Electric mobility can only be successful if it pays off for users. In addition to purchase and energy costs, this also includes everyday aspects such as the charging infrastructure. Where can I find my nearest charging point? How is billing handled? How fast does my vehicle charge when other vehicles are charging at the same time? Private users look at these questions from a practical perspective, while companies look at them from a strategic perspective. This is because they have to develop solutions for company car drivers, employees with private vehicles, suppliers, or visitors with appropriate pricing models. Dr Matthias Kreimeier (photo), CEO of MAHLE chargeBIG GmbH, knows from experience that the focus is on considering the total costs.
Planning the framework conditions
Charging is more than just refuelling with electricity. That is why it is important to define basic framework conditions during the planning phase of the charging infrastructure, such as the number of vehicles involved, the type of use or charging authorisation. This is supplemented by a technical analysis of the location – for example, with regard to the available electrical connection capacity, existing photovoltaic systems or other large consumers.
This often shows that the available connection capacity is completely sufficient in most cases. Intelligent control and demand-oriented planning significantly reduce investment costs.
Cash for businesses
Charging infrastructure should not be viewed merely as a cost factor, but rather as a strategic investment with long-term added value: it creates new sources of income through the billing of charging processes and enables additional revenue via the GHG quota (greenhouse gas reduction quota). Compared to conventional combustion engine vehicles, the running costs of electric cars can also be reduced by around 20 to 30 per cent. In most cases, investments in charging infrastructure pay for themselves after just a few years.
Companies also benefit from the possibility of charging electric vehicles at the comparatively low industrial electricity tariff – whether for company cars or employees’ private vehicles. This option not only helps to reduce costs, but is also not feasible with conventional drive systems. In addition, the presence of charging points increases the attractiveness of the respective location and strengthens the sustainable brand image.
Electrifying car parks cost-effectively
At the heart of MAHLE chargeBIG’s approach to electrifying parking spaces is a centralised approach that significantly reduces investment costs. Instead of equipping each vehicle individually with a complete charging system, all technical components are combined in a central housing. This is installed out of sight of users, for example in the connection cellar or at the rear of buildings.
Only the smallBOX – the ‘world’s smallest wallbox’ – consisting of a charging cable and the corresponding bracket or stand, is located at the respective parking space. This minimalist equipment allows flexible scaling of charging points as required. Private users and companies alike can start with just a few charging points and easily expand the system as demand grows – without the need for costly construction work. Combined with the appropriate mounting option, the smallBOX can be optimally adapted to different building infrastructures and usage scenarios.
A holistic charging infrastructure concept
Thanks to intelligent load management, charging processes compliant with calibration law are possible at up to 22 kilowatts. The smallBOX also impresses with its simple installation and is quickly becoming a favourite among tradespeople: the centralised system approach makes both setup and maintenance processes significantly more efficient, resulting in noticeable savings in time and costs. MAHLE chargeBIG is one of the few providers on the market to also offer a mobile solution. The holistic charging infrastructure concept demonstrates how intelligent system architecture can make electrification practical and sustainable.
The smallBOX in use
A well-known car manufacturer has implemented an innovative charging infrastructure project with MAHLE chargeBIG to make the delivery of its electric vehicles more efficient and safer. The aim was to ensure that the vehicles were fully charged upon delivery without disrupting operations. The original plan was to use fast charging systems, but the high frequency of movement on the premises associated with this would have increased the risk of accidents involving new vehicles.
The alternative: 100 parking spaces were equipped with an AC charging system that allows flexible charging overnight. To avoid mechanical installations in the parking areas, power is supplied via cables from the roof structure. The charging units are installed under the ceiling using cable reels, which automatically roll up the cables after the vehicles have departed, eliminating potential hazards.
MAHLE is a leading international development partner and supplier to the automotive industry, with customers in both the passenger car and commercial vehicle sectors. Founded in 1920, the technology group is working on the climate-neutral mobility of tomorrow with a focus on the strategic fields of electrification and thermal management, as well as other technologies for reducing CO2 emissions, such as fuel cells and highly efficient, clean combustion engines that can also be powered by renewable fuels such as hydrogen. Every second vehicle worldwide is equipped with MAHLE components today.
