GOFAST installs fast charging stations at ALDI SUISSE stores
The fast charging pioneer, GOFAST, and ALDI SUISSE are joining forces to expand the Swiss fast charging infrastructure. High-power charging stations will be built at around 150 of the Swiss retailer’s stores from 2024 onwards. Thanks to the extensive store network of ALDI SUISSE, this will create an even more attractive charging service for electric cars throughout Switzerland.
ALDI SUISSE and GOFAST are providing additional momentum for the expansion of the public fast charging infrastructure in Switzerland. Over the next few years, the Swiss fast charging specialist will expand its charging network at around 150 of the current 240 ALDI SUISSE stores. ALDI SUISSE therefore plans to be the first Swiss retailer to have a nationwide network of high-power charging stations – helping its customers switch to this sustainable mobility solution. “These fast charging stations will make our shopping experience even more attractive. We’re also promoting Swiss e-mobility,” says Jérôme Meyer, Country Managing Director at ALDI SUISSE.
Multiple high-power charging points
Construction of the fast charging stations is scheduled to begin in summer 2024. Initially, GOFAST will usually aim to install eight charging points that can be expanded to 16, depending on the store. Charging capacities of up to 300 kilowatts will therefore be available per charging point. Using this service, even an empty electric car battery can be fully recharged during a short shopping trip typically lasting 20 to 30 minutes. The service is therefore of interest to electric car drivers who do not have the option of charging at home or at work. The high number of charging points is also intended to ensure that customers can always find a vacant charging point when visiting ALDI. Payment is conveniently made by credit card or using popular charge cards and/or apps from e‑mobility providers.
Conveniently integrating fast charging into everyday life
Thanks to the extensive store network of ALDI SUISSE throughout Switzerland, its partnership with GOFAST will also create a much improved fast charging infrastructure away from the main transport routes and in urban areas. For GOFAST CEO Domenic Lanz, the fact that these charging stations will be located in the same place that people do their food shopping is ideal: “Charging shouldn’t require any detours or additional effort for electric car drivers, but simply take place wherever they can do something useful during the charging process – such as going to the gym or doing their weekly shop, for example.” It is precisely this combination that makes the partnership with ALDI SUISSE important for e-mobility in Switzerland, according to Lanz.
Fast charging infrastructure is necessary to meet demand
The expansion of the public fast charging infrastructure is also significant because private properties and urban areas are often inadequately equipped with charging infrastructure for technical or financial reasons. At the same time, concerns regarding adequate charging infrastructure are still preventing some people from buying an electric car. Easily accessible charging hubs, where efficient electricity infrastructure can be combined with an attractive supporting service such as an ALDI SUISSE store, are a practical way forward.