The installation of the UFC station is an important step forward in the progression towards widespread electric mobility in Italy, itself a pivotal aspect in the promotion of an increasingly sustainable model of development and tourism. Nidec ASI’s commitment to this ambition has been demonstrated by the ongoing process within the group itself, including renewing the company fleet so that it is now 100 percent electric and installing two UFCs at its Milan and Montebello offices for its own use.
The UFC utilises efficient and modular technology that will help to lay the foundations for the expansion of e-mobility, helping to make the vision of a decarbonised transport system a reality. This vision is also reflected in the priorities of the group’s Recovery Plan, which focuses on developing green infrastructure as an essential prerequisite for making mobility more sustainable. The advanced Nidec ASI system will also allow vehicles fitted with the latest generation of batteries to take advantage of ultra-fast charging.
The innovative solution developed by the Group minimises the impact of charging points on the national grid, simplifying and accelerating the electrification process of infrastructure for charging electric cars. The UFC is a highly-efficient solution, able to respond to the increased energy demand from charging points and the need to maintain maximum electrical grid stability. In fact, it makes it possible to charge cars, buses and commercial vehicles without drawing electricity directly from the grid, thus avoiding power peaks and resulting blackouts. The new UFC incorporates battery energy storage that works as a ‘buffer’ between the electrical grid and the charging point.
It is the most advanced example of a new generation of ultra-fast chargers, which can be connected to LV or MV grids and which, against an energy requirement of only 50 kW, can supply up to 320 kW of power to a vehicle. Thanks to this innovative system, the batteries of new-generation cars can be rapidly charged to 80 percent of their capacity in less than 15 minutes. Vehicles may be charged in parallel or in series and its compact size means it can provide a widespread distribution network to meet the needs of electric car market players.
Specifically, Nidec ASI will provide the ROA Group with a Powersafe 1.0 with two 79kWh battery packs equipped with a charging point with two 160kW outlets and 2 certified meters. The system will also be powered by an existing PV system so that it can use 100 percent green energy and reduce impact on the grid to a minimum. This solution will help the ROA Group to maximise earnings and achieve rapid ROI, ensuring a source of revenue from both electric vehicles charging and from the supply of electricity to the national grid. In fact, thanks to the Powersafe's B2G (Battery-To-Grid) function it will also be possible, if required, to use some of the energy stored in the Powersafe for the service station's power consumption.
“We are really proud of this order which demonstrates how much attention is being paid to sustainability and the evolution of mobility throughout Italy as it moves towards a new paradigm that will lead to the widespread diffusion of e-vehicles” said Dominique Llonch, CEO of Nidec ASI and Chairman of Nidec Industrial Solutions. “Awareness has grown considerably following the pandemic which has made us realise that reducing pollution and our impact on the environment is possible. As Nidec ASI, we strongly believe that supporting e-mobility is crucial for the transition towards a sustainable development model in which renewable energy and zero-emission technologies will play a central role. We believe that our new Ultra-Fast Charger, created by leveraging our knowledge of microgrids, energy storage and power quality, will give a strong boost to creating an efficient and cutting-edge charging infrastructure. I am particularly pleased that the ROA Group has chosen our know-how and our solution to create the first installation for the fast charging of next generation vehicles in Italy. In fact, carrying out these projects requires a partner who has the necessary experience to create industrial products built to last. We hope that the positive example set by ROA, which is one step ahead of many energy giants, will inspire other major companies in the sector here in Italy to help revolutionise mobility as we know it today”.
With numerous projects already in the pipeline and currently under development, the Nidec ASI Ultra-Fast Charger is destined to become increasingly common on Italian and European roads and represents a safe and reliable ally in the transport revolution.
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