Ultra-E: European ultra-fast charging network for the next generation of electric cars

The EU project Ultra-E launched in October 2016 is laying the foundation for a Europe-wide ultra-fast charging network. By the end of 2019, partners from four countries plan to build 25 ultra-fast charging stations for the next generation of long-range electric cars along a 1,100-kilometer route from the Netherlands through Belgium and Germany to Austria. One of the partners in the pilot project, which is co-funded with 6.5 million euros, is the Bayern Innovativ .

Fast charging is a prerequisite for electromobility

25 stations already exist in Austria, Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands. One of the most important prerequisites for establishing electric mobility is that e-cars can be charged quickly and across the board. The EU project "Ultra-E" sets an important milestone in this regard. The project partners have set themselves the goal of installing the first stations of a nationwide ultra-fast charging network in Europe, linking the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and Austria over a distance of more than 1,100 kilometers e-mobile. 25 ultra-fast charging stations with CCS plugs and a charging capacity of up to 350 kilowatts, installed at intervals of 120 to 150 kilometers, will make it possible for the first time in Europe to drive 100 percent electrically over long distances without long charging pauses. The ultra-fast charging technology reduces the charging time required for a range of 300 kilometers from about 1.5 hours to 20 minutes so far.

What is the Ultra-E charging network?

• The Ultra-E charging network has 25 stations: four of them in Austria, four in Belgium, twelve in Germany, five in the Netherlands.
• The charging power varies between 150 kW and 350 kW.
• The distance between the charging stations is between 150 km to 200 km
• Charge time: In 20 minutes, a car charges for a range of 300 km.

The consortium led by Allego of the EU project Ultra-E includes the car manufacturers Audi, BMW and Renault, the supplier Magna, the charging platform operator Hubject, the Austrian electricity utility Verbund, the service provider Smatrics and Bayern Innovativ GmbH. Bayern Innovativ is supporting the project with its extensive networks to develop suitable charging points in Bavaria and is preparing a study as part of the project that will shed light on future business models for ultra-fast charging technologies. The Competence Center for Electromobility located at Bayern Innovativ accompanies other national and international projects in addition to ULTRA-E.

Ultra-E Study as Guide

The study, "Market and Business Models for Ultra Charging," which will be available shortly, presents, among other things, important findings on buyer behavior, technological developments and trends, analyzes funding measures as well as legal barriers, and makes recommendations for the EU region. Here you can find first core results of the Ultra-E study for download !