Swiss oil company Avia has introduced a groundbreaking charging station with a charging power of 600 kW, making it the fastest in the world.
The innovation, showcased at the Auto Zurich motor show, is part of Avia Volt’s broader strategy to expand into charging infrastructure, battery storage, and customized solutions as fuel sales are projected to decline by 2050, Blick reports.
A Solution for eight Transport
The new charging station is designed primarily for trucks, a sector where electrification faces unique challenges.
Heavy batteries reduce payload capacity, increase costs, and limit range.
Avia’s solution involves using smaller batteries combined with more frequent charging, made viable by ultra-fast chargers.
With its 600 kW power, the station can charge a 44-tonne truck in just 90 minutes, significantly reducing downtime for logistics operators. Avia Volt has already partnered with Hugelshofer, a logistics company that will be the first to adopt the new technology.
Charging infrastructure has advanced rapidly.
Early electric vehicle chargers provided just 50 kW of power, while modern fast chargers offer between 150 and 350 kW. Avia Volt’s 600 kW station marks a major step forward, demonstrating the potential for high-efficiency charging for heavy-duty vehicles.
Passenger cars will also see improvements in charging technology.
Tesla, for example, plans to roll out 500 kW charging stations starting next year, though not all models will benefit from the upgrade.
Despite the progress, the charging infrastructure sector faces hurdles, including shutdowns and bankruptcies. Avia’s efforts represent a bold move to innovate and diversify as the energy landscape shifts toward electrification.
