging stations all around the major highways throughout Europe. These charging stations will be of the Combined Charging System (CCS) type, which will will hook up to nearly every electric car made. Capable of producing 320 kw they will allow batteries to recharge very quickly, allowing motorists to continue their trip much like what is possible with a gas or diesel car.

As oil supplies dwindle, and electric cars continue to improve, this kind of charging network is the beginning of the first necessary steps in making all electric driving more palatable to traditional motorists.

From the Audi press release –

BMW Group
“This high-power charging network provides motorists with another strong argument to move towards electric mobility”,says Harald Krüger, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG.“The BMW Group has initiated numerous public charging infrastructure projects over the last years. The joint project is another major milestone clearly demonstrating that competitors are combining forces to ramp-up e-mobility.”

Daimler AG
“The breakthrough of e-mobility requires two things: convincing vehicles and a comprehensive charging infrastructure. With our new brand EQ, we are launching our electric product offensive: by 2025, our portfolio will include more than ten fully electric passenger cars. Together with our partners, we are now installing the highest-powered charging infrastructure in Europe”, says Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars. “The availability of high-power stations allows long-distance e-mobility for the first time and will convince more and more customers to opt for an electric vehicle.”

Ford Motor Company
“A reliable, ultra-fast charging infrastructure is important for mass consumer adoption and has the potential to transform the possibilities for electric driving”, says Mark Fields, president and CEO, Ford Motor Company. “Ford is committed to developing vehicles and technologies that make people’s lives better, and this charging network will make it easier and more practical for customers across Europe to own electrified vehicles.”

AUDI AG
“We intend to create a network that allows our customers on long-distance trips to use a coffee break for recharging”,says Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG. “Reliable fast charging services are a key factor for drivers to choose an electric vehicle. With this cooperation we want to boost a broader market adoption of e-mobility and speed up the shift towards emission-free driving.”

Porsche AG
“There are two decisive aspects for us: ultra-fast charging and placing the charging stations at the right positions”, says Oliver Blume, Chairman of the Executive Board of Porsche AG. “Together, these two factors enable us to travel in an all-electrically powered car as in a conventional combustion engine vehicle. As automobile manufacturer, we actively shape our future, not only by developing all-electrically powered vehicles but by building up the necessary infrastructure as well.”