Leading power and automation technology group ABB has won the contract to supply the chargers to the Fastned stations along the Dutch highways. Each station will be equipped with several multi-standards fast chargers, such as the 50 kilowatt (kW) Terra 52 and Terra 53 models, capable of charging electric vehicles in 15-30 minutes.

The move follows the announcement by the Dutch government in December 2011 a public-tender process to facilitate the deployment of charging facilities at the 245 service stations along the Dutch highways. Fastned gained concessions for 201 locations.

The network will be capable of serving EVs offered by all major car brands from Europe, Asia and the USA and will offer a user-friendly payment and access service for all drivers.

The first ABB Terra fast chargers are due to be delivered in September 2013. Construction of the Fastned stations, which will have solar canopies, is expected to be completed by 2015.

‘This countrywide network of locations will lay the basis for the commercially viable development of e-mobility,’ said Bart Lubbers, one of Fastned’s founders. ‘I foresee a race towards faster charging and larger batteries throughout the car industry.’