Italian charging infrastructure manufacturer Alpitronic has introduced a new generation of its high-power charging system, the HYC400 Series 2, focusing on improved usability and accessibility while maintaining the same maximum charging performance as its predecessor.
The new charger retains a peak output of 400 kilowatts but introduces a redesigned interface and layout intended to improve the charging experience for electric vehicle drivers, particularly in public charging environments.
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A key change is the introduction of a larger front-facing display positioned lower on the unit. The screen size has increased from 15.6 inches to 22 inches and now functions as a touchscreen. Four physical buttons remain beneath the display, while the payment terminal has been repositioned below the screen to improve accessibility.
Charging connectors are placed on the left and right sides—or on one side depending on configuration—at the same height as the payment terminal. Additional features include floor lighting beneath the terminal to illuminate the user area, along with sensors that automatically adjust display brightness and lighting conditions.
The design has also been adapted to comply with the DIN 18040-3 accessibility guideline, enabling barrier-free access to operating elements. In the earlier version of the charger, accessible components were optional and positioned at a height of about 1,050 millimetres.
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“In public charging operations, reliable and intuitive user guidance is as important as charging power in kilowatts,” said Philipp Senoner. “With the HYC400 Series 2, we have placed an even greater emphasis on simple, self-explanatory operation. This improves the charging experience for all drivers while making operation more efficient.”
The company said the revised layout aims to address accessibility challenges that can arise when chargers are installed between two parking spaces, which can make displays difficult to reach for wheelchair users if another vehicle is parked nearby.
However, the company acknowledged that full accessibility still depends on how charging infrastructure is installed and how much space is available between vehicles.
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Technically, the HYC400 Series 2 remains largely similar to the original HYC400 model. The charger retains dimensions of 2185 × 732 × 663 millimetres and a maximum charging power of 400 kW, which can be distributed between two charging points in 50 kW increments.
The system is powered by up to four 100 kW power modules and now uses the latest silicon carbide power stacks—SiC Stack Gen 2—previously deployed in Alpitronic’s HYC1000 megawatt charging system.
Efficiency remains at up to 97.5%, according to the company.
One technical upgrade is the increase in maximum continuous current from 500 amperes in the earlier HYC400 to 600 amperes in the Series 2. Both systems support boost current of up to 600 amperes and operate within a voltage range of 150 to 1,000 volts.
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The new model will be supplied with 5-metre charging cables, whereas the earlier HYC400 offered both 3.5-metre and 5-metre options. Standby power consumption has also increased slightly to less than 100 watts, compared with 43 watts in the previous version.
Alpitronic said the HYC400 Series 2 will not replace the existing HYC400 model. Instead, both versions will remain available across Europe, allowing operators to select the charger that best fits specific installation requirements.