ABB E-Mobility Innovation Lab will host 120 specialists working on next-generation solutions designed to stimulate future innovations in electrical mobility, the 3.600 square meters unit, is located at the Delft University of Technology campus in the Netherlands; it will administrate the future development of ABB’s portfolio as well as research and development projects for electric vehicles.
A $30 million investment, the Delft laboratory includes a global center of excellence and a production facility for charging electric vehicles, which is due to be opened in Italy next year.
Frank Muehlon, Head of ABB’s Global E-Mobility, says ABB Electrification invests around $400 million a year in research and development. “The new laboratory will allow us to strengthen our collaboration with the manufacturers of electric vehicles to drive performance and progress in the whole sector”, Muehlon adds. Securing a perfect connection between vehicles, e-charging stations, e-charging networks and the network, together with the software systems supporting them, is a key element for ABB. The ABB E-Mobility Innovation Lab was equipped with the latest technology to ensure ABB chargers are compatible with all types of vehicles. Simulators have been built precisely for this purpose, with 95% of all tests to be carried out with a digital copy of vehicles.
In order to test vehicle performance at very high or low temperatures, ABB has developed special test rooms a under certain environmental conditions, where solutions will be subject to extreme conditions, including temperatures from -40 to +100 degrees Celsius and high humidity.
ABB entered the EVs charging market in 2010 and has so far sold more than 17.000 ABB DC fast chargers in 80 countries. Its commitment to drive forward electric mobility is best illustrated by its partnership with the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, which is due to enter the fourth season. From season 9, in 2022 to 2023 ABB will become the official supplier of the vehicles participating in the championship.