ABB’s new OM M-Series EV chargers: a distributed system that optimizes power delivery

ABB has unveiled its new OM M-Series electric vehicle chargers, marking a significant advancement in distributed charging systems. This modular, air-cooled solution separates power generation from power dispensing, allowing for more tailored configurations based on specific usage profiles rather than generic hardware deployments. The system connects centralised power cabinets to a range of dispensers designed for different charging standards, including CCS1, CCS2, NACS, and MCS, thereby catering to diverse customer needs and utilisation patterns. Designed to optimise delivered power rather than simply focusing on nameplate capacity, the OM M-Series dynamically manages power distribution across up to 24 charge points, scaling from 200 kW to 1.2 MW. This flexibility allows operators to expand capacity in 400 kW increments across interconnected cabinets, ensuring that the power delivered closely matches the rated capacity. ABB highlights that this approach reduces power losses typically seen in conventional systems and maximises the efficiency of installed infrastructure by adapting in real time to varying vehicle charging demands. The M-Series targets three primary site typologies: public fast charging locations, retail and hospitality venues, and commercial fleet depots. Each typology presents unique power and economic requirements, which the system addresses by balancing high-power and lower-power charging modes dynamically. For instance, retail sites can optimise capacity use during fluctuating demand periods, while fleet operators benefit from scalable infrastructure that aligns investment with actual fleet growth, supporting both opportunity and overnight charging without the need for separate setups. Michael Halbherr, CEO of ABB E-mobility, emphasises the shift in industry focus from peak power ratings to the consistent delivery of energy over a site’s lifetime. He notes that the OM M-Series is engineered to meet this need by ensuring reliable power delivery across various vehicle architectures and utilisation levels. The new system builds on the technology foundation established by ABB’s A-Series chargers, sharing a common silicon carbide power electronics platform and reference architecture that has been commercially available since early 2024. ABB’s OM M-Series represents a forward-looking approach to EV charging infrastructure, reflecting broader industry trends towards modular, scalable, and customer-centric solutions. By enabling operators to tailor power delivery to specific operational profiles and economic constraints, the system promises improved efficiency, reduced costs, and greater adaptability as electric vehicle adoption continues to grow. This innovation could set a new standard for how charging networks are designed and managed in the evolving e-mobility landscape.