Volkswagen’s network of charging units aims to raise electric vehicle acceptance

June 6, 2017
VW's Electrify America subsidiary is partnering with EVgo to create a network of 450 electric vehicle charging stations in 11 major metropolitan areas along with strategically placed fast-chargers along heavily traveled highways.

Volkswagen is charging ahead with a bold plan to electrify America – literally. In April VW unveiled its Electrify America subsidiary that is partnering with EVgo to create a network of more than 450 electric vehicle charging stations in 11 major metropolitan areas along with strategically placed fast-chargers along heavily traveled highways.

“Electrify America aims to establish one of the largest, most technically advanced and customer-friendly charging networks in the U.S.,” declares divisional CEO Mark McNabb. “Our investments will make it easier and faster for millions of Americans to charge their electric vehicles while encouraging more drivers to explore and embrace electric driving.”

This National ZEV Investment Plan coincides with the automaker’s goal of annually producing one million EVs by 2025. A trio of EV concepts has recently been introduced at industry trade shows; a compact, an SUV and a van called the I.D. BUZZ that harkens back to the iconic VW Microbus.

“If it was ever possible to make a 100 percent-certain prediction of what the future will look like, it is achieved here,” according to Klaus Bischoff, VW’s chief designer. “The three prototypes of this new generation of zero-emission vehicles – I.D., I.D. BUZZ and I.D. CROZZ – mark the start of a design and technology revolution that is going to change individual mobility and the Volkswagen brand forever.”

As multiple international automakers join VW in venturing into EVs, they are counting on driver interest to dramatically increase with the arrival of new and improved affordable models bearing better batteries capable of longer ranges.

Currently there are some 600,000 existing electrics motoring along America’s roads, sparking demand for parts, maintenance, repairs and accessory add-ons facilitated by personnel properly trained in EV knowledge. Opportunities additionally abound for aftermarket businesses eager to plug-in to the field of installing and servicing the charging machines that keep EVs running.

A market study by EVgo in conjunction with Vision Ridge Partners and Navigant Research finds that U.S. EV purchases in 2016 topped 2015’s tally by more than 20 percent, and 2017 EV sales are anticipated to rise at a 75 percent clip. The report further estimates that American EV purchases could be up by as much as 500 percent by 2021.

Global EV acceptance is expected to annually increase by 61 percent through 2022, amounting to $342.5 billion in sales, according to a forecast from Markets and Markets. The study portends that EV charging unit placements will increase each year by nearly 30 percent, creating a $12.6 billion marketplace by 2022 amid a worldwide push to popularize EVs and make sure there are enough quick-filling electricity dispensers along the route.

In Canada, for example, dignitaries representing a governmental, public utility and private industry partnership cut the ribbon in May to open an inaugural Plug’n Drive Electric Vehicle Discovery Centre in Toronto “that will serve as an EV hub for consumers throughout Ontario and for visitors from around the world,” explains Plug’n Drive President and CEO Cara Clairman. “We are providing a one-stop shop where consumers can explore and test-drive the latest EV models – alongside charging solutions at home and on the road.”

“The EV industry is currently at a tipping point with longer-range and more affordable EVs available to consumers and a fast-charging infrastructure in place to facilitate long trips,” reports Terry O’Day, EVgo’s vice president of product strategy and market development.

Currently the company hosts the country’s largest public fast-charging network with more than 900 fast-chargers positioned in 66 of the top-selling automotive marketplaces.

O’Day says that EVgo can deliver “exemplary service” because it retains ownership and the operational aspects while offering a variety of flexible driver purchasing options such as pay-as-you-go and low-cost membership plans, plus unlimited charging arrangements for owners of EVs produced by its automaker partners, including BMW, Nissan, Ford and General Motors along with VW.

“EVgo has taken another first step in next-generation high-power fast-charging that will advance the entire electric vehicle industry,” he observes. “Our goal is to enable improved fast-charging service in the future, helping our automotive OEM partners provide even more convenient and appealing options to their customers.”

Awareness and education

Electrify America’s National ZEV Investment Plan stems from VW’s court case regarding the diesel emissions issue. U.S. Special Counsel Robert S. Mueller III previously served as “settlement master” in the proceedings, under which VW agreed to invest $2 billion over the next 10 years in “a brand-neutral public awareness and education campaign to increase understanding about electric vehicles, charging availability and the benefits of electric mobility.”

An initial outlay of $300 million has Electrify America, based in Reston, Va., implementing charging stations in metro regions such as Boston, Chicago, Denver, Houston, Miami, New York City, Philadelphia, Portland, Ore., Raleigh, N.C., Seattle and Washington, D.C.

Highway-side charging devices will be present in 39 states and have a high correlation with the EV Charging Corridors recently designated by the Federal government. Sites will be on-average about 66 miles apart with no more than 120 miles between them to accommodate shorter-range EVs.

EVgo is the project management company; the charging hardware is being provided by BTC Power and ABB. Enlisting effectively trained localized vendors to assist in executing the process is part of the efforts.

“ABB shares EVgo’s vision of supporting an ever-growing population of EV drivers who demand the convenience of a fueling station experience,” says Tarak Mehta, president of the firm’s Electrification Products Division. “We’re proud to be part of this industry-leading project with our high-power charging technology.”

A huge Swedish-Swiss multinational corporation headquartered in Zürich, Switzerland, ABB (ASEA Brown Boveri) operates in some 100 nations. Under the auspices of ABB University it provides specialized instruction in the U.S. at its main training center in Auburn Hills, Mich. Affiliated facilities include:

  • Jefferson State Community College and Robotics Technology Park in Alabama
  • Vincennes University in Indiana
  • Fox Valley Technical College in Wisconsin

Covering the company’s extensive lineup of new and existing products, processes and technological advances for maintenance and operations personnel along with engineers and programmers, ABB also offers onsite education at your location and online instruction, noting that “we help you to increase the skill level and knowledge of your employees through training assessment programs including competence development, custom courseware and coaching services.”

If interested in connecting with the charger installation and maintenance industry, “an obvious business model is to find opportunities and offer the EV user something to do, eat and buy during the 10 to 20 minutes the vehicle is charging,” according to ABB spokesman Jimmy Håkansson. “In other words, the traditional services offered at the gas station will be relevant even after the electric vehicle revolution.”

O’Day emphasizes the importance of having alternative non-waiting-around activities available at charging sites – 89 percent of EV drivers typically make a purchase when charging at a retail location, and 83 percent say they tend to shop more frequently at businesses that provide EV charging services.

Placing units where people park and go elsewhere is another key element. Multi-family residences, workplaces, fleet yards, municipal buildings, entertainment venues, athletic arenas, hotels, schools and healthcare facilities are among the suitable candidates.

EVgo is willing to make arrangements to install chargers at many types of businesses, says O’Day. And upon determining that a location is a good fit assistance is rendered for obtaining construction and signage permits, securing the appropriate electrical hookup, overseeing installation and maintenance, and delivering ongoing marketing and brand awareness programs.

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