Electrify America & Canada update their charger designations
Electrify America and Electrify Canada, Volkswagen’s charging infrastructure subsidiaries in North America, are introducing a new labelling system on their fast-charging stations to help customers distinguish between them.
The Electrify America & Canada CCS fast chargers with 150 kW capacity will in future carry the ‘Ultra-Fast’ label, and CCS fast chargers with 350 kW capacity will carry the ‘Hyper-Fast’ label. In addition, there will be a visualization with eye-catching colours and symbols for easier recognition: The 350 kW ‘Hyper-Fast’ charging stations will be marked with a green label and three lightning symbols and the 150 kW ‘Ultra-Fast’ chargers with a blue-green label and two lightning symbols. The company’s CHAdeMO 50 kW charging stations will have a blue label with one lightning bolt.
Interestingly, Electrify America and Electrify Canada are making the names ‘Ultra-Fast’ and ‘Hyper-Fast’ available for use by all charging infrastructure providers. The intent is to “set a universal standard,” according to the release. The new labelling system will be rolled out at all existing and new Electrify America and Electrify Canada charging stations starting this autumn. In the future, there will also be new “balanced power” technology for 350-kW chargers at some locations: If the power for two charging posts comes from one panel, both can charge either two e-cars simultaneously at 150 kW each, or a single one at the full 350 kW when the adjacent post is not in use.
“We want to help make the transition to EV charging easier by translating kilowatt ratings into simpler names like Hyper-Fast and Ultra-Fast with corresponding colors to help them make a selection at the charger,” said Robert Barrosa, senior director, sales, business development and marketing of Electrify America and Electrify Canada. “As EV sales continue to grow, it’s important that we continue to educate everyone on how easy public charging can be, ensuring consumer comfort with making the switch. It should not require a calculator to figure out what charger’s power output may best match the capabilities of their EV.”
Electrify America recently also had a new investor join their board with the German technology giant Siemens. Beyond the investment business, two companies are planning a strategic partnership in the USA. “Our unique ability to combine financial and technology know-how helps to fulfil Siemens’ commitment to decarbonize key industries, accelerate the shift to sustainable mobility, and do so in a way that’s accessible for all,” said Veronika Bienert, CEO of Siemens Financial Services, at the time.
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