The world of electromobility shows no signs of slowing down, with new technologies emerging all the time.
Efiplug is no stranger to this, and alongside its seven current product lines, it is already promising to revolutionise the sector with its latest launch.
Microsmart Alba is the name of the latest eMobility innovation from the Asturian charging point manufacturer.
What is it?
It’s a new centralised charging point system equipped with smart lighting.
“They’re specifically bollards with detection that activates the lighting when someone approaches, and they’re becoming a real trend for installation in both private and public spaces,” reveals José Fermín Álvarez, Marketing Manager at Efiplug.
Speaking to Mobility Portal Europe, the specialist explains that they are already working on the first projects and preparing the first manufacturing series.
“There is significant interest from various types of customers,” he confirms.
In addition to the new Microsmart Alba bollards, Efiplug is making progress with several solutions designed to meet all the needs of their eMobility clients.
From home charging to fleet and public environments, the company caters to all areas.
Regarding the domestic market, the Efiplug Full has been optimised to include electrical protections that comply with Spanish regulations.
According to José Fermín Álvarez, the Full stands out for its all-in-one design: “The end user has everything in a single, aesthetically appealing device that is easy to install, which also simplifies the work for the installer.”
And that’s not all – it has recently been awarded for these design-related features, all “made in Spain”.
This home charger, which has been on the market for several years, continues to evolve with improvements in its integration with photovoltaic systems.
“There’s growing interest in integrating the charger with solar energy systems, although end users are still learning how to optimise this ecosystem,” Álvarez adds.
This refers to the frequent inquiries about how to maximise the use of chargers when the vehicle isn’t always available for charging while solar energy is being generated.
What’s new from Efiplug for public and semi-public charging
When focusing on public charging, José Fermín acknowledges that the company is not lagging behind.
This year, the capabilities of their solutions have been increased, allowing installation in series or parallel, which, according to Álvarez, represents a significant advantage for installers. But how?
“By offering flexibility and efficiency in larger projects,” he explains.
“The payment system is entirely unattended, allowing users to make transactions anonymously, either through the operator’s app or with a credit card via a POS terminal,” he details.
One of the most notable success stories with this technology is their collaboration with Decathlon in Spain, where these charging points are being installed at all their stores.
Customers can charge their vehicles while shopping, and the payment system enhances the user experience, a factor that helps to foster customer loyalty.
Going all-in with fast DC charging
Looking ahead to the second half of 2024, Efiplug will introduce its first public DC fast charger, marking a milestone in the company’s eMobility offering.
This charger shares dimensions with its AC counterpart and has been designed to offer faster charging speeds, generating high expectations in the sector.
Initially, it has 40 kilowatts, but there is a clear forecast for this to increase to 50 kilowatts in 2025, but patience is required.
For now, the range will span from 20, 30, and 40 kilowatts in DC.
“We expect it to be a success in the market. We already have some orders, and customers are particularly interested in the compact dimensions of the unit,” says Álvarez.
And that’s not all, as technology-driven solutions were also part of the conversation between Efiplug and Mobility Portal Europe.
Their Microsmart system promises to reduce operating costs for operators.
This centralised system allows multiple charging points to be controlled and protected from a single electrical panel, eliminating the need for an internet connection at each individual point.
“This makes it a robust and efficient solution, particularly in terms of communication and charging speed,” Álvarez explains.
The Microsmart system can reach powers of up to 40 kW, with plans to increase to 50 kW in 2025.
“Additionally, it offers operators a faster return on investment by allowing more efficient charging in the same amount of time,” he adds.
The first manufacturing series is already underway, and interest from operators and commercial customers is high.
But which markets is the company focusing on?
The Spanish brand is 100% committed to the local market, according to José Fermín Álvarez, their Marketing Manager.
But this doesn’t mean the company doesn’t have plans to expand into Europe in the coming years.
Their collaboration with companies such as Huawei and Phoenix Contact has allowed them to develop customised solutions for the specific needs of their clients, strengthening their presence in the electromobility sector.
“These agreements are a great source of pride for us,” Álvarez notes, also mentioning that while they are taking their first steps into European markets, their primary focus remains on Spain.
