ABB and German Utility Rheinisch-Westfälische Elektrizitätswerke (RWE) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate on developing a combined technology offering a networked charging infrastructure for electric vehicles. 

Ulrich Spiesshofer, head of ABB’s Discrete Automation and Motion division, says, “In this strategic partnership we combine ABB’s long competence in electronics and component manufacturing and its international sales network with RWE’s grid competence of more than one hundred years and e-mobility know-how. Our skills complement one another perfectly.”

Both companies offer fast charging technologies for electric vehicles; ABB has direct current (DC) charging capabilities and RWE provides alternating current (AC) charging infrastructure and IT-solutions for customer data management and billing. ABB reports that RWE uses its grid and system competence “to offer charging products, which provide grid-friendly charging with load-management for easy integration into future smart grids.”

RWE Deutschland Chief Executive Officer, Arndt Neuhaus, notes, “E-mobility is part of a fundamental change in city logistic concepts, particularly for metropolitan areas. Teaming up with technology and automation expert ABB enables us to address this in a holistic way.”

Both ABB and RWE have had success in the e-mobility business. ABB has already built 150 DC chargers and RWE is operating a European network of more than 1,500 smart AC charging points in 16 countries. The utility also serves as supplier to Renault and Amsterdam. Each company also has established good market positions in many European countries and will initially extend their sales activities across the European market. There are plans for focused lighthouse projects in the Asia-Pacific region to follow shortly.

ABB provides power and automation technologies that improve utility performance while lowering environmental impact. For more information, visit www.abb.com.

RWE is one of Europe’s five top electricity and gas companies, supplying more than 16 million customers with electricity and approximately eight million customers with gas. For more information, visit www.rwe.com.

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