Volkswagen Group is to start series production of its mobile electric vehicle charging stations next year.

The stations, based on the principle of a powerbank, can charge up to four vehicles at the same time, and can charge an EV in an average of 17 minutes.

They will be used in a pilot project in Wolfsburg this summer, and will be produced from next year at Volkswagen Group’s Hanover components plant.

Thomas Schmall, CEO of Volkswagen Group Components, said: “The development of charging infrastructure will be a key factor in the success of e-mobility.

“The flexible fast charging station can make a key contribution in this area.

“This is confirmed by the considerable interest shown by potential partners. The charging station is an element in the end-to-end responsibility of group components for the high-voltage battery – from the development of cell production competences through to recycling.

“At the same time, the transformation of heat exchanger production at the Hanover components plant will provide sustainable prospects for the future in the new e-mobility business area.”

Developers and planners have been involved in piloting the concept for the flexible fast charging station since 2018.

The charging station is based on the battery package of the Volkswagen Group’s Modular Electric Toolkit (MEB) and is designed to use its cell modules. Later, the charging station will provide a second life for batteries from electric vehicles.

The station will be produced at Volkswagen Group’s Hanover components plant, where heat exchanger production, forming part of the engine business area, will be replaced step by step by the new e-mobility business are.