Italian fast-charging station manufacturer Alpitronic has officially opened its US headquarters in Charlotte, North Carolina, marking a significant milestone in its North American operations. The company announced its plans for the headquarters in May 2023, with an investment commitment of $9.3 million aimed at creating up to 300 jobs in the USA.
Spanning over 6,000 square meters, the new site is equipped with essential facilities, including a diagnostics laboratory, repair center, spare parts warehouse, and a training center. This infrastructure is designed to support Alpitronic's goal of facilitating the transition to electromobility in the United States.
Philipp Senoner, CEO of Alpitronic, emphasized the strategic importance of entering the US market, stating, “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.” He noted the diverse mobility needs in the US, which present substantial opportunities for the company's continually evolving product range.
Alpitronic has already secured a key partnership with Mercedes-Benz High Power Charging, integrating its Hypercharger 400 into the automaker's upcoming fast-charging network. The first charging stations will be deployed in Texas, Florida, and California, contributing to a fast and reliable user experience.
In a bid to streamline production, Alpitronic will manufacture these hyperchargers at a facility in Appleton, Wisconsin. This plant is already operational, with the first units expected to be publicly available in October. The initiative aligns with President Biden's infrastructure policies that promote US-manufactured goods, with additional subsidies available under the “Buy America” program.
The company highlights the reliability of its fast charging stations, boasting an uptime of 97.5%, significantly higher than the US average of 72.5%. An extensive service and repair network is also in place, ensuring that any defective stations can be repaired within four hours, a crucial factor for maintaining high uptime rates.
North Carolina's strategic location, known as a burgeoning hub for green technology and electric vehicles, further enhances Alpitronic's operational advantages. The state's large port on the Eastern Seaboard has attracted significant manufacturing activity in recent months, positioning Alpitronic well for future growth in the region.
