Power2Drive 2024: ADS-Tec follows up with the Charge Post

At ADS-Tec, we met Dennis Müller, Product Marketing and Communications Manager, who was in high spirits. By now, they have also secured their first major contracts in the USA, where a "Gated Community" won a bid for the Charge Post – because it works like this: Due to the chronically weak power grid, in this case, it was easier to install a DC charger with a battery buffer than multiple individual AC columns, because: You hand over your car to the concierge anyway, who also takes care of the charging. This should happen very quickly. It was also interesting that they figuratively put the affluent tenants under pressure: It is a new construction project with a model function: Anyone who wants to park their car within the gates and use the concierge service should please drive electrically! It worked – by now, there is a request from the neighboring building to do something similar!

And yet, development continues: Sascha König, Director Product Marketing Charging at ADS-TEC Energy, explained the new cable management – especially always an issue with DC chargers due to the cable weights:

Everything even more practical: Cable management, roof, and PV including lighting

"We are showcasing for the first time our practical cable management system, which complements the use with a comfortable canopy. This option allows PV modules to be mounted, which can power the large advertising screens and other components of the ChargePost with self-produced energy."

These features mainly focus on semi-public spaces and provide customers with an optimized customer experience. Additionally, this can lower energy costs and expand the application purposes of the ChargePost.  The new cable suspension is optionally equipable, and the widely extending cable arms allow for even more flexible use. This increases the variety of installations in the planning of new constructions or in already predetermined parking situations, which in practice is always a bit tricky, as König revealed to us.  

It also extends the accessibility of various types of vehicles, including charging ports for commercial vehicles and trucks, which are expected to become more prevalent. The cable suspension has also been equipped with LED lighting, ensuring good illumination of the entire parking situation and providing a pleasant and safe charging experience even at night.

New Cables for Even More Charging Performance

And while they were at it, ADS-TEC Energy introduced the use of new charging cables of a higher performance class, which accordingly enable a higher current rating. This results in even better charging performance for the 400-volt vehicle class. It increases from the previous 200 A to a maximum of 400 A with a constant current of 375 A. Founder and CEO Thomas Speidel explained:

“We want to offer more than just fast charging stations. Thanks to integrated and intelligent battery storage, our products can provide a variety of functions and services.”