ABB introduces new compact charger

With the C50, ABB E-mobility is presenting a slim charging solution with 50 kW power for destination charging, which is only 23.5 centimetres deep and has a 21.5-inch touchscreen.

The destination charger is capable of delivering up to 50 kW of power via dual connectors, which ABB claims supports the typical visitor dwell time of 60-90 minutes, “while doubling plug availability during peak hours to maximize throughput and efficiency for destination businesses.” ABB further elaborates that while AC charging is too slow to have a real impact over an hour, and DC charging is too expensive to set up at retail locations, “charging has to go beyond slow home charging and fast highway charging – electrifying retail, public parking spaces and urban environments plays a crucial role to drive broader adoption.” As ABB CEO Michael Halbherr states: “The EV revolution has to go beyond drivers with access to home charging — it has to be for everyone.”

ABB’s new charger is an answer to this problem, which was designed explicitly for retail and urban destinations. The slim size should help with installation, while the power capacity should be easier to integrate into the grid than a high-power charger. ABB itself identified three major issues for the design of a destination charger: “overcoming barriers like misaligned power levels, operational inefficiencies and complexities, and generally poor user experiences.”

“Destinations need functional, financially rewarding and seamlessly integrated EV charging solutions,” said Michael Halbherr. “The fully managed C50 solves this by replacing slow chargers with profitable fast charging assets, integrating with existing business models and customer behaviors. With flexible setups and an out-of-the-box offering, we have made it easier for destinations to electrify their public spaces at their own pace, whether it be for low-traffic locations or high-demand ones.”

The new charging station is a much-needed addition to ABB’s product lineup, which includes chargers as fast as 400 kW, of which the first was installed in Canada last month. ABB also closely works with several sports teams for charging, ranging from supplying charging infrastructure for the Bayern Munich football team, to ongoing partnerships with the Formula E racing league as well as signing on with the US-American racing league NASCAR this summer. ABB’s most powerful charger is yet to be released, however, as we saw a MAN eTruck charge with 700 kW capacity from a prototype charger in early 2024.

abb.com