No risk, just fun as a GOFAST location partner

What is meant by fast charging and in which cases is it needed?

Stefan: When charging electric cars, a distinction is made between slow charging with AC (alternating current) and fast charging with DC (direct current). Which of the two technologies is provided at a location depends entirely on the application.

When electric cars are parked for several hours, e.g. at home or at the office, an AC solution makes the most sense, while high-power charging (HPC) with direct current is most suitable for short stays and for charging on the move. At GOFAST, we specialise in this technology and usually install charging points with an output of 150 kilowatts and upwards. With this high output, an electric car can be charged to 80% in an average of between 15 and 45 minutes.

Is there a financial difference as well?

Yes, there is. For AC charging, a relatively inexpensive wallbox is installed, with which the car can be charged for several hours with an output of between 11 kW and 22 kW. DC charging requires much larger and more elaborate power connections and installations to achieve the high performance, and this is reflected in the price.

Which locations are suitable for public fast charging?

When assessing locations, we first look at three main criteria: potential, spatial conditions and options for things to do nearby. When it comes to potential, major transport axes, intersections and urban areas in general are attractive. Spatial conditions also play an important role, as there are already examples of smaller sites reaching their capacity limits today. And last but not least, we also assess what the area around a location has to offer. Shops, food outlets and other places where you can spend some time offer perfect synergies for fast charging an electric car. If all of these aspects look positive, we are ready to invest.

What are GOFAST’s investments in concrete terms?

We invest in electricity generation, construction and charging infrastructure at suitable locations. We handle the entire process, from planning to implementation and professional operation. All in all, for a large number of charging points with their own electricity generation, we quickly start talking about high six-figure amounts. In addition, over time this is joined by the reinvestment in infrastructure that will be needed in this dynamic environment.  This means that our location partners get modern charging infrastructure from Switzerland’s largest HPC specialist free of charge.

Well, it’s not entirely free of charge. Site owners still need to make their land available to you, which they could otherwise cultivate.

That’s right, which is why, in addition to our investments, we also pay compensation for the space used in the case of attractive locations. This is done within the framework of long-term contracts, which gives our location partners planning certainty. However, we should not forget that, in a few years’ time, customers and visitors will require adequate charging facilities in many suitable places. In the long term, therefore, the idea of offering such a service is not purely financial. In other words, guests and customers who rely on public charging will in future prefer locations where this option is available. In addition, location partners can already benefit from the fast charging infrastructure today.

Okay, how exactly can location partners already benefit today?

GOFAST only offers electricity from renewable sources in Switzerland and the brand enjoys an excellent reputation among electric car drivers. This in turn has a positive impact on the business of our location partners. In the current development phase, where fast charging is not yet so widespread, an HPC charging station also brings potential new customers: fast charging customers spend an average of 30 minutes on site. During this time, people will be happy to explore what’s available in the immediate vicinity. And last but not least: the additional power generation and professional charging station can sustainably increase the value and attractiveness of the location or property.

With such high investments, things have to pay off for GOFAST as well. How long are contracts concluded for?

Our high investments will pay off with the gradual increase in electric mobility, but of course only in the long term. Therefore, location partners need to make their site available to us for longer periods of time. As a result, we conclude long-term leases.

Will public fast charging still be as necessary in future when everyone can charge at home?

It is not true to say that all motorists will be charging at home in future. Forecasts assume that even in 2035, when 60% of all cars on Swiss roads are to be electric, public fast charging will account for between 15 and 20% of charging operations, depending on the scenario. On the one hand, this has to do with the fact that, for reasons relating to generation technology and finances, it will not be possible to equip all residential and commercial properties with AC charging solutions in future. This means that in urban areas in particular, a portion of electric car drivers will never have a home charging option. On the other hand, all electric car drivers will continue to rely on fast charging from time to time, for example on long-distance journeys. An uninterrupted HPC network is therefore indispensable if electric mobility is to continue to develop in a healthy way and charging is to be at least as easy as filling up with petrol, even for ordinary petrol consumers.

How can interested site owners get in touch with GOFAST?

Interested parties can contact us via the contact form on our website, ideally with as much information as possible about the location. After a positive initial assessment, we’ll get in touch so we can get to know each other and have a first conversation about a possible partnership and the project.

Quick-Check: our main criteria for assessing a location

Potential: Is it located near a transport hub, main traffic axis or in an urban area? Spatial conditions: Is there enough space for the construction of charging points and future expansion? Surroundings: Are there attractive places to spend time in the immediate vicinity that can be combined with fast charging? Accessibility: Is the location open to the public 24/7?