ABB, the international power broker, announced that it has received the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) listing for its latest family of DC fast chargers, the Terra 53 with SAE Combo functionality.

The Terra 53 is available in 20 kW, 30 kW, 40 kW and 50 kW models, and buyers have the option of compatibility with SAE Combo, CHAdeMO or both. All of ABB’s charging stations are equipped with open network protocol support, cloud connectivity, remote monitoring and remote management.                           

“Achieving UL certification supports our mission to deliver safe, compliant, market-leading products to station owners and drivers,” said Andy Bartosh, Program Manager of ABB’s EV Charging Infrastructure business. “In addition, we’ve further optimized the product footprint so that sites can tailor their charging offering to their driving customers. Some sites require a quick 15-minute charge at 50 kW power, and some locations are better suited to an hour-long fast charge at 20 kW power.”

US and European automakers, which have backed the SAE Combo standard, praised the new charger.

“This paves the way for the automotive industry to make EVs more convenient,” said GM’s Britta Gross. “For example, the Chevrolet Spark EV equipped with DC fast charge capability will be available before the end of the year in California and Oregon.”

“The availability of ABB’s UL listed Terra 53C SAE Combo Charger will support the launch of the BMW i3 in the US in the second quarter of 2014,” said BMW’s Cliff Fietzek. “The Terra 53 gives i3 drivers with the DC charging option the possibility to recharge their car up to 80% in under 30 minutes.”

Source: ABB