Numbat: Starting Signal for Nationwide HPC Charging at Feneberg

The Kempten-based clean-tech start-up Numbat has put the first powerbank ultra-fast chargers into operation in the parking lots of Feneberg Lebensmittel GmbH. In cooperation with the regional supermarket chain Feneberg, AÜW, and Allgäuer Zeitung, the company simultaneously announced the launch of a comprehensive fast-charging network in the Allgäu region. By the end of January, it is expected that 23 branches of the family-run grocery company will be equipped with the fast-charging infrastructure. By the end of June, so-called Numbats are to be installed at up to 50 locations in total. For the young company, the implementation of 1,000 charging points with the grocery chain tegut and other clients such as gas stations and car dealerships will commence in the second quarter of 2023.

Christof Feneberg, Managing Director at Feneberg, still remembers his first meeting with the founders of Numbat, Dr.-Ing. Maximilian Wegener and Martin Schall. Over the years, he had already looked at several concepts in the field of fast-charging infrastructure but had not been convinced until these two young entrepreneurs presented their idea, he reports. 

Mix of Powerbank and Charging Station

The system combines an ultra-fast charging station and battery storage, providing the first comprehensive fast-charging network in a rural region in Germany with a charging capacity of 300 kW in the parking lots of the branches. The fast-charging station is equipped with two charging points, each capable of delivering up to 150 kW when used simultaneously. The publicly accessible Numbats are intended to provide a real added value to customers in supermarket parking lots by allowing them to charge their e-cars while shopping and integrating fast charging into their daily routine, the Kempten-based company promotes their concept.

The provider company, in this case, Feneberg, also benefits from the advantages that the battery storage brings. It can handle various energy management tasks and optimize self-consumption. Charging is done with 100 percent green electricity from AllgäuStrom or with solar energy generated by the branches themselves through PV systems.

“Such a swift implementation wouldn't have been possible with any other charging station provider. We as Feneberg, our partners, and above all the Allgäu region benefit from a comprehensive fast-charging network,” explains Nico Fischer, Head of Construction, Building, and Energy Management at the grocery retailer Feneberg.

Martin Schall, Co-Founder/Managing Director of Numbat GmbH, adds that Feneberg, AÜW, and Allgäuer Zeitung have been partners from the very beginning.

“We have proven ourselves in the region, now we are tackling our next goal and will ensure comprehensive fast charging across Germany,” announced Schall.