EVgo picked up ABB as its DC fast charging supplier for new higher-power projects. EVgo, which currently has more than 900 DC fast chargers, installed the nation's first 150 kW charger with J1772 Combo (aka CCS Combo) plug at Lucky Supermarkets's Mowry Avenue location in Fremont, California.

Usually CCS Combo chargers (and CHAdeMO) are just 50 kW so the 150 kW could be considered three times faster.

The prototype made by ABB however, will not be publicly available, functioning more as a beta test. According to the press release, ABB is developing these kinds of chargers for global markets. They're looking at an option to upgrade the output to 350 kW if needed.

Separately, EVgo is also working on a 350-kW project.

"The charger will assist with next generation electric vehicle charging research, and will allow testing of EV research platforms at 150kW initially. The installed system has the potential to reach charging speeds of up to 350kW with an upgrade. As automakers align on future hardware and service standards, the station will enable industry coordination and testing. EVgo is using the station to study utility impacts, installation standards, permitting, and building and safety requirements. It will also provide a demonstration platform for electrical certification committees and building code officials. Both EVgo and ABB consider the implementation of High-Power fast charging as a critical next step in the evolution of EVs, as automakers are introducing new electric vehicles with increased battery capacities and longer ranges. Already, two automakers have announced plans to sell vehicles in the U.S. that will charge at significantly higher rates in less than two years. Additionally, five automakers have announced a collaboration to build 400 High-Power charging stations (350kW) throughout Europe. The fastest available public chargers currently in the market are 50kW, which can provide roughly three miles per minute of charge. A 150kW charger can provide nine miles per minute, and a 350kW charger will provide more than 20 miles per minute. The new charging station will be available to automotive research vehicles on request, and is intended to help inform future advances in electric vehicle development, range, capacity and charging speed. The charger will not be open to the public, though it resides at the nation’s busiest public fast charging site in Fremont, California." "EVgo has partnered with Lucky Supermarkets to install the charger at its Mowry Avenue location in Fremont, where the High-Power fast charging station is now in service. Fremont was chosen for the High-Power charging station location because the area currently has the highest traffic in the EVgo network, making it a natural fit for the rollout of a next generation charging station. The High-Power charging station utilizes a CCS connection standard but is not open to the public."

EVgo and ABB deploys Nation’s First High-Power Electric Vehicle Fast Charging Station - 150 kW

Terry O’Day, Vice President, Product Strategy and Market Development at EVgo said:

“EVgo has taken another first step in next generation High-Power fast charging that will advance the entire electric vehicle industry. Our goal is to enable improved fast charging service in the future, helping our automotive OEM partners provide even more convenient and appealing options to their customers.”

Tarak Mehta, President, Electrification Products division at ABB said: