Press release

Ensto and Fortum developed a new recharging point for electric cars

29 September 2009, 11:00 EEST

Fortum Corporation
Press release
29 September 2009

Ensto and Fortum developed a new recharging point for electric cars Ensto and Fortum have worked together to develop a new type of recharging point for electric vehicles. Ensto hopes to export the product to the growing electric vehicle markets. Usability and safety were priorities in the development of the recharging point. Car manufacturers have accelerated the development of electric cars and will introduce new models of rechargeable cars in the upcoming years. Electrification of road traffic also requires a functional recharging network: In the Nordic countries, electric cars can be recharged at home from the ordinary outlets intended for engine block heaters, but recharging points must also be installed in public places. To meet this need, Ensto and Fortum have partnered to develop a new type of recharging point. The fundamental design attributes for the recharging point were safety, ease of use, ease of installation in different areas, and the ability to modify functions. For instance, if necessary, a GSM pay-by-cell-phone technology function can be integrated into the recharging post, which can also be integrated with a parking meter function. The recharging post is just as easy for customers to use as traditional engine block heater outlets. In addition, it offers improved operating safety. ”Sustainability is a priority for both Ensto and Fortum, and that is why we wanted to work together to advance the development of the electric vehicle recharging network. Fortum's position as a frontrunner and an expert in the area of electric motoring has been important in the development of the new recharging point. The cooperation has resulted in a distinct, good-looking, easy-to-use recharging point that is also easy to modify. Ensto aims to export the product also to the growing international markets for electric vehicles”, says Technology Manager Matti Rae from Ensto. New recharging posts to Espoo first The Kaupinkallio parking garage in the Tapiola area of Espoo, Finland, will be the first to receive the new type of recharging posts developed by Fortum and Ensto. The plan is to have the posts up and running by the end of November of this year. ”In 2008 Fortum launched a Nordic electric car project that is developing the recharging network for electric vehicles in Espoo and Stockholm, among other places. We are testing various technologies for electric vehicles and recharging solutions in the project as well as the infrastructure they require. The aim is to take the experiences gained in the introduction of the new posts that we developed with Ensto and use them also in the design of a more extensive recharging network”, says Account Manager Juha Matikainen from Fortum. The term electric car refers to a plug-in hybrid or a full-electric vehicle that is recharged directly from the grid. If an electric car is recharged with electricity generated from renewable energy sources, driving does not cause any carbon dioxide emissions. Fortum Corporation Corporate Communications Additional information: Juha Matikainen, Account Manager, Fortum, +358 50 455 7219 Matti Rae, Technology Manager, Ensto, tel. +365 40 503 5792 Photos can be downloaded until 28 Oct 2009 from this link: http://media.digtator.fi/digtator/tmp/79fefb2c6e5ce5129c384d60c0024889/preview.h tml