EV Brief 10/15/21 EV Brief 10/15/21

Audi to pilot reservable EV fast-charging spaces in Germany

Audi’s first pilot charging hub is under construction in Nürnberg, Germany, and will provide six high-speed reservable charging spaces plus a lounge facility. The modular construction will feature rooftop PV cells and energy storage using second life batteries.

Audi's charging hub concept. Images: Audi AG

Audi plans more than 20 fully electric models by 2025, and the automaker understands that charging infrastructure is key to successful EV uptake (and strong sales). Audi is working on a concept for quick-charging that reflects the premium nature of its brand; A pilot project has begun construction in Germany, providing reservable charging spaces for customers. Audi says this not only provides peace of mind for customers planning their journeys, but allows for planning security at a grid level in terms of peak demand power consumption.

Dr Roland Fleck, CEO NürnbergMesse Group, Deputy Mayor for Economic Affairs Dr Michael Fraas, Daniel F. Ulrich, Building Officer, City of Nuremberg, Ralph Holmig, General project manager Audi charging hub, State Minister Albert Füracker, and Nuremberg´s Lord Mayor Marcus König (L to R)

2.45 Mwh energy storage

Audi has designed a flexible container cube system, housing charging pillars as well as used lithium ion batteries for energy storage. The brand is utilising second life modules from disassembled development vehicles, and claims that “complex infrastructure with high-voltage lines and expensive transformers are unnecessary”.

The charging hub provides a maximum of 2.45 MWh interim storage, for the six charging stations, which have a charging output of up to 300 kW. Audi says this setup only needs a standard 400 volt high-voltage connection. That makes output starting at 11 kW per cube sufficient to be able to fill the three storage modules with a total capacity of 2.45 MWh continually and to charge them overnight.

Solar photovoltaic (PV) modules are also integrated into the concept, providing green energy from the roof of the hub. Again, the modular design means that the PV systems are also scalable and flexible depending on the charging hub location and local network capabilities.

“The charging hub embodies our aspiration for the electric era and highlights Audi’s commitment to ‘Vorsprung durch Technik.’ A flexible high-performing HPC charging park like this does not require much from the local electricity grid and uses a sustainable battery concept. Our customers benefit in numerous ways: from the ability to make exclusive reservations, a lounge area and short waiting times thanks to high-performance charging. This is consistent with the premium concept,” says Oliver Hoffmann, Member of the Board for Technical Development of Audi AG.

A comfortable lounge experience awaits Audi customers recharging their vehicles.

Premium Lounge facilities befitting the Audi brand

To make the wait while your Audi is charging a true premium experience, a lounge will provide customers with restrooms, hot and cold beverages, and — we expect — a range of Audi merchandise for sale. One downside of EV charging is that in locations with cold, wet winters, sometimes the only option to stay warm and dry is inside the car. The renderings of the lounge look like a pretty pleasant place to spend 20-30 minutes, and are very “on brand” for Audi.

Trials and practical test to begin as charging hub construction gets under way

Construction has begun on the pilot site at the NürnbergMesse GmbH or Nuremburg Exhibition Centre, which is close to major road thoroughfares through the city of Nürnberg (Nuremberg). Commissioning of the facility is expected by the end of November 2021.

EV Brief’s Take

While we feel this is a great project for many reasons — the use of second life batteries, the green energy harvesting from the rooftop and the modular construction for example — it’s obviously impractical in the future for every manufacturer to build out proprietary charging infrastructure. While in these early stages of EV adoption it is great to see any and all infrastructure being built, clearly hardware interoperability that is brand agnostic will be key to mass EV adoption. We’ve already seen Tesla confirm its Superchargers will begin opening to other brands for a fee from late 2021 (first in Norway and Germany). There will certainly be a place for flagship chargers like Audi’s NürnbergMesse site, but these facilities are just as much about marketing as charging.

EV Brief 7/6/21 EV Brief 7/6/21

Daimler, Traton and Volvo jointly invest 500 million euros in heavy vehicle EV charging network

Three of Europe’s biggest truck manufacturers - Daimler Trucks, Traton and AB Volvo plan to invest 167 million euro each ($262 million AUD/$198 million USD) in a new joint venture business to develop a Europe-wide charging network for battery electric heavy vehicles.

Daimler’s e-Actros battery-electric rigid frame truck. Image: Daimler

The notion of electrified heavy vehicles scares many away from even discussing the transition away from polluting trucks; weight, cost, charging and range are all cited as insurmountable obstacles, and there aren’t many manufacturers with production-ready battery-electric models. Even Tesla’s much-lauded Tesla Semi is at least twelve months away.

This joint venture aims to address the issues of range anxiety and charging; according to Martin Daum, chief executive of Daimler Trucks, "The key ingredient in the future rolling-out of electric vehicles will be the infrastructure. It will be the big bottleneck"

The European Car Industry Association (ACEA) wants 50,000 heavy vehicle charge points across Europe by 2030, warning that a dense network of recharging sites in all EU member states is crucial to making road freight carbon neutral by 2050.

All three companies currently have electric trucks in development and are aiming for the joint venture company to be operational by 2022. The company will be headquartered in Amsterdam and lists an initial objective of installing 1,700 charging points within five years.

With time, it’s expected that other manufacturers will join the new joint venture. "In order to accelerate further, we need additional partners, additional networks, and public funds," AB Volvo CEO Martin Lundstedt said. "We will continue to be very fierce competitors. But we need a new platform to compete upon."

The ACEA is also a proponent of hydrogen fuel cell-powered transport and is working to set a target of installing 300 hydrogen refueling stations in the EU by 2025. Daimler, Toyota, Volvo, and Hyunda are among legacy automakers investing in fuel cell technology, and Hyundai is currently operating Xcient hydrogen fuel cell rigid body trucks in Switzerland.

Source: Reuters

Daimler has a diverse portfolio of brands, including Fuso and Freightliner. Image: Daimler

EV Brief 3/29/21 EV Brief 3/29/21

Jeep announces 4xe Charging Network to provide EV charging stations

Hot on the heels of Rivian’s announcement of the Rivian Adventure Network, Jeep has partnered with Electrify America to roll out level 2 EV charging stations at Jeep Badge of Honor off-road trailheads around the United States.

The launch of these trailhead chargers coincide with the launch of the 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid model, and the company states that they will support future fully electric Jeep models. Jeep 4xe charging stations are initially scheduled to open this spring at three of the most-popular off-road sites and icons for the Jeep brand – Moab, Utah; the Rubicon Trail in Pollock Pines, California; and Big Bear, California.

“Electrification opens a new chapter in the Jeep brand story, and it brings an entirely new level of excitement and enjoyment for our enthusiastic owners,” said Christian Meunier, Jeep Brand Chief Executive Officer – Stellantis. “Key to making Jeep brand the greenest SUV brand is assuring our owners can enjoy the benefits of electric propulsion wherever they go, including the most iconic off-road trails in the country.”

Jeep is working with leading public charging network Electrify America to establish the trailhead charging sites and install the charging equipment. Jeep 4xe owners will be able to login to unlock free charging via a custom mobile app by Electrify America, which also allows drivers to initiate and monitor their charging session.

“It is our goal to provide electric vehicle drivers with the freedom to get to where they want to go – whether it be on a highway or off-road – and we look forward to bringing Jeep enthusiasts along on the journey,” said Giovanni Palazzo, president and chief executive officer of Electrify America. “Through the customizable electric vehicle charging offerings of our Electrify Commercial B2B brand, we were able to work with Jeep to identify where their drivers will need charging access most, and make it a reality.”

The jeep Wrangler and an Electrify America solar charger

The Jeep 4xe Charging Network trailhead chargers will deliver Level 2 (240-volt) charging, meaning the 17 kilowatt-hour battery pack in the Jeep Wrangler 4xe can be fully recharged in about two hours, delivering up to 21 miles (33 km) of electric range.

The 4xe charging stations will be either directly connected to the power grid or use solar power to generate electricity, though the company has not stated exactly how much power will be generated by renewables.

We’re not certain how many hybrid Jeep owners would bother to plug in to charge while they’re off-roading or hiking, but it’s a small gesture towards Jeep’s—and Stellantis’—all electric future.

EV Brief 3/21/21 EV Brief 3/21/21

Rivian plans US EV charging network comprising private DC and public AC charging sites

Rivian has announced ambitions plans to rollout its Rivian Adventure Network, a charging network designed to help Rivian R1S and R1T customers get to and from outdoor adventure locations across the United States, including Alaska and Hawai’i.

Rivian has announced ambitions plans to rollout its Rivian Adventure Network, a electric vehicle charging network designed to help Rivian R1S and R1T customers get to and from outdoor adventure locations across the United States, including Alaska and Hawai’i.

The Rivian Adventure Network. Image: Screenshot/Rivian

Rivian is aiming to install 3,500+ DC fast chargers at 600+ sites by the end of 2023 along popular highway routes in the United States, for the exclusive use of its customers. In a move that mimics Tesla’s proprietary Supercharger network, the Rivian Adventure Network allows automatic charging without the need for access cards or payment devices, is powered by 100% renewable energy, and can theoretically charge at over 200kW.

In addition, Rivian plans to install over 10,0000 “Waypoint” Level 2 J1772-plug AC chargers at popular destinations like State and National Parks, shopping centres and restaurants. These chargers offer an 11.5kW charging speed, and will be open to non-Rivian EV owners.

Regarding the environmental impact of the power provided, Rivian states that “Through partnerships with electricity providers, we will use wind and solar wherever possible, as well as Renewable Energy Certificates to ensure your vehicle is powered with clean electricity.”

This week, the company announced that all 42 Colorado State Parks will feature two level 2 Rivian Waypoints each, with installation commencing in July. In-vehicle navigation will be able to route customers to the nearest Rivian Adventure Network charge point, and the Rivian app will provide real-time charging information.

The Launch Edition R1T, in Launch Green is expected to begin customer deliveries in the US by August 2021.

The (sold out) Rivian R1T Launch Edition. Image: Rivian

EV Brief 3/3/21 EV Brief 3/3/21

Tesla proposes world's largest V3 supercharging site in Santa Monica, with 62 stalls [updated]

Tesla has lodged a submission with the City of Santa Monica Planning Commission to build the world’s largest supercharger across two sites at 1401 & 1421-1425 Santa Monica Boulevard. Currently an open air carpark, the site is around a 30 minute walk to downtown Santa Monica.

[Update] - The City of Santa Monica Planning Commission approved the project, five votes to two, after a three hour long discussion.

Tesla has lodged a submission with the City of Santa Monica Planning Commission to build the world’s largest supercharger across two sites at 1401 & 1421-1425 Santa Monica Boulevard.

Currently an open air carpark, the site is around a 30 minute walk to downtown Santa Monica and Santa Monica Beach, and conveniently located for employees of the nearby Amazon Studios, Naughty Dog and Red Bull headquarters.

Currently open-air parking, 1421 Santa Monica Blvd may be home to the world’s largest supercharger site. Image: Google Maps

Planning submission details

The cover letter to the City of Santa Monica proposes obtaining approval for each lot independently. The proposed project consists of 36 V3 superchargers with PV solar canopies for the western lot at 1401 Santa Monica Blvd, and 26 V3 Superchargers plus restroom facilities for the eastern lot at 1421-1425 Santa Monica Blvd.

A site plan for the 62 stall Tesla Supercharger

A Megapack placed on the western lot will power the facility with a power rating of 1,264 kW and 2,529 kWh. Supercharger cabinets will be spread across both sites, and located behind fencing.

Parking spaces will vary in width across both sites, ranging from 8’-6” (2.58 metres) to 11’-1” (3.37 metres) wide; the largest spaces are presumably designed to accommodate Tesla’s upcoming Cybertruck.

Tesla’s cover letter to the City of Santa Monica Planning Commissions

Tesla’s commitments to the site

As part of the project’s proposal, Tesla has promised that adequate on-site public safety and product integrity is top priority, and that weekly, monthly and quarterly maintenance checks will be carried out.

Presently the world’s largest Supercharger is located in Shanghai, with 72 V2 stalls. The Santa Monica Planning Commission is set to vote on the project on Wednesday March 3, 2021.

A V3 Supercharger site in Las Vegas. Image: Tesla Motors

Source: https://www.smgov.net/departments/pcd/agendas/Planning-Commission/2021/20210303/a20210303.htm Thanks to listener Jennifer for the tip!

EV Brief 1/27/21 EV Brief 1/27/21

Australia's Gold Coast first to install Tritium's new scalable 75kW chargers across 10 sites

Queensland based EV charging infrastructure manufacturer Tritium has installed the first of 10 new high-speed scalable 75kW EV charging stations at Broadbeach, on the Gold Coast.

Australia’s Gold Coast sees unveiling of world first scalable EV chargers

Above image: ABC Gold Coast, Kimberley Bernard

Queensland based EV charging infrastructure manufacturer Tritium has installed the first of 10 new high-speed scalable 75kW EV charging stations at Broadbeach, on Australia’s Gold Coast. The Queensland Government and Gold Coast City Council have each contributed AUD$350,000 to the project, and the RTM75 charger can deliver 75km (46 miles) of range to an EV in approximately 10 minutes of charging. The charger unit allows for the simultaneous charging of two vehicles and is the world’s first EV charger featuring Tritium’s Modular Scalable Charging (MSC) hardware platform which enables the unit to be scaled up to a maximum of 350 kW in increments of 25 kW as demand increases, offering cost savings for the charger’s operators.

The charger offers two parking bays, and is located right next to Kurrawa Surf Club, Broad each QLD

#GoldCoastNews World-first electric vehicle (EV) charging technology has debuted on the Gold Coast, with the first charger installed at Broadbeach today. https://t.co/kUWHhdLTQV pic.twitter.com/BoJP0roucs
— City of Gold Coast (@cityofgoldcoast) January 19, 2021

According to Tritium, the RTM75 supports all charging standards on the market, including CCS and CHAdeMO, and satisfies the needs of all batteries up to 920V. The RTM75 is equipped with Plug and Charge (ISO 15118) technology, eliminating the need for credit card payments or RFID authentication at the charger.

The RTM75 includes advanced liquid cooling, and is also the first to deliver quiet charging (high-speed EV chargers can be noisy!). The charging unit is sealed to protect it from dust, moisture and other contaminants, reducing the need for maintenance time and cost.

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said council would charge motorists $5 for 10 minutes at the stations, which would allow a charge of around 75 kilometres range. He stated “It's the comfort factor that should they run low, we will have these parking stations throughout [the city where] they can top up,"

Operated by Chargefox, this charger features Tritium's modular scalable technology. Image: EV Brief Podcast

This progress is welcome news in Queensland, and bolsters the state’s commitment to providing EV buyers with the support and knowledge that charging infrastructure will be in place as the world inevitably transitions to electric vehicles. The state government has an “Electric Super Highway” plan, building over 31 fast-charging sites across the state from Cairns to Coolangatta, over 1,800 kilometres (1,118 miles)

Tritium staff at the recent unveiling of the company’s modular RTM75 high speed EV charger

Source: PV Magazine

EV Brief 10/22/20 EV Brief 10/22/20

The Writing's On The Wall; Total Pivots to EV Charging

Businesses need to diversify and stay current to survive, and this is especially true in the energy sector. French oil giant Total (NYSE:TOT) pushes further into clean tech investments; Total holds a majority stake in US solar giant Sunpower (NASDAQ:SPWR), and has just acquired Source London-which operates a network of 1,600 electric vehicle charge points-from Bolloré Group (EPA:BOL). Source London has ambitions to increase its charging infrastructre in the UK’s capital city by a factor of ten before the end of 2025.