BMW, Daimler, Ford, And VW Sign JV For Brand-Independent Charging Network

The aforementioned network, based on Combined Charging System (CCS) standard technology, will expand the existing technical standard for AC- and DC charging of electric vehicles. BEVs devised to accept this full power of the charge stations can recharge brand-independently in a fraction of the time of today's BEVs. The network is intended to serve all CCS equipped vehicles in Europe.

The planned ultra-fast high-powered charging network with power levels up to 350 kW will be decidedly faster than the most powerful charging system deployed today. The formation is envisaged to start in 2017 with an initial target of about 400 sites in Europe. Furthermore, the JV intends to offer access to thousands of such charging points by 2020.

The goal of the JV is to empower long-distance travel through open-network charging stations along highways and major thoroughfares, which is currently not feasible for most BEV drivers. And with the advancement of battery-powered cars across the world, it is imperative that charging experience becomes as convenient as refueling at conventional fuel stations.

The carmakers involved in the JV intend to make substantial investments to create the network, thus highlighting each company's conviction in the future of electric mobility. While the founding partners - BMW Group, Daimler AG, Ford Motor Company and Volkswagen Group - will be equal partners in the Joint Venture, other automobile manufacturers will be encouraged to participate in the network to help establish convenient charging solutions for BEV customers.