FLO, a Quebec-based electric vehicle (EV) charging network operator and a smart charging solutions provider with assembly operations in Auburn Hills, has introduced FLO Ultra, an ultra-fast charger engineered to maximize energy delivery with future-proof performance and smart design.
“EV demand and sales are topping all industry expectations and are now forecasted to exceed more than 45 percent of U.S. light duty vehicle sales by 2030,” says Nathan Yang, FLO chief product officer at FLO. “As new EV drivers hit the road, they will be looking for fast charging that is safe, accessible, convenient, intuitive, and reliable. This is why we designed FLO Ultra — to provide the ultimate EV charging experience.”
The FLO Ultra charger features two high-powered charging ports in one rugged aluminum enclosure. It will charge most EVs to 80 percent in 15 minutes with up to 320 kW available using dynamic power sharing and up to 500 kW with multiple EV charging stations connected together.
These level 3 EV chargers can be configured in a variety of ways, allowing for flexible parking options for drivers and easier installation for site hosts. “FLO Ultra’s flexible and modular design accommodates charging on one or on both sides and parallel or pull-in parking for charging,” says Yang.
The FLO Ultra charging station was designed for driver convenience and is brilliantly simple to use for EV drivers looking to charge and return to the road.
“Before FLO Ultra, fast chargers were often viewed as intimidating and imposing,” says Yang. “We want all drivers to feel comfortable, safe, and secure when charging and FLO Ultra’s design reflects this. This is a charger for all drivers.”
With its sleek construction, the FLO Ultra charger has a low-horizontal profile while its highly visible illuminated canopies make it easy to locate. State-of-charge indicators quickly let drivers know if the DC fast charging station is available for immediate use.
The new charger also features a patent-pending, motorized cable management system. This system keeps cables off the ground while the extended reach allows for charging regardless of vehicle port placement. Most importantly, the motorized system makes the cables feel lighter and easier to maneuver, reducing strain on users.
Additionally, the FLO Ultra charging station is equipped with an independent color touchscreen display for each charging port and supports flexible and secure payment options for quick and easy transactions.
The enclosure is made of durable, recyclable aluminum designed to withstand extreme weather conditions. The EV fast charger is easily serviceable with large front and back doors and modular components for quick replacement. Finally, FLO Ultra is connected to the FLO network, which enable remote monitoring to assure swift diagnostic and proactive action to avoid potential issues.
All these features contribute to industry-leading uptime. Uptime measures the availability of EV charging stations to users and is the percentage of time that a charging station is operational. FLO has raised the bar with its optional FLO Performance Warranty, which guarantees a minimum of 98 percent uptime for all covered FLO chargers.
FLO Ultra chargers will be available starting in 2024 and will meet the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program’s (NEVI) minimum standards, including Buy America requirements. NEVI will provide $5 billion in formula funding to states to build out charging infrastructure along highway corridors — filling gaps in rural, disadvantaged, and hard-to-reach locations while instilling public confidence in EV charging stations.
