ABB, KredEx and Estonia's Ministry of Economic Affairs Deploy First of 200 web-managed DC Fast Chargers in Estonia

ZURICH, Switzerland, June 18, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

Innovation Center, Tallinn chosen as the first location to host a fast charger -- 168 additional sites have also been confirmed

ABB, the leading power and automation technology group, KredEx and the Ministry of Economic Affairs of Estonia, announced today the first public installation of a Terra 51 DC fast charging station for electric vehicles in Estonia. The fast charger is located at the Innovation Center in Tallinn and is the first of 200 chargers that will be installed at multiple locations throughout the country comprising the world's first nationwide network of DC fast chargers. The location of an additional 168 confirmed and contracted locations of DC fast chargers for highway and inner city use were also announced, including 27 fast charging points in Tallinn, 10 in Tartu, 4 in Pärnu and 2 in Narva. The project including the installation of the remaining 31 fast chargers is scheduled to be completed by the fall of 2012. A list outlining the locations of all DC fast charging points can be found at http://bit.ly/zqoIXk.

Creating the world's first complete EV charging infrastructure of this magnitude is significant as it supports the proliferation of electric vehicles and most importantly, demonstrates the viability of driving an electric vehicle by providing drivers convenient access to state-of-the-art charging infrastructure clearly reducing "range anxiety", a common concern associated with EV ownership.  

"The advanced fast charging infrastructure is the key component in the fully developed eco-system for electric vehicles. Together with ABB, we are committed to providing the best combination of hardware, software and services available to Estonian electric vehicle pioneers," explained the head of the electro mobility program for Estonia, Mr. Jarmo Tuisk. "This is the mission of the nationwide rollout of fast chargers. "

To stimulate the adoption of EVs the Estonian government has bought 507 Mitsubishi IMiEV electric vehicles for its own fleet and offers substantial incentives on the purchase price of an EV for consumers.

ABB will also provide network operating support services (NOC) and the backbone IT architecture which provides each web-connected charger with a full range of connectivity features, including remote assistance, management and servicing and smart software upgradeability. ABB will also create a regional competence center to transfer the knowledge and expertise necessary to install and service the chargers between ABB and local engineers. ABB won the original tender together with its partners G4S and NOW! Innovations, which will provide first-line customer support and payment solutions.

"Not only is this the world's first nationwide infrastructure, it is also the first to be professionally supported with connectivity solutions such as remote assistance, remote management and an advance suite of payment solutions," said Hans Streng, Senior Vice President and General Manager of ABB's Product Group EV Charging Infrastructure. "Connected infrastructure will prove to be critical for professional deployment of large scale projects and ABB has the complete portfolio of expertise to accomplish a project of this magnitude."

KredEx is a state-owned financial institution helping to improve the financing possibilities of Estonian enterprises, managing credit risks and enabling people to build or renovate their homes.

ABB (http://www.abb.com) is a leader in power and automation technologies that enable utility and industry customers to improve performance while lowering environmental impact. The ABB Group of companies operates in around 100 countries and employs about 145,000 people.

Note for editors:

For a map of Estonia detailing the locations of the EV fast chargers please click on
http://www05.abb.com/global/scot/scot344.nsf/veritydisplay/b099ffb19a9a3555c1257a1d003ef62b/$file/4EVC203301-PIEN_EstoniaMap.jpg