Hardware, software, partners: the perfect ecosystem of electric mobility

Constant technological innovation and new invaluable partnerships. At Enel X we have found the right mix to accelerate the evolution of e-Mobility.

Expand the number of recharging infrastructures, speed up energy pit stops and open up to new markets.  Ambitious challenges for e-Mobility, but necessary steps for taking sustainable mobility to a new level.

Making the experience of using an electric vehicle increasingly tailored to one’s daily needs is the key to opening the doors of e-Mobility to an increasing number of drivers. At Enel X we have decided to tackle the issue on two fronts which are essential and interconnected: technological development and the establishment of invaluable partnerships.

The charging experience, an ultrafast journey

The diffusion of e-Mobility is inevitably linked to the widespread diffusion of charging stations. However, the speed of the energy pit stop is also an increasingly pivotal issue in the future of electric mobility.

Think of urban drivers who don’t have access to private parking or overnight facilities. Or to all those commuters who want to travel between home and work in a more sustainable and cheaper way. Providing a comfortable, convenient and above all fast-charging experience is in the best interest of spreading electric mobility: in making the choice, waiting times should not be an obstacle.

This is why we have decided to make our know-how applicable by developing even faster charging infrastructures. The first piece of the puzzle, much more than symbolic, was placed a few weeks ago in Rome, right in the Capital’s Enel X Store, with the inauguration of the first ultrafast charging station.

The store features 4 JuicePump Ultra 350, solutions designed to reach full energy in only 20 minutes. A revolutionary time-saving solution that guides the choices of e-drivers and is a first step towards the creation of a network of HPC (High Power Charging) charging infrastructures throughout the entire country.

We want to transform the charging experience into a journey: a sustainable itinerary, able to accompany the driver throughout the day with alternative infrastructures according to one’s needs at the time. At home? Let the JuiceBox take care of it. A quick recharge while shopping or a full energy boost while at work? Presenting the JuicePole and Juice Pole Mini. A medium-long-range trip or a relaxing weekend with zero emissions? Leave it up to the JuicePump to forge the mobility energy revolution to cross any boundaries.

Cutting-edge hardware and software

The diffusion of these ultrafast charging stations is just the latest example of our earnest approach oriented towards technological development. The continuous search for solutions that respond proactively to the evolving market is an enabling factor for us. It is only on the basis of this vision that over the years we have been able to create a genuine charging ecosystem that combines advanced hardware and software accessible to everyone, and at any time of the day.

With the JuicePass app - within the reach of all e-drivers and a smartphone - and the JuiceNet Manager platform for companies, we have provided everyone with digital and customized keys for mobility energy transition. In-house solutions that, with their intuitiveness and quick use, are already encouraging the switch to electric.

But to give new life to our path - and make the charging journey increasingly future-proof - Enel X has also joined three projects on lithium batteries, presented in the context of the second IPCEI. The objective is to make our contribution to the technological evolution of batteries, aiming at extending their life - closely related to recharging times - and making them safer for the environment, in terms of both producing and disposing of them.

Invaluable partnerships, the key to a green change

The collaboration of all the players in the automotive industry is fundamental in the evolutionary process of electric mobility. The projects launched in Italy regarding ultrafast stations with Porsche Italia and Q8 and IP are indisputable proof demonstrating how all the players in the field have clearly focused ideas and want to collaborate in total unison. However, experience has shown us how the participation in reality - even if not directly connected to the realm of mobility - can act as a driving force and incentive.

Let’s consider, for instance, the example of how it was done with Vestas and the electrification of their corporate fleets in all their workplaces for 15 of the company's major markets in Europe and America. Or to the agreement concluded with Novartis, thanks to whose collaboration we were able to focus our attention on the positive correlation between conversion to electric and the beneficial effects on citizens' health, in a joint study presented to the 2020 Italian Municipal Assembly.

We are confident that the collaboration between different core businesses can offer new perspectives for the diffusion of electric mobility. This explains the reason for the partnership with McDonald’s Italy which will lead to the installation of 200 charging points by the end of 2021 inside the car parks of their 100 fast food restaurants located throughout the peninsula. Private columns on public land: a mix that once again certifies Enel X's intention to make the diffusion of its infrastructure network as widespread and driver-friendly as possible.

An open approach

E-Mobility has no boundaries and can launch new ones. The collaboration with Weiltmeister, a Shanghai-based automotive company specializing in the creation of electric battery vehicles, will involve charging infrastructure, software and hardware, V2G and other aspects and is an example of how alliances can create shared values.

At Enel X, we will provide intelligent charging solutions and one-stop after-sales services for Weltmeister Auto products exported to overseas markets, such as the European Union and South East Asia. A unique opportunity to accelerate the process of penetration of electric mobility and joint solutions into new markets.

In our pursuit for sustainability, we have also partnered with Uber, placing JuiceEco at the core, a certified energy supply service produced from 100% renewable sources available in the United States. All motorists who own a battery-powered car will be able to recharge with zero-emission electricity, at an even more favorable price.

An "open" approach, which has had us convinced for some time to acquire a 12.5% stake in Hubject, the largest electric mobility platform in Europe boasting over 600 commercial partners and 200,000 interoperable charging points throughout the world. Because the main imperative for enabling the spread of electric mobility remains the same: the spread of the charging network and ease of access to the stations.

The time has come to project electric mobility to yet a higher level, within which the charging experience will become increasingly advanced, easy and borderless. All that’s left to do is to get on board and design new routes on the e-Mobility journey. In the realization that wherever you’ll go, there will always be a sustainability totem at your reach to accompany you on your journey.