The Founding Story

Marco Piffaretti was a trained automotive designer who had already been developing solar-powered electric vehicles back in the 1980s. After initially building experimental lightweight vehicles, he later set out to prove — with competitive electric sports cars — that electric mobility works and is ready for the mass market. The most attention-grabbing moment came in 2011 with the Lampo 3, an electric sports car that put 570 horsepower on the road and offered a range of 200 kilometres. Electric cars were no longer just a hobby for tinkering enthusiasts or idealists — they had suddenly become interesting to the automotive industry as well. But there was still one problem left to solve: charging times. Apart from Tesla Superchargers, there were no fast charging solutions available for other car brands at the time. Marco was in contact with young electrical engineers who were then working on the development of DC chargers. Thanks to their high power output, these chargers were set to enable significantly shorter charging times. The idea was to create, in effect, a Supercharger for everyone: a fast charger accessible to all car brands and connector types. Since the engineers lived in Kriens and Marco was based in Ticino, the first public "fast charger for everyone" was installed — not entirely without self-interest — along the north-south axis. Specifically, in August 2016, at the Stalvedro motorway service area, with a power output of 150 kilowatts. And since the Gotthard Pass lies between Ticino and Lucerne, a fitting name for the newly founded company was quickly found: Gottardo Fastcharge SA — which eventually became today's GOFAST, with GO standing for Gottardo and FAST for Fastcharge.

21.04.2016 – Foundation

Registered as a public limited company in the Swiss commercial register under the original company name GOttardo FASTcharge SA.

August 2016 – First Fast Charging Station on the Swiss National Road Network

Stalvedro service area: from this point on, crossing the Alps in an electric car was no longer a challenge, as a regional newspaper reported. The fast charging station in front of the Gotthard's south portal was the first of its kind on the Swiss national road network and marked a milestone for the still-emerging world of electric mobility. The charging technology itself, with a then-impressive output of 150 kilowatts, was also a novelty — developed by another Swiss startup, the Lucerne-based EVTEC AG. To this day, the Stalvedro site, operated in partnership with Ticino energy provider AET, remains part of the GOFAST fast charging network and now features six charging points with outputs of up to 300 kilowatts.

Full story

March 2017 – Energie 360° invests in GOFAST

Energie 360° takes a stake in GOtthard FASTcharge AG. By investing in the development of high-performance fast charging infrastructure, the Zurich-based company lays the groundwork for clean and hassle-free electric mobility.

Press release

June 2018 – So long «ttardo charge»

The Gotthard story is still a great one — but we decide it's time for a punchier name and a new logo. From now on, we're simply GOFAST, and we think the new design was a pretty good call.

March 2019 – GOFAST Wins the FEDRO Tender

GOFAST takes first place in the tender issued by the Federal Roads Office (FEDRO) for the construction of fast charging stations at 100 motorway service areas. Scoring over 90 percent of the available points, GOFAST is awarded the contract for the first of five lots, each covering 20 motorway service areas.

More project details

November 2019 – First Fast Charging Site with Solar Canopy

Schenkon: for the first time in Switzerland, a fast charging site is combined with its own photovoltaic installation. The charging bays along the A2 are covered by a distinctive steel structure fitted with solar panels. On a sunny day, the PV system generates up to 130 kilowatt-hours of electricity. Beyond the energy it produces, the canopy also shields drivers from sun, rain, and snow — making for a more comfortable charging experience.

Full article

December 2020 – Partnership with McDonald's Switzerland

GOFAST and McDonald's Switzerland launch an ambitious project to expand EV charging infrastructure across the country. Over the coming years, the majority of the nearly 90 McDonald's drive-through restaurants are set to be equipped with fast charging stations. A major boost for the GOFAST network — and a perfect match for EV drivers.

How the collaboration works

October 2021 – Leaving the Nest

After several good years under the roof of our parent company Energie 360°, our growing team means it's time to find new premises. We set up our new headquarters at the Startup Space in Schlieren, while also maintaining offices in French-speaking Switzerland and Ticino.

June 2022 – Founding Member EVTEC Sells GOFAST Shares to Energie 360°

GOFAST founding member EVTEC sells its stake in the Swiss fast charging specialist to majority shareholder Energie 360°. With this sale, EVTEC AG aims to strengthen its core business and focus even more on the development and production of DC fast chargers going forward.

Press release

September 2024 – Partnership with ALDI SUISSE

Wil (SG): Alongside the opening of the ALDI store in Wil, the starting gun is fired for the installation of EV fast charging stations at the Swiss retailer. The project is part of a nationwide collaboration between GOFAST and ALDI SUISSE to equip around 150 store locations with fast chargers. Another perfect combination for EV drivers: a full shopping trolley and a full battery in just 20 to 30 minutes.

Full article

October 2025 – Opening of the 100th GOFAST Site

Niederuzwil: The 100th GOFAST fast charging site opens in Niederuzwil. This is not only a milestone for Switzerland's public charging infrastructure, but also a clear statement of GOFAST's position as the country's leading fast charging provider. The Zurich-based company's public charging network now spans over 450 fast charging points.

Complete story from 1 to 100

21.04.2026 – 10 Years of Fast Charging

After a great deal of passion, sweat, and perhaps even a few tears, we celebrate 10 years of fast charging history in Switzerland. We are proud of our contribution to the development of electric mobility and look forward to the next chapter of our company's story.