At CES 2023, EVBox and ABB unveiled a shared vision for the future of electric vehicle infrastructure: modular EV fast chargers. These systems offer scalable, serviceable, and user-friendly solutions for public stations, fleet depots, and residential use. Their designs aim to reduce downtime, lower costs, and simplify upgrades.
For automotive engineers, fleet managers, EV enthusiasts, and investors, these innovations signal a major leap in the electrification journey. And thanks to Munro’s on-the-ground coverage, we get a clear, firsthand look at where EV fast charging is going — and why modular design is the key to getting there.
EVBox Troniq Modular: Scalable, Repairable DC Charging
EVBox, headquartered in the Netherlands, introduced its Troniq Modular DC fast charging station for the U.S. market. Although already in use across Europe, this Level 3 charger is the company’s first modular DC system certified for American roads. With up to 240 kW output and a platform-first design, the Troniq Modular emphasizes maintainability, flexibility, and future-proofing.
Key to the design is its internal architecture: up to eight 30 kW power modules, each independently serviceable. If one module fails, the station continues to operate at reduced capacity — minimizing downtime and service costs. The modular design also supports simple upgrades. Fleets or site operators can scale from 90 kW to 240 kW as demand grows, making it an ideal solution for evolving commercial needs.
The hardware was engineered with total cost of ownership in mind. Fewer components mean easier forecasting for service intervals and part replacement. Combined with a local assembly site in Libertyville, Illinois, EVBox’s U.S. expansion seems poised for strong growth — especially given its alignment with government incentives for domestically-built EV infrastructure.
The EVBox Icon: Destination Charging That’s Durable
While the Troniq tackles fast DC charging, EVBox also promoted the Icon — a Level 2 AC charger tailored for destination charging. Designed for commercial use in hotels, shopping malls, and public parking lots, the Icon addresses a frequent pain point: cable damage and vandalism.
The Icon integrates a retractable cable management system with fixed Type 1 cables, keeping cords off the ground and safe from wear. A locking mechanism ensures only authorized users can access the plug, preventing theft and improper use. The entire unit is built with the facility manager in mind — reliable, compact, and resistant to misuse. By solving these pragmatic challenges, EVBox offers more than charging — it delivers a smarter, leaner infrastructure model.
ABB Terra Home: Smarter Charging for Smarter Homes
Across the CES floor, ABB unveiled its Terra Home residential charging system. This marks the company’s first consumer product under the ABB e-mobility brand in its 130-year history. Unlike competitors that ship a charger in a box and leave installation to the buyer, ABB offers a turnkey service — installation included.
But the Terra Home’s value extends beyond ease of setup. ABB’s system uses behavioral analytics to help homeowners optimize their energy use. For instance, if it detects charging during daytime hours, it may suggest installing solar panels and provide upgrade options. Charging at night? ABB might recommend adding a battery system to reduce reliance on the grid. The Terra Home is more than a charger — it’s an energy management platform integrated with the smart home ecosystem.
From a grid resiliency standpoint, ABB’s forward-thinking is evident. All of its new residential chargers ship with bidirectional capability, supporting future vehicle-to-grid (V2G) functions. These could eventually allow homeowners to push energy back to the grid, reducing strain during peak usage.
ABB’s Edge in Public DC Charging
When it comes to public fast charging, ABB has earned a reputation for reliability. A widely-viewed independent test by Kyle from Out of Spec Reviews confirmed that ABB stations continued operating during extreme weather events, while many competitors’ units failed. This operational resilience is no accident — it stems from ABB’s architecture and remote diagnostic capabilities.
According to ABB engineers, up to 70% of service issues can be diagnosed and resolved remotely. This cuts the need for costly field technician dispatches and supports a scalable service model. Their systems also account for extreme climates: power electronics can be heated or cooled, and cable designs are rated to -30°C, ensuring continued performance in northern U.S. states and Canada.
Customer trust matters. An anecdote shared during CES about a consumer who actively seeks ABB chargers — because they simply work — underscores the brand’s emerging consumer loyalty. It’s not just tech enthusiasts noticing the difference; average drivers are beginning to prioritize reliability when choosing where to charge.
Fast Charging for Fleets and Trucks
ABB isn’t just targeting homes and highways. It’s preparing for the heavy-duty segment. Trucks and buses make up only 2% of vehicles but contribute 25–30% of road emissions. Electrifying these fleets delivers an outsized environmental benefit.
Today, most commercial fleet charging will happen at the depot. ABB’s DC wall boxes (20–24 kW) offer an entry point for facilities with limited infrastructure. For larger fleets, ABB provides scalable high-voltage solutions ranging up to 360 kW, suitable for both short-haul urban trucks and long-haul depot charging.
The transition mirrors the passenger EV rollout: first, charging happens at home base; next, destination charging expands across retail and public infrastructure. The modularity and flexibility of ABB’s systems make this transition more cost-effective — and more likely to succeed.
Modular Design: The Path Forward
Whether from EVBox or ABB, one theme dominated CES 2023: modular, platform-based EV chargers are the future. This approach aligns with lean manufacturing principles: simplify components, reduce service friction, and improve uptime. It also offers significant cost advantages over the life of the charger — critical for fleet operators, site managers, and municipal planners alike.
From a teardown perspective, modularity enhances repairability and lifecycle forecasting. A charger with swappable modules can be serviced more like a server than a traditional appliance — ideal for locations that can’t afford downtime.
For engineers and system integrators, these innovations open new possibilities for grid planning, energy storage integration, and dynamic load balancing.
Explore More with Munro
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Whether you’re optimizing an EV platform, planning a charging deployment, or just staying ahead of the curve, Munro’s insights give you the data to drive forward.