Italian fast-charging station manufacturer Alpitronic has officially launched its US headquarters in Charlotte, North Carolina, marking a pivotal step in the company’s North American expansion strategy. Celebrations accompanied the operational launch as Alpitronic reaffirms its $9.3 million investment plan, with the ambitious goal of creating up to 300 jobs in the United States. The new headquarters spans over 6,000 square meters and includes advanced facilities such as a diagnostics lab, a repair center, a spare parts warehouse, and a training center to support its growing presence in the region.
Philipp Senoner, CEO of Alpitronic, expressed the company’s excitement about the move. “The US market is the next logical step for us,” Senoner said. “Our high-power chargers are proving their worth in Europe, and we want to make the transition to electromobility as easy as possible in the USA too. With very different mobility needs, the USA offers enormous potential and is particularly exciting for our entire product range, which we are constantly developing further.” The decision to establish operations in North Carolina aligns with the state’s burgeoning reputation as a hotspot for green technology and electric vehicle production.
Alpitronic has already secured a key partnership in the United States. Its Hypercharger 400 model will be integrated into the Mercedes-Benz High Power Charging network, part of the automaker’s initiative to build a robust fast-charging infrastructure across the country. “We are delighted that our Hypercharger 400 will be integrated into the planned Mercedes-Benz DC fast charging network,” Senoner added. “This will ensure a fast and reliable charging experience for users. I am particularly proud that our launch team has made this partnership possible.”
The first batch of fast chargers will be installed in states such as Texas, Florida, and California, with production already underway at Alpitronic’s new facility in Appleton, Wisconsin. The production plant, operational since June, is aligned with President Biden’s infrastructure policies and the “Buy America” program, which allows companies to benefit from additional subsidies for US-manufactured goods. According to Alpitronic, the first US-built charging stations will be available for public use by October 2024.
Alpitronic emphasizes the reliability of its fast-charging stations, boasting an uptime of 97.5 percent, significantly higher than the US average of 72.5 percent. The company has established an extensive service and repair network to maintain this high level of reliability, ensuring that any defective stations can be repaired within four hours. This swift response time is critical in maintaining the operational effectiveness of the charging infrastructure.
The decision to establish its US headquarters in Charlotte is a strategic one, as North Carolina continues to position itself as a major hub for electric vehicle manufacturing and green technology. The state’s proximity to a large port on the Eastern Seaboard and its growing manufacturing activity make it an ideal location for Alpitronic’s North American operations.