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In this case, the station is the first in Germany built by Fastned, which operates 73 stations in the Netherlands and is preparing to expand into the UK and Belgium. By the end of the year, 18 stations are scheduled to be installed in Germany.
“As a result of falling battery prices, more and more affordable electric cars with a larger battery and more range are coming onto the market. This makes it possible to travel more distances by car, but it also increases the need for a fast-charging infrastructure,” said the firm, claiming: “Thanks to these stations, charging becomes more comparable to refuelling.”
Fastned’s goal is to build a network of more than 1,000 fast charging stations in Europe, making long-distance travel possible without long stops.
Charging is initiated by a phone app or with a charge card. Billing is via charge card, debit card or credit card.
All of its charging power comes from renewable solar and wind energy, according to Fastned, including some contribution from solar modules on the roof of the charging station.
The information sent to Electronics Weekly by Fastned said “The fast charging station is located along the A3 highway at Limburg an der Lahn (exit Limburg-Süd) and has several 350 kW chargers”, however, looking at the Fastned website, the Brüsseler Strasse 5A Limburg an der Lahn charging station is specified at:
- 2x CCS 175 kW
- 1x CCS 50 kW
- 3x CHAdeMO 50 kW
- 1x AC 43 kW
Clarification has been requested.
Hi Steve
It is an odd thing, because it is not quite green-wash in this case, but is it more marketing that practicality.
I have sent the company a question.
BTW, I must thank you, because you thoughts made me look at the Fastned website and there is no mention of 350kW charging at that location on the firm’s interactive map of charging points.
So I have up-dated the article and requested clarification.
The last paragraph, explaining that the 350kW weren’t being supplied solely by the facility’s PV panels, is much appreciated! I was scratching my head trying to figure out how they were getting that much power from such a small array.
I’ve seen analogous facilities at local grocery stores. The charging station has a small wind turbine at the top, which is good, but I doubt it is providing more than 10 watts or so. The primary function of the wind turbine is probably to advertise (make visible) the charging station, and to provide an image of environmental responsibility. If it results in less CO2 in the air, I’m fine with it.