Charge Construct, a developer specializing in high-power charging parks, has announced a collaboration with Switch, a London-based provider of charging software. The partnership seeks to broaden the electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure in Germany, focusing on the deployment of high-performance charging (HPC) hubs.
Charge Construct has secured notable deals, including a framework agreement to install fast-charging infrastructure at 200 locations for the German discounter Norma. Switch’s role in this collaboration lies in being the only OCPP 2.0.1 certified charging system that fully supports ISO 15118-2/-20, reflecting its commitment to international EV communication standards.
Marc Mültin, the founder of Switch, brings over thirteen years of experience in the e-mobility sector, actively contributing to international EV communication standards. His recent venture gained attention when ABB, a major industry player, decided to invest in the “deep-tech startup” in April 2023.
Switch’s flagship product, the Josev charger operating system, seamlessly connects to a cloud-based management platform that incorporates the latest standards. ABB recognized the value of these protocols in preventing a lock-in effect and fostering interoperable solutions across the EV industry. Furthermore, Switch is actively developing an open-source stack called ‘Josev Community’ and a charger-agnostic management platform catering to various customer segments and geographies.
Charge Construct anticipates various benefits from integrating Switch’s management platform, including increased availability and reliability of charge points, reduced maintenance costs, and enhanced cost-effectiveness for end users. Adrian Zierer, CEO of Charge Construct, expressed confidence in the collaboration, stating, “All the fundamentals are in place, too. Switch is Eichrecht compliant and integrated into Hubject’s world-leading roaming platform.”
In a recent development, Switch introduced the Switch Approved program, inviting EV charger manufacturers to test and confirm the functionality of OCPP 2.0.1 specific system components, underlining their commitment to industry standards and innovation. This collaboration signifies a significant step towards enhancing the EV infrastructure landscape in Germany, with both Charge Construct and Switch contributing to positive advancements in the sector.
