by New Charging Speed Record: ChargePoint Unveils Express Solo
One of the biggest challenges for electric vehicles remains the long charging time. ChargePoint has decided to change this by introducing a new charger, the Express Solo.
The new device has been called “the world’s fastest autonomous charger for electric vehicles.” The Express Solo is capable of delivering up to 600 kW to a single electric vehicle. This is significantly more than conventional DC charging stations and can drastically reduce charging time.
More on other fast chargers: BYD charging devices are so fast that they are placed like pumps at gas stations.
According to ChargePoint, the Express Solo “delivers approximately 40% higher power density than other DC charging solutions, with the smallest footprint in the industry.” This makes it ideal for use in confined spaces, such as gas stations and roadside stores.
Technical Specifications and Capabilities
The Express Solo can charge two electric vehicles simultaneously, and with an additional dispenser, this number can be increased to four. When multiple vehicles are charging, the system can “distribute any combination of power levels up to 600 kW per port.”
The charger is equipped with the Omni Port system, which provides access to both CCS and NACS ports on each connection. Other features include a built-in cable theft alarm, contactless payment support, and a 15-inch display.
Integration with Renewable Energy Sources
ChargePoint also mentioned built-in energy storage, which can charge when electricity tariffs are low. Additionally, a DC input is provided for use with solar panels.
The Express Solo is built on ChargePoint’s next-generation architecture, which was designed to address “the four main problems of scaling DC fast charging: grid limitations, charging speed, reliability, and cost.” The Express Solo will also be the company’s first DC charger to be sold in Europe.
ChargePoint CEO Rick Wilmer said: “The Express Solo combines unmatched power density, direct DC input capabilities for solar and battery storage integration, and a modular architecture that scales with minimal cost and complexity. Together, this reimagines DC fast charging from a fixed asset into a future-ready energy platform.”
This move by ChargePoint is an important signal for the entire electric vehicle industry. The emergence of 600 kW charging stations that can also integrate with solar panels and batteries has the potential to radically change the perception of electric vehicles. If previously the main limiting factor was the charging duration, now it can approach the time needed to refuel a conventional car. Furthermore, the modular architecture and the ability to use renewable energy sources make such stations more flexible and economically viable for operators, which should accelerate their deployment. It is especially important that the Express Solo will be sold in Europe, where the infrastructure for electric vehicles is developing very rapidly.
