Volvo has announced that it is testing a new fast-charger for electric cars that is six times faster than today’s systems with a charging time of only 1.5 hours.
Volvo has announced that it is testing a new fast-charger for electric cars that is six times faster than today’s systems with a charging time of only 1.5 hours. Volvo is currently testing the new 22 kW fast-charger on a number of Volvo C30 Electric cars.
“We know that short recharging times and extensive operating range are a necessity for potential electric car consumers. The fast-charging unit helps cure what is known as ‘range anxiety’ since the car can be more easily recharged during the day. And even if you don’t have enough time for a 1.5-hour charge, plugging in for just 30 minutes will give you enough power for another 80 kilometres of driving,” says Lennart Stegland, Vice President Electric Propulsion Systems, Volvo Car Corporation.
Volvo states that the new charger is the world’s first charger that operates on a three-phase supply and is small enough to be fitted in an electric car. Using a high-voltage outlet, the system can provide up to 50 miles of driving range in only 30 minutes, while a full charge takes 1.5 hours. Plugging into a standard household outlet will take 8-10 hours to fully recharge the battery.
“The user can ‘top up’ the battery pack with electricity one or more times during the day. This means that the total daily range is significantly extended, yet with the same low operating cost compared to a car with a conventional power train,” says Lennart Stegland. “Giving customers more usable hours each day means that electric cars become more viable as a commercial proposition, in both the private and public sectors.”
