Lotus is rolling out its fast charging network in Europe

Lotus is deploying its fast charging network in the European Union (EU), among others. The charging network should be available in most EU member states by the second quarter of 2024. The company also offers its own payment terminals.

The British carmaker wants to roll out a network of charging stations around the world, which should include 450 kW DC fast chargers. Four vehicles must be able to charge simultaneously at each station. Lotus distributes the charging network worldwide. The network is immediately available in China, and is expected to be available in many EU member states and the Middle East from the second quarter.

Limit the loading load

Lotus wants to use the Internet, among other things, to improve access to payment centers. This indicates charging stress, which explains the fear of EV drivers not finding a charging station in time and therefore stopping.

The lack of adequate charging infrastructure is one of the main reasons why customers refuse to buy an EV, according to research from the US Energy Policy Institute. Lotus hopes to alleviate these concerns with the new payment network.

Consider the operation of electricity

It’s not surprising, because the British car manufacturer has been very committed to electric driving for some time. The car brand currently offers four models: Emeyra, Eletre, Emira and Evija. Only the Emira is available with a combustion engine; other models are only available with an electric motor.

Both Eletre and Emeya can charge quickly. For example, Lotus promises that the Eletre can be charged enough in 20 minutes to reach a distance of 400 km. The maximum range is about 600 km. The Emeya can also charge quickly and charge from 10 to 80% of the battery capacity in 18 minutes. Emeya’s hasn’t been announced yet, but according to Lotus it’s comparable to Eletre’s.

Various charging stations are available

In addition to the international network, Lotus is also establishing various payment centers, aimed at parties who want to provide payment points. This includes an All-in-One Liquid-Cooled DC Charger, which enables fast charging with a power of up to 450 kW. Lotus reports that this allows the Lotus Eletre R to charge up to a range of 142 km in just five minutes.

In addition, Lotus introduces a Liquid-Cooled Power Cabinet. This is a standard electric cabinet suitable for places where high power is needed to shorten charging time, such as roadside petrol stations. This solution has a capacity of up to 480 kW.

Also new is the Liquid Cooled Charging Unit. This is a charging station that, together with the Liquid Energy Cabinet, enables charging up to four vehicles at the same time. The unit provides a maximum power of 600 amps.

More and more charging stations in the EU

The number of payment centers in the EU is increasing rapidly. If it is a turn out Number from the European association of charging station providers ChargeUp that the number of charging stations in the EU has increased by 44% in one year. In total there are more than 475,000 charging stations in the EU. A year ago this number was still 330,000 units. The Netherlands, together with Germany and France, account for 50% of public charging stations in the EU.

However, the amount of public payment infrastructure in the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Lithuania and Estonia appears to be decreasing. This is because some of the charging stations originally classified as public appear to be private.

Author: Wouter Hoeffnagel
Photo: Lotus