ParkNOW! to Enable Mobile Payments in the World First Nationwide EV Charging Network
Power and technology group ABB will build a network of 200 electric vehicle (EV) fast-charging stations throughout Estonia under a five year contract. The order from the Estonian government is Europe’s largest EV charging infrastructure contract to date and creates the world’s first fast-charging infrastructure with full nationwide coverage.The Estonian government plans to provide fast charging stations in all urbanized areas with more than 5,000 inhabitants. Main roads will have a fast charger installed every 31 miles (50 km), establishing the highest concentration of DC chargers in Europe. ABB will start deliveries in the second quarter and plans to have all its direct current (DC) chargers running by the end of this year. ABB’s DC chargers reduce charging times from eight hours to as little as 15 to 30 minutes using regular alternating current (AC).
ABB has chosen ParkNOW!™, operated in Estonia by NOW! Innovations Ltd., as the billing platform with dynamic pricing and mobile wallet options for EV charging. Drivers can pay for charging their vehicles either by the ParkNOW!™ smartphone app, text message or RFID card.
“This order shows that the rollout of EV charging infrastructure solutions is gaining momentum, and complements the recent run of small orders we’ve taken in other European countries from Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) in the automotive industry and infrastructure customers,” said Ulrich Spiesshofer, head of ABB’s Discrete Automation and Motion division.
“We are very excited about this project and the possibility to once again participate in a world-first effort”, added Üllar Jaaksoo, CEO of NOW! Innovations.
NOW! Innovations is a global pioneer and leading provider of cell phone and other cashless payment methods for parking and EV charging, operating on three continents under the service name ParkNOW!™ . In addition to enabling virtual payment and collection options, the ParkNOW!™ billing platform system offers full enforcement, management and reporting capabilities. In North America ParkNOW! is provided by Mobile NOW! LLC.
ABB is a leader in power and automation technologies that enable customers to improve performance while lowering environmental impact. The ABB Group of companies operates in around 100 countries and employs about 130,000 people.