Super fast DC charging coming to Europe, courtesy of VW, BMW, Mercedes and Ford

Fast-Charging EV Network planned by Ford, BMW, Daimler and VW Group

Several large car companies are planning to set up Europe wide network of charging stations for plug-in vehicles. They are to be placed along the main highway networks. In a joint statement the companies have said the move will be an important step to enabling the mass market for plug-in vehicles.

In an “unprecedented collaboration”, the companies have said, they have signed an initial agreement. Their goal is to rapidly build up a sizable network of stations. This will enable long-range travel for battery electric vehicles.

The statement went on to say that the ultra-fast high-powered charging network, with power levels of up to 350kW will be significantly faster than the most powerful charging system developed today.

Expected to commence in 2017, there will be an initial target of around 400 sites in Europe planned. It is expected that by 2020 customer should have access to thousands of high-powered charging points. "The charging experience is expected to evolve to be as convenient as refuelling at conventional gas stations," the automakers said.

Harald Kruger, BMW Group CEO, "The joint project is another major milestone clearly demonstrating that competitors are combining forces to ramp up e-mobility"

Dieter Zetsche, Daimler CEO, said: "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 CEO Mark Fields said producing a reliable, ultra-fast charging infrastructure "is important for mass consumer adoption and has the potential to transform the possibilities for electric driving."

Audi and Porsche marques from the Volkswagen Group will be part of the joint venture. Oliver Blume, Porsche CEO said, "There are two decisive aspects for us: ultra-fast charging and placing the charging stations at the right positions"

The network will be based on Combined Charging System (CCS) standard technology. The planned charging infrastructure expands the existing technical standard for AC and DC charging of electric vehicles to a higher level of DC fast-charging capacity with up to 350 kilowatts. EVs engineered to accept 350 kW of power will be able to recharge in a fraction of the time as today's EVs.

The four companies will be equal partners in the venture and they will encourage other automakers, along with regional partners, to participate.