ABB’s 1000th Norway charger marks milestone

The installation of the 1000th ABB fast charger in Norway represents a milestone in the country’s aim to be a zero-emission economy.

Norway’s plans to move away from fossil fuels include targets to cut CO2 emissions by as much as 55% by 2030 compared to 1990, and for all new cars sold from 2025 to be zero-emission.

The policy is supported by generous incentives for EVs, such as exemption from purchasing tax and reduced toll road fees and ferry fares.

ABB has played a key role in helping to enable Norway’s transition to a zero-emission society, and recently installed the 1000th high-power charger – a Terra HP capable of delivering 200km of range in eight minutes – in Bergen.

Norway is among the world’s most advanced e-mobility societies – EVs make up 10% of the country’s three million cars, a greater proportion than other EV-friendly countries such as The Netherlands and Sweden.

This accelerating trend has resulted in every other new car sale in Norway being pure EV. Since the country’s energy mix is around 98% renewable, largely from hydro power, the reduction in CO2 emissions from the current EVs equates to around 544,310 tonnes annually

The sharp increase in EV ownership and use has encouraged the rapid evolution of conventional service stations.

Many now offer EV charging and at busy stations such as one of Shell’s most frequented stations, every third car ‘filled’ is now electric.

A Circle K station was also the first in the world to replace a conventional gas pump with a fast charger, from ABB.

“Norway has pioneered the early adoption of EVs and green public transport networks and we are confident that other European countries will see this as a positive blueprint for sustainable infrastructure,” ABB e-mobility infrastructure solutions head Frank Muehlon says.

The company has provided power to 150 of Norway’s electric buses – about half the country’s electric fleet.

In addition, ABB is providing charging infrastructure and services to Norway’s largest grocery wholesaler, ASKO, for its growing fleet of electric trucks.

ABB’s e-mobility support also covers Norway’s maritime industry.

After entering the EV charging market in 2010, ABB has sold more than 17,000 DC fast chargers across 80 countries.