Kontron AG Secures Major Order for Smart Wallboxes

Kontron AG, a leader in IoT technology, has been approved to supply smart electric vehicle charging stations for a major global car manufacturer. Series production is set to begin in July 2024.

The initial phase of the contract is valued at over EUR 200 million. The development of the fully networked charging solution will leverage the expertise of eSystems, a subsidiary acquired earlier this year as part of the Katek merger. CEO Hannes Niederhauser stated that acquiring Katek has expanded Kontron's portfolio, enhancing its offerings in solar energy and smart charging. He highlighted the cost benefits achieved by upgrading Katek products with Kontron software.

Kontron’s charging stations feature seamless networking capabilities via Ethernet, LTE, WiFi, EEBUS, MODBUS/TCP, OCPP, and ISO15118. This setup supports the smart integration of varying energy sources, such as wind and photovoltaics, with electric vehicles and the power grid. The charging systems are also designed to communicate with energy management systems and can be connected to PV systems, heat pumps, or battery storage systems.

eSystems Managing Director, Jochen Paukert, describes the technology as ‘smart charging next level,’ emphasizing that it includes remote update capabilities to address cybersecurity threats and current developments. These features enable the Wallbox to stay up-to-date via LTE or Ethernet connectivity.