Quick Charging at Zuffenhausen Station

Stuttgart, GERMANY, 2025-10-13 – The fast-charging park of Stadtwerke Stuttgart (SWS) on the Deutsche Bahn site in the Zuffenhausen district is technologically unique: for the first time, DC fast chargers can now operate within the low-voltage grid – eliminating the need for a medium-voltage connection. This is made possible by an innovative battery technology from ADS-TEC Energy, a company based in Nürtingen, combined with the intelligent energy management system from Vector Informatik in Stuttgart. Together, these technologies help make the energy transition more efficient and optimize the use of renewable electricity in the grid. Baden-Württemberg’s Minister of Transport, Winfried Hermann, praised the regional companies’ innovations for an efficient energy transition and greater convenience in urban e-vehicle charging during the official inauguration on Monday (October 13). The state supported this pilot project with around 140,000 euros. Battery-Supported Charging as Part of the Infrastructure Strategy Minister of Transport Winfried Hermann emphasized the importance of innovative charging infrastructure in urban areas: “Innovative charging infrastructure can make electromobility even more practical for everyday use. Sometimes, charging simply has to be quick. Until now, that was often only possible in a few places in the city, because the grid connection hurdles were so high. In Zuffenhausen, thanks to smart technology, it’s now possible to charge rapidly and conveniently in an optimal location. That’s why we’re happy to support projects like this fast-charging hub.” District Mayor Saliou Gueye highlighted the project’s local importance: “The availability of suitable fast-charging infrastructure in transport-accessible hubs such as Zuffenhausen is pioneering. For the district, this means more comfort for users and greater flexibility for those switching to sustainable modes of transport.” Peter Drausnigg, Technical Managing Director of Stadtwerke Stuttgart, added: “The fast-charging stations with integrated battery storage and intelligent energy procurement control in Zuffenhausen are a strong example of how we are consistently expanding a modern, needs-based charging infrastructure in Stuttgart. This flagship project of SWS and its partners pools regional expertise and makes a decisive contribution to optimizing the energy transition.” With Stuttgart’s goal of becoming climate-neutral by 2035, Stadtwerke Stuttgart plans to provide the infrastructure for a total of 14,000 charging points in the city, including 2,000 DC fast chargers. Currently, 46 fast chargers and 1,678 AC charging points are in operation. Bundled Expertise for State-of-the-Art Charging Infrastructure The new SWS charging park on the Deutsche Bahn site at Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen station is the result of a successful regional collaboration. In close coordination with the Deutsche Bahn station management, DB BahnPark, and contractual partner Contipark, eight ultra-fast HPC (High Power Charging) stations have been installed. Here, electric vehicles can be charged with up to 300 kilowatts using 100 % green electricity from Stadtwerke Stuttgart. Depending on the vehicle, this enables a range of up to 100 kilometers within just a few minutes. A local battery storage system relieves the grid during times of high energy supply, reducing both grid expansion needs and the cost and time required to establish new fast-charging hubs. “Fast charging in urban areas is key to widespread acceptance of electromobility,” said Thomas Speidel, CEO of ADS-TEC Energy. “As seen here at the Zuffenhausen station, limited space and a lack of grid connection are often major challenges. With our systems, there’s no need for prior grid expansion. The integrated flexibility of the storage units provides high charging power and simultaneously serves as a multi-tool for the energy transition. As a Baden-Württemberg manufacturer, we’re especially pleased to realize this regional project.” Peter Guse, Senior Director Business Development at Vector Informatik, explained: “Electric vehicles reduce local emissions and fossil fuel consumption but place additional strain on power grids that weren’t designed for them. With Vector’s intelligent charging management system vCharM, we address this issue by decoupling energy demand and generation over time. This not only benefits this project but also supports decarbonization by enabling the targeted use of surplus renewable energy.” Looking ahead, Stadtwerke Stuttgart plans to further develop the Zuffenhausen fast-charging park so that customers can benefit directly from fluctuating electricity market prices. By 2026, the introduction of dynamic charging options is planned: the station’s battery will be charged when renewable electricity prices are relatively low. Cross-sector integration of photovoltaic systems at the hub is also under consideration. In addition, the battery systems are to become bidirectionally capable—meaning they could not only store electricity but also feed it back into the grid to stabilize supply when needed. Convenient Charging – New Ad Hoc Payment Model The location at Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen station is easily accessible from all directions. Charging uses 100% green electricity from Stadtwerke Stuttgart and can be activated via charging card, app (within the Intercharge network), or credit card terminal. Payment options now include PayPal, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. The new ad hoc QR code payment system offers even greater convenience. During the promotional period until the end of December 2025, charging is available for 45 cents per kilowatt-hour when paying via ad hoc payment, SWS charging card, or credit card. About Stadtwerke Stuttgart Since its founding, the Stadtwerke Stuttgart Group has been driving the local energy transition on behalf of the city of Stuttgart, together with its subsidiary Stuttgart Netze. Under the umbrella of Stadtwerke Stuttgart GmbH operate Stuttgart Netze GmbH, Stadtwerke Stuttgart Vertriebsgesellschaft mbH, Energiedienste der Landeshauptstadt Stuttgart GmbH, and ten wind and solar energy companies as engines of the energy transition. Together, they invest in resource-efficient energy generation, operate wind and photovoltaic plants, provide heating and efficiency solutions, and supply private and commercial customers with green electricity and natural gas. The group is also promoting electromobility through the expansion of charging infrastructure and its electric scooter-sharing service, stella-sharing. More information: www.vector.com/vcharm and www.stadtwerke-stuttgart.de/ladepark-zuffenhausen

About Vector Vector is a leading solution provider and trusted partner in the development and networking of software-defined systems. For over 35 years, Vector has empowered manufacturers and suppliers worldwide to create complex electronic products that meet the highest standards of functionality, security, and efficiency—primarily in the automotive industry, and increasingly in medical technology, IoT, rail, and aerospace. At the core of Vector’s portfolio is a comprehensive software ecosystem that seamlessly integrates tools, embedded software, cloud services, and engineering expertise into a high-performance development environment. Driven by technological excellence and close collaboration with customers and partners, Vector delivers tailored solutions that help manage complexity, accelerate product development, and enable forward-looking innovation. An independent company, Vector employs more than 4,500 people across 32 locations worldwide and generated more than €1 billion in revenue in 2024. Headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany, Vector maintains a global presence with offices in Austria, Brazil, China, France, India, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Romania, Sweden, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States.