Volvo working on a new fast-charger that can recharge EVs in 90 minutes

Volvo is currently testing a new fast-charger that is believed to have six times more power than traditional chargers. What prevents most people from buying electric cars are its long recharging times and its short driving range. For example, the Nissan Leaf could fully recharge from between seven and 21 hours. But Volvo claims that the 440-volt, three-phase charger can fully charge its experimental C30 electric in only 90 minutes. Charging it for 30 minutes makes the car go for 50 miles. The charger makes use of a 32-amp power supply. This is a considerable improvement from the 8-10 hours of charging when a standard European 220-volt socket is used on the Volvo C30. Volvo will conduct trials with the C30 electric and will set up the new fast-charger in small quantities.
Last year, Volvo had issued about 250 C30 electric cars throughout Europe and China. The experimental car features an 111hp electric motor and a lithium-ion battery pack, providing a driving range of about 93 miles per charge. Volvo aims to take its new models in a different path and so the 2013 regular Volvo C30 hatchback will be the last generation to be offered.
In a statement, Volvo vice president of electric propulsion systems Lennart Stegland said that the user can ‘top up’ the battery pack with electricity one or more times during the day.” He added that with this fast-charging unit, potential customers would no longer have “range anxiety” since it’s so easy to recharge the car. Another electric car firm, Tesla, aims to set up a new network of Supercharger stations to handle these same issues. Tesla will install the facilities in major highways so that owners get the chance to charge their cars for 30 minutes and give it a driving range of 120 miles.