In Bingen, Porsche launches into the brave new world of electric refueling

In Bingen, previously known primarily for the Mäuseturm in the Rhine, Porsche is launching its new service for the electric faction among its clientele. The sports car manufacturer has now opened the first premium charging station on the edge of the 61 freeway. At six pillars, electricity of up to 300 kW can be charged into the battery and the waiting time can be spent in a lounge. The station was designed by the F. A. Porsche design studio and implemented by a Berlin-based architectural firm.

"It's not enough to put a great electric vehicle on the road," says Porsche Germany boss Alexander Pollich, "we also have to take care of charging." In addition to the existing service offerings at Porsche Centers or selected restaurants, hotels, and golf courses and participation in the Ionity fast-charging network, the next step now comes with Porsche Charging Lounges, which are to be opened throughout Europe in the future and will supply electricity exclusively to Porsche customers. According to the company's plans, the stations will be built in the coming years on the most important traffic arteries in Europe at intervals of 200 to 250 kilometers. Following the premiere in Bingen, further lounges will soon open in Würzburg and Ingolstadt. Hamburg and Timmendorf are also on the list, and Switzerland and Austria will follow.

"We will continue to expand the fast charging network with Ionity and our dealers will continue to invest in charging technology. But we have also decided to expand the charging lounges in Europe to make the idea of hassle-free travel with an electric vehicle a reality for our customers," Pollich said. "Bingen is a prototype that we want to use to try out how it all works," Pollich explains. The station on the edge of the highway belongs to Porsche dealer Scherer, which in turn leases the facility to Porsche.

Bingen was chosen because the charging park is located in the immediate vicinity of highway 61, which is also used by many Belgians and Dutch on their way south. In addition, Bingen is located in the triangle formed by Frankfurt, Hockenheimring and Nürburgring. The interior design of the lounge, where drinks and snacks can be purchased, is deliberately businesslike. "Above all, our customers want to travel quickly," explains a Porsche spokesperson.

Six national pillars with a maximum charging capacity of 300 kW and four pillars with 22 kW for plug-in hybrid drivers are located on the compact site. "If necessary, we can exchange two of the 22-kW pillars for 300-kW chargers," says a Porsche spokesperson, looking to the future. That could become necessary sooner than previously thought. Next year, the Macan will be launched as an e-model, and Porsche plans to have 80 percent e-vehicles in production by 2030. Porsche charges 33 cents per kilowatt hour when billing is done via the Porsche app. In addition, there is the option of paying by credit card. Then the rate triples to 99 cents. (aum/ww)