Every component of the electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure must adapt and evolve continuously.
Therefore, Johannes Knoll, Regional Sales Manager of the Swiss-based company BRUGG eConnect, reveals to Mobility Portal Europe:
“At the moment, one of our main focuses is the United States (US) market with its Combined Charging System (CCS type 1) and the North American Charging Standard (NACS), which will soon be of interest to Europe too.”
As their names suggest, while CCS type 2 is widely used in Europe and gaining adoption in other regions, NACS is gaining traction in North America.
“Since Tesla is opening their fast-charging network to non-Tesla EVs and companies like Ford and Mercedes-Benz have agreed to adopt its charging standard (NACS), this connector type has become a major focus for us,” explains the executive.
Thus, BRUGG eConnect’s strategic focus for the US market involves adapting its electric vehicle charging portfolio to meet the demands of the CCS type 1 and NACS connectors.
This move not only responds to the growing demand for charging infrastructures in the US but also reaffirms its ambition to maintain a leading position in the European market.
On the other hand, the company’s “latest big push” focuses on India, a rapidly growing and considerably exponential market.
While the Indian market presents significant differences compared to Europe, the Swiss corporation already has an established presence in the country.
On the other hand, due to the characteristics of the corporation, 90 per cent of the customers supplied in the EV business are charging station manufacturers.
In fact, well-known manufacturers like Kempower, Ekoenergetyka, and Nidec already trust their products.
Their eMobility portfolio includes a direct current (DC) charging cables and connectors, also providing “customized solutions”.
In other words, they adapt to specific desires and different needs.
An example of this is BRUGG eConnect’s relationship with the well-known Formula-E.
This is a category of single-seater electric race cars that requests a customized cable.
The race cars are being charged in a matter of seconds and the charging cables need to be super robust while being able to withstand strong traction and torsional forces.
BRUGG eConnect also works on solutions for bus and eTruck fleets.
There, the environment of the charging process is often more challenging than in public charging hubs.
That’s why the firm developed a compact and robust Combo Charging System type 2 (CCS Type 2) connector, which has an IP69 protection class and is hardly breakable.
It boasts high durability, which helps save costs in the long run.
E-mobility trends in Switzerland
The charging sector in Switzerland is “notably diverse, without a main regulation applicable to all users and regions,” according to Knoll.
The situation varies significantly depending on the location, resembling a set of states with different possibilities.
For example, some cantons offer subsidies for the purchase of electric cars, while others focus on subsidizing the development of the charging station network.
Decisions in certain cantons favour businesses more, while in other regions, benefits are primarily directed towards electric vehicle owners.
Thus, the type of available support or subsidy largely depends on the region.
Overall, the situation in Switzerland is quite favorable compared to other European countries as it boasts one of the best charging networks in terms of the ratio of charging stations per electric vehicle owner.
Developments in the EV charging market
New developments in sustainable mobility are pointing towards faster and more powerful stations.
Knoll states: “The latest advancements in our industry, whether in France, Germany, or any other country, indicate that most companies and manufacturers are focused on developing 400-kilowatt stations or even more powerful.”
Recently, charging solutions of 500, 600, and even 700 kilowatts are becoming more common, with a trend towards liquid-cooled charging solutions to achieve these high power levels.
BRUGG eConnect’s cable solution for such charging powers is the patented “PURWIL connect 850” which allows currents of up to 850 amperes.
Regarding truck charging, there are already 600 kilowatt stations and with the Megawatt Charging System (MCS) becoming more and more of a topic, charging solutions of up to 1250 kilowatts are being developed.
While the standard for this system has not been defined yet, it is expected to be finalized in the upcoming months and BRUGG eConnect is developing its own MCS cable and connector solution for charging powers of 1000-4500 kilowatts.
“The pace of development is rapid and most EVs do not match the development of those charging powers yet,” maintains Knoll.
He continues: “I do not expect regular EVs to reach this level anytime soon but our industry must continue to be innovative to stay ahead. Nevertheless, MCS will most likely be a topic for huge vehicles such as HDVs, ships, and huge construction machines.”
BRUGG eConnect’s road in eMobility
Born in the Swiss city of Brugg, as its name indicates, it has been manufacturing and specializing in cable production for more than 125 years, positioning itself as one of the leading producers.
Johannes Knoll comments: “Our main objective aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly with number 13, focused on climate action.”
“It is a fundamental commitment for us. By manufacturing and supplying cable solutions for different industries such as the EV charging and wind energy sector, we seek to contribute significantly to this global effort,” elaborates the executive.
BRUGG eConnect manufactures cables for various industries, with its main focus on the EV charging market, offering cable solutions for charging currents of 150 up to 850 amperes.
What sets them apart from other suppliers is their ability to manufacture both the cable and the charging connector, allowing them to offer complete solutions, without the need to acquire certain components from third parties.
