ABB’s Terra 360 EV fast charger is on Time magazine’s list of 200 of the best inventions in 2022.
It claims to be the world’s fastest electric car charger, but the Terra 360’s real innovation is its flexibility,” says Time.
It adds the Terra 360 station can deliver 360kW in different ways – a full charge to one car in 15 minutes at a highway hub, a more leisurely pace to multiple vehicles at once while drivers shop at the mall, or maybe overnight for fleet owners.
“The user experience filling up a petrol car is very consistent, but in the e-mobility space, you can tune the charging experience to the site,” says ABB engineering production head Andreas Mueller.
The Terra 360 can charge up to four vehicles at once, allocating wattage in 90kW blocks, so a BMW i3 could draw its 50kW, with 270kW for the Porsche Taycan next to it.
Time says the chargers are in operation across the Eurozone (and globally, including Australia), with US installations planned this year.
Other inventions listed include under “Automotive” the BMW iX Flow, Ford F-150 Lightning, Lucid Air EV, Sono Motors’ Sion solar powered EV, and an electric rickshaw swappable battery.
A “Green Energy” category includes Group 14’s SCC55 silicon-carbon composite to replace graphite on battery anodes – increasing density by up to 50% and allowing recharging in 10 minutes, with Porsche (an investor) expecting SCC55 to power its EVs in 2024.
Sila Nanotechnology also offers a silicon powder for lithium-ion battery anodes, while solar panels and a hydrogen energy storage system are also included in the “Green Energy” section.
“Transportation” features drone delivery, a “minimalist’s” e-bike, driverless delivery vehicles, an e-ferry, electric flight products, a CATL battery which can provide nearly 1000km on a single charge, and Sparky – Ports of Auckland’s electric tug.
