Mahle: chargeBIG to become independent and plans 750 kW fast charger

The charging infrastructure provider chargeBIG, as an independent subsidiary of the MAHLE Group, aims to accelerate its business and, in cooperation with Prettl, bring a fast charging solution to market maturity in the near future. The conversion of the former corporate startup accelerates the automotive supplier's transformation into a provider of sustainable mobility solutions. The chargeBIG team is thus supposed to gain more entrepreneurial leeway. Since its market entry in 2018, around 1,500 charging points have been sold to over 20 customers, and the current acquisition business is running very successfully, according to the provider. Additionally, a development cooperation with the power electronics specialist PRETTL Electronics Automotive has been agreed upon to accelerate the market introduction of its recently unveiled fast charging solution, chargeBIG POWER.

“Stronger integration into the group makes us more entrepreneurial as a provider and operator of services for e-mobility,” says Sebastian Ewert, founder and managing director of MAHLE chargeBIG GmbH.

They intend, together with the development partner PRETTL Electronics Automotive, to take the next step in the development of the fast charging solution chargeBIG POWER. The goal is to combine cost-effectiveness and sustainability, added Carsten Ellermeier, CEO of Prettl Electronics. He refers to expertise in the field of power electronics and intelligent load distribution. The direct current fast charging solution is supposed to have a charging power of up to 750 kW and is based on the proven principle of intelligent load management. The fast charging solution is suitable for charging parks with up to 20 charging points – with a limited grid connection. It is intended to be cost-effective to integrate into the existing grid infrastructure, particularly along long-distance routes. With this, MAHLE aims to accelerate the electrification of individual and commercial transport.

Fleets of 20 to 100 vehicles with e-parking spaces

The basic concept for alternating current charging is suitable for fleets and applications of approximately 20 to 100 or more electrified parking spaces. It particularly targets parking spaces where e-vehicles stay longer, such as at airports, office locations, or multi-family residences, and offers turnkey centralized solutions for different charging requirements. In most cases, a charging power of up to 7.2 kW is used, with the inclusion of charging points with a charging power of up to 22 kW being possible.

Of course, compliant with measurement laws

The solution meets the requirements of measurement laws and is easy to operate via the self-developed app. In the past six months alone, around 500 new charging points have been implemented at well-known companies such as Trelleborg Sealing Solutions Germany GmbH, ebm-papst Mulfingen GmbH & Co. KG, Philips Medizin Systeme Böblingen GmbH, SV Sparkassen Versicherung, DIBAG Neckarpark GmbH, and Fuchs Petrolub SE. Furthermore, in order to establish an easier foothold in the international market, a charging park with 72 charging points was established at a MAHLE branch in Changshu, China. The responsible parties believe that this allows potential new customers on site to be convinced of the performance and reliability of the system.