- Across the U.S., more than 70 percent of all goods used daily are transported by trucks
- The Volvo LIGHTS project in Southern California aims to transform goods movement by introducing zero-emission electric trucks and equipment into the market
- ABB involvement reflects the demand for high voltage charging technology to shorten charge times and optimize fleet assets
Global industrial technology and electrification leader, ABB, announced today its role as a supplier of high voltage-capable* chargers for the Volvo LIGHTS project. ABB’s charging systems can charge any electric vehicle (EV) battery at up to 920VDC, enabling faster charge times and greater commercial fleet utilization for this project.
The Volvo LIGHTS project is a partnership among the Volvo Group, Volvo Trucks, and Greenlots along with several more industry leaders and stakeholders in transportation and electrical charging infrastructure. The project aims to demonstrate the ability of battery electric vehicles to optimize freight and warehouse efficiencies, reduce emissions and improve air quality. Volvo Trucks introduced its all-electric Volvo VNR regional distribution demonstrators in February as part of the Volvo LIGHTS Innovation Showcase held in California, with commercial production to begin later in 2020.
"This project is unique in the sense of its scope, and that it takes into account the entire system from charging stations to yard haulers to solar panels to workforce development to heavy-duty trucks,” said Peter Voorhoeve, president of Volvo Trucks North America. "The Volvo LIGHTS project embodies collaboration among innovators like ABB with electrification domain expertise from the charger to the grid.”
As a technology supplier for the project, ABB will provide its market-leading high-voltage charging technology including the Terra 54HV (50kW, CCS) and the HVC 150 Depot Box (150kW, CCS). All ABB charging systems are equipped with connectivity for remote monitoring, diagnostics and upgrades. ABB enables OCPP and Autocharge open protocol network integrations that deliver fleets smarter charging as well as authentication modes and asset security. These connectivity features seamlessly integrate with Greenlots SKY Platform.
Added Jeff Tolnar, Chief Commercial Officer for Greenlots, “As a partner in the Volvo LIGHTS project, Greenlots is excited to provide smart charging and load optimization tools that integrate seamlessly with ABB’s charging systems to help fleets move goods in a more intelligent, profitable and cleaner way – in balance with the grid.”
The future of transport
ABB has been at the forefront of EV technology for over 10 years, launching its first DC charger in 2010, the world’s first nationwide DC charging network in 2012, the first electric bus charger in Europe in 2016 and the first public 350kW high power charger in the Americas. ABB has currently sold more than 13,000 DC fast chargers across more than 80 countries worldwide.
ABB’s e-mobility leadership is also demonstrated by its partnership with Formula E, the world’s first fully electric international FIA motorsport series. The ABB FIA Formula E Championship series provides a platform to test e-mobility electrification and digitalization technologies in competitive racing. Together, ABB and Formula E are ideally positioned to push the boundaries of e-mobility.
“ABB is committed to delivering innovative technology which support a zero emission future and we take great pride in supplying high-voltage fast chargers for this fleet transforming project pioneered by Volvo LIGHTS partners,” says Bob Stojanovic, Head of ABB’s EV Infrastructure business in North America. “Our advanced charging technology is helping to make long-distance, commercial electric transport a reality.”
*High-voltage charging—Many legacy, current and future battery electric vehicles are designed to receive DC power at 400 volts. However, some EVs including buses, trucks and a few passenger models, are designed with battery packs that can receive DC charging at 800 volts. This capability demands advanced charging systems that can accommodate these vehicles as well as optimize the power needed to fully charge them. By enabling shorter charge times, these vehicles can operate at a higher utilization level and maximize all charging assets.
About Volvo LIGHTS Volvo LIGHTS (Low Impact Green Heavy Transport Solutions) is part of California Climate Investments, a statewide initiative that puts billions of Cap-and-Trade dollars to work reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening the economy and improving public health and the environment — particularly in disadvantaged communities. The total project cost is $90 million, with a funding award of $44.8 million.
About Volvo Trucks Volvo Trucks provides complete transport solutions for professional and demanding customers, offering a full range of medium to heavy duty trucks. Customer support is secured via a global network of dealers with 2,100 service points in more than 130 countries. Volvo trucks are assembled in 14 countries across the globe. In 2019, approximately 131,000 Volvo trucks were delivered worldwide. Volvo Trucks is part of Volvo Group, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of trucks, buses, construction equipment and marine and industrial engines. The Group also provides complete solutions for financing and service. Volvo Trucks’ work is based on the core values of quality, safety and environmental care.
About Greenlots Greenlots, a wholly owned subsidiary of Shell New Energies, is powering the future of electric transportation with industry-leading software and services that equip drivers, site hosts and network operators to efficiently deploy, manage, and leverage EV charging infrastructure at scale. Our technology brings together cutting-edge network management software, integrated charging optimization, grid balancing services and a driver-friendly mobile app – all in a single platform. Committed to advancing the promise of electrified transportation, Greenlots delivers new mobility infrastructure solutions designed to connect people to their destinations in a safer, cleaner and smarter way. Headquartered in Los Angeles, California, the company has deployed projects in 13 countries around the world. For more information, visit: https://greenlots.com/
About ABB ABB(NYSE: ABB) is a technology leader that is driving the digital transformation of industries. With a history of innovation spanning more than 130 years, ABB has four, customer-focused, globally leading businesses: Electrification, Industrial Automation, Motion, and Robotics & Discrete Automation, supported by the ABB Ability™ digital platform. ABB’s Power Grids business will be divested to Hitachi in 2020. ABB operates in more than 100 countries with about 144,000 employees. www.abb.com
Media Contact:
Melissa London
Electrification Media Relations, U.S
919-649-6581
