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IAA Mobility 2023: ChargeX focuses on simple handling and sustainable design with the AqueductNEO

The multi-charger in the house saves the electrician: With this idea, the company took off in 2018. And now it's launching stage 2, which is significantly more sophisticated, including app control. Also top-notch: Timeless design with clear color signaling instead of thick screens that age faster. VM did the plug check.

Connection at this number: Founder and CEO Tobias Wagner demonstrates the clever charging box. | Photo: J. Reichel
Connection at this number: Founder and CEO Tobias Wagner demonstrates the clever charging box. | Photo: J. Reichel
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Johannes Reichel

The Munich-based charging solution specialist ChargeX presented the new version of its modular AC charging system at IAA Mobility in Munich. ChargeX's intelligent multi-plug for electric cars is said to enable the installation of up to nine additional charging points in seconds, and in the new AqueductNEO variant, it is now also possible for laypeople thanks to "Plug Yourself," promises Tobias Wagner during the demonstration at the stand. The Aqueduct charging system responds to the two major problems of the mobility transition: the limited power grid and the shortage of skilled workers in the electrical trade for rapid and widespread expansion. Aqueduct is the world's only intelligent and patented multi-plug for electric cars. The goal is to charge electric cars when they are not needed. Expanding a permanently installed start module to a total of 10 charging spots should be possible without any problems thanks to the Plug & Play installation concept.

Installation and even commissioning can now also be carried out by laypeople with the support of ChargeX Remote Technology (installation guide via app), which already worked seamlessly during the demonstration at the trade fair. The new version also has additional functions of a mobile charging station and can thus be installed by anyone via "Plug Yourself" without special commissioning by an electrician. The cables and plugs are proven and clearly marked components from the solar panel industry, which Wagner quickly connects during the demo. Integrated safety features such as fault current detection (AC and DC), automated safety checks, and the innovative "Unmount Detection" (kill switch) are also intended to make the electrician obsolete. At the very end of a small testing process, which runs completely "remote" and on the app, the connected module is then released by a ChargeX employee - and the expanded charging infrastructure starts.

Register just one start module - connect nine more

Companies only need to register and approve the start module. In the interaction between the user and the charging system, a new customizable 3x3 LED interface is used. The "Rubik's cube look" is not only pretty and clear from a signaling standpoint but also timeless like the entire design of the wall box.

"We're talking about long-term infrastructure here, so it's important to have a timeless design that doesn't go out of fashion quickly. Screens also need to be replaced eventually," advocates Wagner for the concept, which also aims to be sustainable in terms of material selection and manufacturing ("made in Germany"). 

Additionally, the LED design is more cost-effective than a screen - and adaptable, for example, if a company places importance on the color "magenta," Wagner jokes. A major advantage of local manufacturing is also the short supply chains, ensuring quick delivery capabilities and short distances with low emissions. The swipe-to-charge function is intended to make operation more intuitive. The system is in use at more than 500 companies, including Volkswagen and Marc O' Polo. AqeuductNEO will be available from Q2/2024.

Demand-Based Charging Power Distribution Using an Intelligent Algorithm

Everyone charges, but at different speeds. This is the idea of the company that wants to turn every parking space into a charging spot and thus accelerate electromobility. The demand-based charging power distribution takes into account the individual mobility needs of the users and processes them using an intelligent algorithm, explain the Munich-based company further. So, those who need to get to their next appointment quickly receive more power than those who are not leaving until the evening, they describe. It is also conceivable that vehicles arriving with relatively full batteries and not needing the energy could distribute it within the V2G pool of connected vehicles, Wagner outlines.

Of course, the system comes with a stylishly designed, self-developed app that allows for everything from independent operation of the charging points to automated billing via a payment service provider. The hardware is one part, but the software is ultimately the key, says Wagner, pointing to their good relationship with TU Munich and the pool of young software developers in the state capital. Incidentally, they also have a "good and short" connection through UnternehmerTUM.

In principle, they want to offer customers a complete package: With the Drop Power Sharing App, all tasks related to management and administration can be easily and conveniently handled via the app & dashboard. If help is needed, they provide their own support and cooperate with regional electrical specialists for planning and installation.

Translated automatically from German.
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