Fast charging as a public service

AC/DC or why charging isn't just charging

Political debates about charging infrastructure often fail to differentiate precisely enough between the different types of charging and their respective applications. This differentiation and having the right charging mix play a key role in choosing a municipality’s mobility strategy. Slow charging of electric cars with AC (alternating current) makes sense where cars are parked at home or at work for several hours. This is where the installation of an AC wallbox with relatively low investment costs makes most sense. However, for charging on longer journeys and, last but not least, for all electric car drivers who do not have home charging facilities, there is a need for a range of public fast charging stations. High-Power Chargers (HPC) work with DC (direct current) and can charge electric cars in a much shorter time.

Public fast charging will continue to be relevant in the future

While Switzerland already has a relatively well-developed fast-charging network along its main traffic axes, there is still a significant need for investment in urban and suburban areas. In areas with a high proportion of existing rental properties in particular, equipping all residential and commercial properties with AC charging solutions is challenging both in terms of providing the technological infrastructure and for financial reasons. Forecasts therefore assume that even in 2035, depending on the scenario, 15 to 20% of the energy for electric cars will be charged via public fast charging. High-performance fast charging hubs on larger housing estates or in catering and retail environments are therefore likely to be an essential and viable way to ensure the healthy development of electromobility.

Does the public sector share responsibility for the mobility revolution?

E-mobility is one of the factors that should help in achieving the environmental goals of the Paris Agreement. While car manufacturers are playing their part by converting their production lines to battery electric vehicles, the public sector also bears at least some responsibility for providing the required charging infrastructure. The Federal Roads Office (FEDRO) has already created a good basis for this along motorways by awarding contracts for 100 fast-charging stations at service areas.

At municipal level, promoting a well-designed public charging infrastructure could now provide a service for those sections of the population that will not have the option of charging at home or at work in the future either. Public HPC hubs as a public service, so to speak.

HPC providers keen to invest in attractive locations

Although building fast charging stations with all the electricity connections, civil engineering work and equipment is expensive, property owners can benefit from providers’ willingness to invest in the current expansion phase. GOFAST, for example, is currently taking on all investments in attractive locations. The Swiss HPC specialist assumes that the investments will be worthwhile in the long term and that it will be possible to operate the sites profitably in the future. This collaboration is also attractive because GOFAST acts as the sole point of contact for the owner and takes responsibility for the entire process, from planning and approval to implementation and professional operation. The experience gained from the construction and operation of around 100 systems guarantees efficient, high-quality results.

Four factors define the perfect location 

Four main factors are taken into account when assessing the attractiveness of a location:

Accessibility: Is the location open to the public around the clock? Potential: Is the location on a main traffic axis, at a transport hub or in an urban/suburban area? Spatial conditions: Is there enough space for the construction of charging points, including future expansion? Places to spend time: Are there attractive options, such as shops, food outlets or other places to spend time in the immediate vicinity?

If all these aspects look positive, GOFAST is usually willing to invest. The company provides a simple assessment tool on its website that allows interested parties to find out with just a few clicks whether their location could be suitable as a fast charging hub.