ABB Suppling High-Voltage Chargers For Volvo LIGHTS

ABB said it will supply high voltage-capable chargers for the Volvo LIGHTS project. ABB said its charging systems can charge any electric vehicle (EV) battery at up to 920VDC, enabling faster charge times and greater commercial fleet utilization for this project, the company said.

As a technology supplier for the project, ABB said it will provide its high-voltage charging technology including the Terra 54HV (50 kW, CCS) and the HVC 150 Depot Box (150 kW, CCS). All ABB charging systems are equipped with connectivity for remote monitoring, diagnostics and upgrades, the company said. ABB enables OCPP and Autocharge open protocol network integrations that deliver fleets smarter charging as well as authentication modes and asset security. These connectivity features integrate with Greenlots SKY Platform.

Volvo LIGHTS (Low Impact Green Heavy Transport Solutions) is part of California Climate Investments, a statewide initiative that puts billions of Cap-and-Trade dollars to work reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening the economy and improving public health and the environment — particularly in disadvantaged communities. The total project cost is $90 million, with a funding award of $44.8 million.

Volvo LIGHTS includes a partnership among the Volvo Group, Volvo Trucks, and Greenlots along with several other stakeholders in transportation and electrical charging infrastructure. The project is designed to demonstrate the ability of battery electric vehicles to optimize freight and warehouse efficiencies, reduce emissions and improve air quality.
Volvo Trucks introduced its all-electric Volvo VNR regional distribution demonstrators in February as part of the Volvo LIGHTS Innovation Showcase held in California, with commercial production expected to begin later in 2020.

“This project is unique in the sense of its scope, and that it takes into account the entire system from charging stations to yard haulers to solar panels to workforce development to heavy-duty trucks,” said Peter Voorhoeve, president of Volvo Trucks North America. “The Volvo LIGHTS project embodies collaboration among innovators like ABB with electrification domain expertise from the charger to the grid.”

“High-voltage charging—Many legacy, current and future battery electric vehicles are designed to receive DC power at 400 volts,” said Bob Stojanovic, head of ABB’s EV Infrastructure business in North America. “However, some EVs including buses, trucks and a few passenger models, are designed with battery packs that can receive DC charging at 800 volts. This capability demands advanced charging systems that can accommodate these vehicles as well as optimize the power needed to fully charge them. By enabling shorter charge times, these vehicles can operate at a higher utilization level and maximize all charging assets.”