European electronics giant ABB announced Friday that it has started installing fast-charging systems at BP service stations in the Netherlands as part of a nationwide trial. The first two of the company’s Terra DC chargers have been installed in Utrecht, and will go into service this week, with several more to follow in the months ahead. A Dutch company called The New Motion will operate the chargers as part of a country-wide network.

ABB’s Terra stations can recharge a battery in as little as 15-30 minutes, and come in several configurations, including the Terra 51 single-port charger and the Terra Base Station 100.2, which can charge two cars simultaneously. All are wired up with connectivity features such as remote maintenance, and are compatible with the Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP). Customers of The New Motion network will pay with special RFID cards.

Prestige GreenCab, which operates a fleet of EV taxis, took the initiative for the installations in Utrecht. “We have to keep our 20 EVs operational throughout the day and can’t afford to wait eight hours for a battery to charge. Fast charging makes our business case work. That’s why we were keen to make a business deal with BP,” said CEO George Jansen. “GreenCab financed one of the two chargers in Utrecht and has taken an active role as launching customer. The EV fast-charging network in Utrecht increases autonomy of our GreenCabs and at the same time stimulates new EV adopters as it is open to everyone.”

Image: ABB