Epyon
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Electric vehicle charging solutions |
| Founded | 2006 |
| Defunct | June 30, 2011 |
| Fate | Acquired by ABB |
| Headquarters | Netherlands |
| Products | Rapid chargers (Terra 51, Terra Charge Post, Terra Base station, Luna) |
| Parent | ABB (from 2011) |
Epyon is a Netherlands-based enterprise focused on the development of rapid charging solutions for electric vehicles.
In May 2010, Epyon introduced the first commercial fast-charging station in Europe, located in the Netherlands. This unit delivers 50 kilowatts of power, enabling a nine-seat taxi van to recharge within 30 minutes. The system allows multiple vehicles to be charged concurrently, offers remote configuration capabilities, and incorporates an Internet-enabled billing platform utilized by the Dutch energy provider Essent. The station's primary users are two nine-passenger taxis operated by the local company Kijlstra.
Epyon's charging equipment adheres to the CHAdeMO protocol, ensuring compatibility with vehicles such as the Nissan Leaf and Mitsubishi i MiEV. Their infrastructure can replenish up to 80% of the Leaf’s 24-kWh battery pack in roughly half an hour.
In 2011, Epyon became part of ABB through acquisition.
History
Established in 2006, Epyon initially capitalized on advancements in nanotechnology applied to battery technology. Its inaugural product was the FlashPack, designed to charge mobile phones within a minute using an integrated battery or supercapacitor. Prior to market launch, the company pivoted from mobile phone charging to concentrate on electric vehicle fast-charging solutions.
Epyon’s EV chargers operate under a centralized power routing system that enables remote management, optimizing local grid utilization, billing processes, and battery health preservation.
At the Paris Motor Show in October 2010, Epyon unveiled a combined AC/DC charging station in collaboration with Nissan.
In November 2010, Lite-On invested in Epyon as part of a €7 million financing round aimed at scaling their fast-charger production for electric vehicles.
ABB acquired Epyon on June 30, 2011, to strengthen its portfolio in EV charging infrastructure.
In May 2014, following ABB’s acquisition, Epyon's technology received recognition as Cleantech Startup of the Decade.
Products
Epyon produces chargers certified under the CHAdeMO standard, including:
- Terra 51: a rapid charger delivering 50 kW
- Terra Charge Post: a compact fast-charging terminal compatible with their Base station
- Terra Base station: an enclosure containing power electronics capable of supporting up to four charge posts
- Luna: an aftermarket device designed to retrofit electric vehicles for CHAdeMO compatibility