Volkswagen introduces a mobile charging station for electric cars. The carmaker also announces it will supply energy and charging solutions through a new group: Elli Group.
Mobile charging station
According to Volkswagen, the new mobile charging station essentially works like a large power bank, used to charge smartphones on the go, among other things. The mobile charging stations can be used to provide additional charging capacity quickly, for example at events.
The device has a capacity of 360 kW, which is enough to charge 15 'e-vehicles'. These can be electric vehicles and electric motors, the company reports. Up to four vehicles can be simultaneously connected to one mobile charging station: two via a DC connection and two via an AC connection. The charging stations use fast-charging technology that can charge a battery in an average of 17 minutes.
Realising temporary charging infrastructure
If the capacity of the charging station drops below 20%, it will be exchanged for a full one. However, it is also possible to hook up the charging station to the grid, making it possible to build a temporary charging infrastructure with a relatively low investment. The batteries in the charging station can be continuously recharged, which Volkswagen says allows it to store energy as a buffer and reduce the load on the power grid during peak times.
The first mobile charging station will be deployed in the first half of 2019 in Wolfsburg, Germany, where Volkswagen's headquarters are located. From 2020, the charging stations will also be available in other cities.
Elli Group
Volkswagen's desire to focus more on charging solutions is also evidenced by the creation of Elli Group. This group will focus entirely on developing products and services related to energy and charging technologies for Volkswagen Group brands.
"As one of the largest carmakers in the world, Volkswagen wants to accelerate the much-needed transport and energy transition to emission-neutral e-mobility. The new company will play a role in this by offering energy solutions based on renewable sources and smart charging solutions. In this way, we will become active in a strategically relevant and exciting segment that offers significant opportunities for strengthening our ties with both existing customers and new customer groups," says Thomas Ulbrich, responsible for E-Mobility as a board member at Volkswagen.
Elli Group will include charging stations, systems that enable energy storage in electric vehicle batteries and IT-based energy management systems. "We want to create a seamless and sustainable ecosystem that addresses key applications and provides answers to all energy questions electric vehicle users and fleet managers have," said Thorsten Nicklaß, CEO of Elli Group.
Author: Wouter Hoeffnagel
Source: Volkswagen Group (pictured)
