With over 50 years of experience in the power electronics sector and a consolidated presence over five decades in the field of renewable energies, Ingeteam surprises again with the launch of the RAPID 420.
Who is its target audience?
During Power2drive, Dídac González Màsich, Business Development Manager for Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), revealed to Mobility Portal Europe:
“On one hand, it would be especially suitable for service stations on highways, as well as those with gas stations, cafes, among others, where users make relatively short stops.”
Additionally, it is ideal for installation in truck logistics centers or electric bus depots, which have large-capacity batteries and therefore require longer charging times than other vehicles.
Why these locations and not others?
“Because this charger is designed for the user to charge the vehicle in just 15 minutes and continue with the journey,” details the Ingeteam representative.
This makes it the perfect option to comply with the Regulation on Alternative Fuels Infrastructure (AFIR), which requires the installation of a 350 kilowatt (kW) charging point every 60 kilometers.
The goals for this equipment include improving modularity, optimizing power distribution, innovating in cable management, and offering a large screen with a QR code, which aligns with market trends.
The RAPID 420 has been designed to meet the highest standards in energy management, communication reliability, and efficiency.
In what way?
Firstly, it is compatible with the Combined Charging System (CCS) and supports the connection of up to four cables.
Being a modular unit, it allows the user to divide the energy in various ways.
For example, it is possible to “refuel” two vehicles at 210 kW each, or distribute power unevenly, such as 270 kW for one car and 150 kW for another, among other possible configurations.
Not only that, but it also has a wide operating temperature range from -35°C to 55°C, accompanied by an IP54 protection level against the ingress of liquids and solids.
Its stainless steel housing provides the highest level of protection against corrosion.
For less demanding locations, Ingeteam will offer galvanized steel options, resulting in a more economical and competitive charging solution.
This is complemented by the C-Fly System, a clear result and example of the company’s innovation potential.
“We have designed our own management system with the aim of being as lightweight and easy to manage as possible, without compromising the charging experience,” the company details during its presentation at Power2drive.
At the same time, it features a “beautiful set of LED status lights” on the front and side of the device.
These have been designed to be visible from long distances, allowing users to easily identify if the charger is available or experiencing any issues, as well as what stage of charging it is in.
Its configuration allows for managing the power supply to the vehicle while playing advertisements on the 31.5 inches screen, making it an ideal option for commercial purposes.
When will the RAPID 420 be available on the market?
According to González Màsich, the company is finalizing the necessary certifications and plans to begin mass production throughout Europe by the end of 2024.
“The next step is to bring it to our factory in the United States (US),” he anticipates to Mobility Portal Europe.
The Spanish company is making a significant investment to expand its plant located in Milwaukee, the largest city in the state of Wisconsin.
Located in a former industrial area in the Menomonee Valley of the metropolis, the building was constructed in 2011 and has generated over 150 new jobs in the region.
Until a year ago, these facilities were exclusively dedicated to manufacturing components for wind and photovoltaic energy.
In this context, Ingeteam has achieved a market share of over 36% in the US in the wind sector.
The company has a production plant of nearly 7,500 square meters in the country, with an annual manufacturing capacity of 3.7 gigawatts (GW) for the wind sector.
Currently, it is preparing its first assembly line for electric vehicle chargers, with the goal for the Milwaukee center to produce more than 13,000 units per year.
These devices will have a unit capacity ranging from 7.5 kW to 420 kW.
To achieve this, the firm has certified its fast charging equipment according to Underwriters Laboratories (UL) standards.
“We comply with ‘Made in America’, which requires 55% of components to be from the local market,” assures Juan José Figueruelo Hernández, International Sales Manager of Ingeteam.
And he emphasizes: “We are repatriating technical and software personnel to kick off this project and develop the American market.”
In this way, the company already has a presence in 22 countries, providing solid resources in terms of service and commercial support, with a highly qualified team and professionals with high goals in production and capacity.
