Shenzhen BYD Daimler New Technology, the Chinese joint venture between Daimler and BYD, and ABB, one of the world’s leading power and automation technology companies, have agreed on the supply of fast chargers for BDNT’s battery electric DENZA. The home wall-mounted fast chargers will be sold through DENZA dealerships along with the vehicle and significantly reduces charging time. Furthermore, the DENZA vehicle will also be rechargeable at a conventional wall socket and offers its customers optimal flexibility.
The chargers are designed for user convenience and safety: An innovative mobile app allows remote monitoring and control of charging sessions, with the option of charging status change notifications.
“The DENZA represents a significant step in sustainable transportation for the Chinese automotive market. It was vital, that we have the right infrastructure partner to support this innovative concept,” says Arno Röhringer, COO of BDNT. “ABB is the ideal technology partner for us, as they have proven themselves worldwide including China with chargers and – equally important – the service to install it.”
The Chinese government has introduced a fast charging standard to encourage technical innovation and stimulate market acceptance of electric vehicles. This standard will give Chinese consumers the opportunities to conveniently charge their vehicles at home or in public. Public fast charging is expected to be rolled out in China in the near future.
The battery-electric DENZA vehicle will see its world premiere at the Auto China trade fair in Beijing in April 2014. Market introduction is slated for this year as announced earlier. In Beijing, the first DENZA dealership will open its doors mid of this year. Further dealerships are built up simultaneously in Shanghai and Shenzhen.The official goal of the joint venture: DENZA will be the safest and most reliable electric vehicle – designed and engineered in China, for China.
Even before the birth of DENZA, Shenzhen BYD Daimler New Technology (BDNT) has created a very special ‘first’: When Daimler and BYD established their joint company in February 2011, they founded the first joint venture in China dedicated solely to New Energy Vehicles. Today over 250 engineers and experts from both companies combine their strengths and know-how at BDNT’s base in Shenzhen. BYD is providing its expertise in battery technology and e-drive systems. With its history of more than 125 years in automotive excellence, Daimler is contributing its know-how in vehicle architecture, safety, and quality.
As the world’s largest automotive market today already, China will also play a pivotal role in boosting market penetration of alternative drive systems thanks to the supportive environment created by the Chinese Government. Experts expect that China could become the world’s largest market for these vehicles as well.