graft and E.ON complete first prototype for ultra fast charging stations in germany

DRIVING toward the future of mobility

together with E.ON drive, global architecture and design studio GRAFT together with GRAFT brandlab develops a prototype for an ultra-fast electric charging station. the project is defined by an innovative, extendable system of modules capable of adapting to the future requirements of electric vehicles. the design creates a high-quality stopover environment that provides both customers and suppliers with a range of functions and additional services not commonly associated with filling stations. E.ON drive and graft’s design for ultra-fast charging stations breaks new ground by placing emphasis on user experience, thus contributing to the technology’s establishment in society.

UPDATE SEPTEMBER 1ST, 2021: the first prototype has just been realized at E.ON’s headquarters in essen, germany. following their completion, GRAFT unveils the latest images of the design-minded, forward-thinking infrastructure.

images by © michael romstöck, courtesy of graft | @graft.official
header video © brick visual solutions zrt.

green, high-tech, and design-minded

GRAFT and GRAFT brandlab designs the ultra-fast E.ON charging stations with an elegant steel roof construction that extends up and over the user like a bright, airy canopy. the station’s design creates a defined space that is protected from the elements, transforming the charging area into a place of rest. lighting integrated into the frame automatically activates when the charging zone is occupied, creating a clearly specified, safe and comfortable space. these frames can be configured in different ways — either featuring an opaque roof with or without greenery, or a glass roof with or without integral photovoltaic panels. when implemented, the photovoltaic system supplies energy for the lounge and the integrated media technology. slats beneath the roof act as filters, modulating and channeling sunlight into the charging bay area. the precision and dynamism of the construction underlines E.ON’s brand identity and consumer experience.

based on two basic modules, graft’s system for E.ON can cater to a wide variety of charging and parking situations — the smaller of the two modules can be combined to form XS or S stations. with a rectangular footprint of around 3.5 meters × 5 meters, it was developed for use in existing car parks and service areas. its clever geometry makes it possible to provide partially covered parking for one to two spaces. its self-supporting steel structure allows the modules to be extended linearly to create smaller drive-through variants with up to four charging points. such stations are also suitable for urban contexts, providing covered barrier-free parking in parallel or angled configurations.

a MODULAR charging station

with a hexagonal footprint, the larger graft charging station module can be used for M and L stations. the first generation of M stations are designed as drive-through solutions equipped with four to eight charging points, while the L stations, with six to eight charging points, incorporate a customer lounge for use during charging cycles. in the future, the modular concept can be extended to create XL hubs of varying sizes with additional amenities such as shops, food provision, leisure, spas, fitness and entertainment.

embodying similar principles in order to ensure a high-quality stopover experience, the station lounges feature fully glazed external walls that create a sheltered space open to the surroundings. natural materials are used throughout the interior to create a restful, relaxing atmosphere. media elements are also incorporated in to the design, for example touch screens integrated in the furniture, which enable customers to communicate directly with suppliers.

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project info:

project: infrastructure, charging stations, electro mobility

design: graft | @graft.official

location: essen, germany (with future locations in the UK, czech republic, slovakia, hungary, sweden, denmark, norway)

client: E.ON

partner: GRAFT brandlab

video: © brick visual solutions zrt.

founding partners: lars krückeberg, wolfram putz, thomas willemeit

partner: dennis hawner

project leads: caroline lossack, sebastian maßmann

design team: benedikt boschert, chrisanthi karta, dorian mandzukic, emma rytoft, haotian yang, jerzy gabriel, jesus navarro murcia, laurent thill, leon jakob seibert, luis tomas, marta piaseczynska-karaivanov, marvin bratke, philip weibhauser, sebastian gernhardt, sorin-gabriel gosa, veronika partelova, yue xiao

project timeline: 2018 — ongoing

status: completion of first prototype

photography: © michael romstöck