Electrifying traffic in the Helsinki metropolitan area – Eltel takes an active role
Introducing stations for charging electricity vehicles (EV) is moving forward in Northern Europe. Numerous pilot installations have been completed and larger rollouts are in preparation. Eltel has taken a pole position with its utility and technology partners.
Developing infrastructures for EV’s is moving forward. Helsinki, as the “World Design Capital 2012”, and other Finnish metropolitan cities have launched a demonstration project for electrifying traffic in southern areas of Finland.
The framework for national program consists of three key elements: Electric Vehicle, Smart Grid and Intelligent Traffic Systems. The Helsinki EV test environment is 30x40 km area and a remote hub located in the city of Lahti, 100 km north of Helsinki. The objective is to facilitate a full EV service framework with services and charging points for fleet of 500 EVs. The project is financially (7 M€) supported by Tekes, which is the main public funding organization for research, development and innovation in Finland.
The national demonstration project lasts till the end of 2013. There are totally approximately 40 companies and other stakeholders, e.g. Fortum, Helen (Helsinki Energy), Ensto, SLO, and several car importers (Mercedes-Benz, Peugeot Citroen) and a shopping center organization. A group of eight companies acts as the steering committee – Eltel as one of the active members.
Juha Luusua, CEO of Eltel in Finland: “The project boosts EV industry strongly. It also crystallizes needed commercial and technical concepts, process and field services competences. Already at this stage of the project, we can notice that planning, building and maintaining a charging infrastructure for EV, suits perfectly to Eltel´s offering. Hence, we also look forward developing an international new service for the whole Eltel Group.”
The design of the charging stations falls in two categories, the fast charging and normal charging speeds. Fast charging happens in 20 to 30 minutes and requires power supply at 50 kW and 100 amperes while normal charging takes 4 hours and can use the standard household voltage 230V/16A with a specific home charge unit.
Today, for example Peugeot iOn runs 100–120 km distance with one full charge. Energy cost for a one hundred kilometer driving distance is equivalent to ca. 2 EUR per 100 km.
Eltel has two EV’s in regular use. The experiences are good in driving the cars both during summer, but also in winter conditions.