European charging giant Alpitronic is entering the US market with its “black technology”. Is Tesla facing a strong competitor?

European charging giant Alpitronic is entering the US market with its “black technology”. Is Tesla facing a strong competitor?

Recently, Mercedes-Benz has partnered with European charging giant Alpitronic to establish 400-kilowatt DC fast-charging stations across the United States. This announcement has sent ripples through the electric vehicle charging sector, akin to a pebble dropped into a tranquil lake! It is worth noting that Mercedes-Benz, as a long-established luxury automaker, enjoys immense global recognition and a vast user base. Whilst Alpitronic, this European charging “newcomer”, may not have been particularly well-known in China previously, it has been thriving in Europe. It has quietly expanded, establishing a substantial charging network and accumulating rich technical and operational expertise. This collaboration undoubtedly represents a powerful alliance between an automotive giant and a charging powerhouse, targeting the vast potential of the American electric vehicle market. A revolution in the charging sector appears to have quietly commenced.

Alpitronic, a leader in the charging field from Italy, was founded in 2018. Although it is not very old, it has achieved remarkable results in the research and development, production and sales of charging piles. In just a few years, it has established a firm foothold in the European charging market and gradually emerged.

In Europe, Alpitronic has launched a series of highly acclaimed charging station products, such as the HYC150, HYC300, and HYC50, each with its own distinctive features. Take the HYC50, for instance: it stands as the world’s first 50kW wall-mounted DC charging station. This innovative design incorporates two charging ports, enabling either rapid charging at 50kW for a single electric vehicle or simultaneous charging of two vehicles at 25kW each. This significantly enhances the utilisation efficiency of charging infrastructure while offering greater flexibility for users with varying requirements. Furthermore, the HYC50 employs Infineon’s CoolSiC technology, achieving charging efficiency as high as 97%. It also incorporates bidirectional charging and discharging capabilities, fully supporting the currently popular Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) model. This means electric vehicles can not only draw power from the grid but also feed stored energy back into it when necessary, enabling flexible energy allocation. This holds significant importance for maintaining grid stability and enhancing energy utilisation efficiency. Its compact form factor, measuring just 1250×520×220mm³ and weighing under 100kg, offers exceptional installation flexibility. It can be wall-mounted indoors or installed on outdoor pedestals, easily finding suitable locations whether in space-constrained urban commercial districts or relatively open suburban car parks.

Leveraging these technologically advanced, high-performance charging stations, Alpitronic has rapidly established a foothold in the European market. The company has successfully deployed its infrastructure across multiple countries and regions, building an extensive charging network that has positioned it as a significant force in Europe’s charging infrastructure sector. Many European electric vehicle users now benefit from the convenience of Alpitronic charging points during their daily journeys, while the brand’s recognition and market influence continue to grow steadily.

Following its success in the European market, Alpitronic did not rest on its laurels but set its sights on broader global markets, with the United States emerging as a key target. November 2023 marked a milestone moment as Alpitronic established its corporate headquarters in Charlotte, North Carolina, USA. This substantial facility, capable of accommodating over 300 positions, clearly demonstrates the company’s commitment to establishing a strong foothold in the American market. This facility serves as Alpitronic’s operational nerve centre in the US market, providing a robust foundation and strong support for subsequent business expansion, market operations, and technological development.

Meanwhile, Alpitronic is actively pursuing collaboration opportunities in the US market with both domestic American enterprises and internationally renowned corporations, with its partnership with Mercedes-Benz being a particularly significant development. As a leading luxury brand in the automotive industry, Mercedes-Benz has consistently pursued strategic expansion in the electric vehicle sector, recognising that robust charging infrastructure is crucial for both the widespread adoption of electric vehicles and enhancing the user experience. Mercedes-Benz and Alpitronic have agreed to establish 400-kilowatt direct current fast-charging stations across the United States. These stations will be built around Alpitronic’s flagship model, the HYC400. The Hypercharger 400 delivers a charging power of up to 400kW and supports a wide output voltage range, enabling efficient and rapid charging for various types of electric vehicles. The first batch of equipment will commence deployment at Mercedes-Benz high-power charging sites in the third quarter of 2024. CCS and NACS cables will also be rolled out across the network later this year. This means both electric vehicles using the CCS charging interface standard and those employing the NACS interface standard will be able to charge seamlessly at these stations. This significantly enhances the compatibility and universality of the charging infrastructure, offering greater convenience to a wider range of electric vehicle users.

Beyond its collaboration with Mercedes-Benz, Alpitronic is actively exploring partnership models with other enterprises to continuously expand its business footprint in the American market. Its objective is clear: to secure a foothold in the US charging market by establishing an extensive charging network that delivers premium charging services to electric vehicle users, thereby carving out a share in this fiercely competitive sector.