Al patronic's New DC Fast Chargers: A Game-Changer for EV Charging Reliability?

The Need for Reliable DC Fast Chargers

As electric vehicle (EV) adoption continues to rise in the United States, the demand for high-speed DC fast chargers is growing rapidly. However, reliability has been a significant issue with many existing charging networks, often leading to frustration among EV drivers. Outside of Tesla's Supercharger network, many chargers across different networks have faced persistent reliability problems, with repairs often taking an extended period.

Introducing Al patronic

Amidst this landscape, Al patronic, a company with a strong presence in Europe, is now entering the US market with its charging equipment. Known for their highly reliable chargers in Europe, Al patronic is poised to make a significant impact on the US EV charging infrastructure.

Key Points about Al patronic:

• Founded in 2009
• Started with building components for electric vehicles
• Launched charging business in 2016
• Deployed 27,000 DC fast chargers worldwide since 2018
• Over 50,000 charging ports installed and in use
• Database of over 75 million charging sessions
• Collects data from 160,000 charging sessions daily

Mercedes-Benz Partnership

In a significant move, Mercedes-Benz has selected Al patronic as the supplier for high-speed DC fast chargers in their new charging network across the US. The first site featuring Al patronic chargers is set to open next month, marking the beginning of a broader rollout.

Al patronic's Charging Equipment

During a visit to Al patronic's North American headquarters in Charlotte, North Carolina, we got a closer look at their charging equipment:

Product Portfolio:

1. 50 kW DC fast charger
2. 200 kW DC fast charger
3. 400 kW DC fast charger (flagship model)

Features of the 400 kW Charger:

• Four power stacks, each with 100 kW capacity
• Each power stack contains two 50 kW power units
• Dynamic power sharing between cables
• Granular power allocation in 50 kW increments
• Switching matrix (output switch gear) for power distribution

Focus on Reliability

Al patronic's primary differentiator in the market is their emphasis on reliability. Here's how they aim to achieve this:

1. In-house Power Module Design: Al patronic designs and owns the power modules, giving them greater control and integration capabilities.

2. Data-Driven Improvement: Every charging session is monitored, with oscilloscope-level data collected. This data is used for product improvement and fault diagnosis.

3. Remote Diagnostics: Two-thirds of issues can be resolved remotely without sending a technician to the field.

4. Efficient On-Site Repairs: When field visits are necessary, technicians are equipped with pre-identified subassemblies for quick replacements.

5. Continuous Analysis: All replaced components are sent back to the service center for analysis and product lifecycle improvements.

Reliability Statistics:

• On average, a physical visit for repairs is required once every 20 months per charger
• For individual connectors, this translates to once every 40 months

Manufacturing and Compliance

While the headquarters is in Charlotte, the chargers are manufactured in Wisconsin, ensuring they qualify for incentives under the Inflation Reduction Act.

Technical Details and Serviceability

Brandon Flesh, an Al patronic representative, provided more insights into the technical aspects and serviceability of the chargers:

Power Electronics Expertise:

• Al patronic has been developing power electronics for the automotive world since 2009
• Experience in onboard traction inverters, DC-to-DC converters, and airplane power supplies
• Manufactures test equipment for power electronics and silicon carbide chips

Charger Components:

• About 80% of the unit is power electronics
• Incoming AC power is converted to DC through power stacks
• Output switch gear manages power distribution to different ports

Serviceability Features:

• Modular design for easy manufacturing and servicing
• Specialized cart for single-person power stack replacement
• Trained technicians can replace a power stack in under an hour
• Focus on quick part swaps to minimize downtime

Technician Training:

• Al patronic Academy provides comprehensive training
• Technicians must pass both written and functional tests
• Emphasis on proper repair procedures and safety standards

User Experience and Design

Some notable features of Al patronic's chargers include:

1. Informative Screens: Displays voltage, amperage, charging time, and a real-time charging curve

2. Robust Connector Holsters: Integrated design prevents connectors from falling out easily

3. Effective Cable Management: Systems that make cables lighter and easier to handle

4. Durability: Designed to withstand public use and potential abuse

Future Outlook

While the Al patronic chargers look promising, their true test will be in real-world conditions. Factors like weather extremes, constant use, and potential vandalism will determine their long-term reliability and durability.

Conclusion

Al patronic's entry into the US market with their high-powered, reportedly reliable DC fast chargers could be a significant development for the EV charging infrastructure. Their focus on reliability, serviceability, and user experience addresses many of the pain points currently faced by EV drivers.

However, the true measure of their success will be determined by their performance in the field. As these chargers start to deploy across the country, EV enthusiasts and industry watchers will be keen to see if Al patronic can deliver on their promises of superior reliability and user experience.

If Al patronic's chargers live up to expectations, they could play a crucial role in improving the overall EV charging experience in the US, potentially accelerating EV adoption by addressing one of the key concerns of prospective EV buyers – charging reliability.

As we move forward, it will be essential to monitor the real-world performance of these chargers, their uptime rates, and user feedback. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether Al patronic's technology truly represents the next generation of EV charging equipment that the industry has been waiting for.

Article created from: https://youtu.be/QY7lpGIf_mQ?feature=shared