Volvo Car Corporation has announced that it’s testing a new fast charger system that can operate up to six times faster than most of today’s alternatives. Based on a new 22kW charger that features the world’s first three-phase supply that’s small enough to fit inside the vehicle, this advanced setup can fully recharge the on-board battery using a 400 volt/32 amp source in just 90 minutes or serve up an 80km/50-mile replenishment cycle in only 30. Volvo says the system, currently being tested in Sweden on a number of its C30 EV models, also can perform a full electronic refill in 8-10 hours using a conventional 230V European wall outlet.
"The user can "top up" the battery pack with electricity one or more times during the day," noted Lennart Stegland, Vice President Electric Propulsion Systems, Volvo Car Corporation. "This means that the total daily range is significantly extended, yet with the same low operating cost compared to a car with a conventional powertrain. 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."
