The Estonian government has placed an order with ABB for 200 DC chargers for building a network of fast-charging stations for electric vehicles (EV).
Picture of car charging
The network will be the largest fast-charging infrastructure in Europe and will cover all parts of the country. It will also create a network with the highest concentration of electric chargers.
ABB intends to commence deliveries of its Terra systems direct current (DC) chargers from 2Q and aims to get the chargers running before the year ends. ABB, NOW! Innovations and G4S together won the electric vehicle fast-charging stations order. NOW! Innovations provides payment solutions, while G4S provides customer support. ABB will be providing the IT architecture and the associated support services.
ABB’s Terra systems feature various types of connectivity facilities that enable service operators to control their network with software updates and remote maintenance, while maintaining the network availability levels. The connectivity suite from ABB allows real-time user authorization and authentication due to its compatibility with Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP) and other standards employed in integration of back-offices. DC Chargers from ABB have the capability to reduce charging time to around 15-30 minutes from 8 h.
The Estonian government intends to install fast electric chargers for every 50 kms on main roads and in urban areas where the population is over 5000.
As a part of the Estonian government’s endeavor to reduce emissions of CO2, Kredex, the export agency, is funding the investments for the electric charger program through the Green Investment Scheme. For private purchases of EVs, the government is providing up to 50% subsidy. It has provided 507 electric cars to welfare workers earlier. in September, ABB had received an order for installing AC chargers at government offices.