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Carmakers Partner on European EV Ultra-Fast Charging Network

Audi, BMW, Daimler, Ford, Porsche and Volkswagen have agreed to install 400 super-fast charging stations across Europe by 2020 to help facilitate long-distance travel for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles.
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Audi, BMW, Daimler, Ford, Porsche and Volkswagen have agreed to install 400 super-fast charging stations across Europe by 2020 to help facilitate long-distance travel for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles.

The companies promise to make “substantial” but undisclosed investments to build the network, which is expected to include thousands of charge points. Their pledge comes as tougher emission and fuel economy standards are pushing carmakers to accelerate their introductions of electrified powertrains.

The new stations will feature power levels as high as 350 kW. That compares with Tesla Motors Inc.’s 120-kW Superchargers, which can replenish a Tesla EV’s battery to 80% of capacity in about 30 minutes. Higher power delivery dramatically shortens charge times.

The partners haven’t indicated which companies will supply the network hardware or revealed when the construction will begin.

The new network fast-charge network will be based on a technological extension of the Combined Charging System DC standard. Any EV equipped with the updated CCS standard will be able to use the chargers.

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