Charging technology and infrastructure is moving at a rapid pace as Ionity announces its latest high-power 350kW DC charging stations that present a new form as well as providing compatible electric vehicles with 350km (220 miles) of range in just 10 minutes.
Ionity, which is a joint venture between Daimler, Ford, BMW Group and the Volkswagen Group with Porsche AG to establish a charging network across Europe with 2,400 charging points, has made a big step in enabling pan-European EV travel.
The new charging stations, which were unveiled at the IAA in Frankfurt, feature a new look and design with a distinctive LED Halo, that is intended to transform the form and function of EV chargers.
Engineered by Australia-based company Tritium, the new units have been part of an 18-month development program where Ionity’s design partner Designworks carried out intensive user research to make the charging experience more comfortable, more secure and less hassle.
At 8.5ft (2.6m) in height, the all-new Ionity high-power charger features a unique multi-functional LED light ring called The Halo, which helps the stations stand out along highways and making it easier for drivers to recognize them.
The light ring also communicates the chargers availability depending on the colour as well as providing lighting for drivers charging their cars at night. It communicates the state of charge by changing color. As well as its distinct LED beacon, the new IONITY High-Power charger features advanced Human Machine Interface (HMI) via a glass screen presenting information such as seven language options and payment instructions to the user.
“We are confident our new Ionity high-power chargers will make a significant contribution to e-mobility in general and to the European Ionity HPC network in particular. Forward-looking product design with innovative lighting solutions, user-friendly cable management, advanced digital user interface and class-leading architecture will make EV charging more convenient and safer for customers,” said Michael Hajesch, CEO, Ionity.
Ionity’s initial network of 400 high-power charging stations is planned to be deployed by the end of 2020, approximately 140 Ionity HPC stations are currently up and running with over 50 under construction. The first site for the new charger is slated for Greve, Denmark, with the subsequent rollout of the Halo chargers to expand across Scandinavia, particularly in Norway.
“These are true state-of-the-art chargers, which will change the very look and feel of highways across the continent. When people see these bright beacons shining in the distance, they’ll know that they get served in a most convenient, safe and fastest rate possible,” said David Finn, CEO and co-founder, Tritium.
