Welcome to another episode of 'Behind the Scenes' at greenventors. As the world moves rapidly towards emobility, the question we ask ourselves is: What does it actually take to build a nationwide fast charging network? It's not just about the physical construction of charging stations. It's about hardware resources, personnel, logistical management and so many invisible cogs working together in the background. Today, we're diving deep into the importance of rollout management. To guide us through this complex topic, we spoke with Markus Klein of generation E, a leader in the deployment of charging infrastructure, and Maria Bouillet of greenventors, an expert in sustainability, energy and the mobility transition. Sit comfortably and let us take you behind the scenes of the electric mobility revolution!
Listen to the post - here!
Mr. Klein, what sets generation E apart from others in this up-and-coming industry?
Markus Klein: First of all, there's our motto: There's no such thing as impossible. (Smiling)... I have to add "impossible almost doesn't exist". But seriously, we are often confronted with construction challenges - this applies to the desired execution details, but above all to time constraints. Especially at the change of quarter and especially now in Q4, the pace increases significantly. Our broad positioning over the entire project sequence from conception to commissioning enables us to support our customers very flexibly.
A good rollout manager brings two things to the table: technical knowledge and the ability to translate that knowledge into practical results. It's like having an experienced pilot on board to steer the ship safely through stormy waters. - Maria Bouillet, greenventors
Mrs. Bouillet, what specific added value does a greenventors rollout manager offer for operators of fast charging networks in the rapidly developing area of electromobility?
Maria Bouillet: A good rollout manager brings two things with him: technical knowledge and the ability to translate this knowledge into practical results. It's like having an experienced pilot on board, steering the ship safely through stormy waters.
Many customers want to provide components and then deliver them "just in time" to the construction site. If there are delays, the construction site is at a standstill and this causes costs. Markus Klein, generation E
Mr. Klein, what are the typical "stumbling blocks" you encounter in the rollout management of HPC charging parks?
Markus Klein: Oh, where do I start? It's often like a giant puzzle. The collaboration between so many parties - clients, planners, construction service providers, operators, network operators and authorities - can be complex. The stumbling blocks from the latter two have to be "priced in"; here we have minimal influence and have to arrange ourselves in the best possible way. Other stumbling blocks we can very well influence and permanently remove. This lies in logistics. Many customers want to provide components and then deliver them "just in time" to the construction site. If there are delays here, the construction site is at a standstill and this causes unnecessary costs and additional risks. We therefore offer to take over the storage and logistics for our customers and ensure that everything is in the right place at the right time.
Mrs. Bouillet, in view of the recent award of the German network: Where do you see capacity-related bottlenecks among the operators of fast-charging infrastructure networks and how can greenventors support in this context?
Maria Bouillet: We recognize that there can be bottlenecks when rolling out fast charging infrastructure networks, as communication with many different stakeholders has to be done at the same time. greenventors can support you with tailor-made solutions and advice. In fact, we see this as an excellent opportunity to take rollout management to a new level together.
For me, [the ideal client] is someone who understands both the vision and the practical aspects of the project. They have clear requirements, but are also open to suggestions when challenges arise. - Markus Klein, generation E
Mr. Klein, what makes the “ideal” client for you?
Markus Klein: For me, it is someone who understands both the vision and the practical aspects of the project. You have clear requirements, but are also open to suggestions when challenges arise. It is important that you work hand-in-hand and that everyone brings their know-how or wishes to the location.
What role does advice play in supporting charging infrastructure operators?
Maria Bouillet: Organizational consulting is crucial here. It helps operators set up the right processes, clarify their vision, minimize risks and take advantage of opportunities. At greenventors we combine technical expertise with a deep understanding of the market to show our customers the best path forward.
Organizational consulting is just one aspect of our holistic approach. We consider the entire value chain of a fast charging park - from the identification of the right location to the construction and operation of the charging park. Thus, our activities "energieparkmakler by greenventors" aim at identifying and contractually securing optimal locations, which in our view lays the foundation for a successful realization. - Maria Bouillet, greenventors
Mrs. Bouillet, how important is organizational consulting in the context of your activities at greenventors?
Maria Bouillet: Organizational consulting is only one aspect of our holistic approach. We look at the entire value chain of a fast charging park - from identifying the right location to building and operating the charging park. Thus, our activities "energieparkmakler by greenventors" aim at identifying and contractually securing optimal locations, which in our view lays the foundation for a successful realization.
And how do you then support your partners and customers in the implementation and operation of these fast charging parks?
Maria Bouillet: When it comes to implementing these projects, specialized partners like generation E are essential, and this is precisely where we can provide operators and investors with additional resources in project management and rollout management. After all, every charging park that is built also has to be operated. Here, too, we are ready and waiting: With experts who have years of operational experience. They not only help optimize existing processes, but also provide support in establishing new and more efficient processes. Our claim is to be a reliable support for our partners and customers from start to finish in order to successfully and sustainably realize electromobility.
Mr. Klein, how do you see the future of electromobility?
Markus Klein: Electromobility is more than just a trend; it is the future of transportation. With increasing environmental awareness and technological advances, the demand for fast charging infrastructure will continue to increase. Generation E will continue to be at the forefront of supporting and driving this revolution forward.
Mrs. Bouillet, in conclusion: How can the collaboration between generation E and greenventors advance the electromobility revolution?
Maria Bouillet: The combination of technical know-how from generation E and the consulting expertise of greenventors can form a powerful alliance to effectively promote electromobility.
Thank you very much for the insightful conversation, Mr. Klein and Ms. Bouillet. It is fascinating to see how much planning, coordination and expertise goes into building a fast charging infrastructure. Thank you to our listeners for your time and interest. Until next time on 'Behind the Scenes' at greenventors!
In today's episode of 'Behind the Scenes', we took a deep dive into the complex world of fast charging infrastructure. While the electromobility revolution is front and center, it's the behind-the-scenes effort, planning and coordination that make such a transformation possible. Mr. Klein of generation E and Mrs. Bouillet of greenventors walked us through the technical, logistical and strategic aspects of this evolution, and it's clear that it takes more than technology to succeed. It takes passion, expertise and collaboration. With companies like generation E and greenventors at the forefront, we can be optimistic about the future of electric mobility. It's conversations like these that remind us how much commitment and innovation is happening in the background to facilitate the transition to more sustainable mobility for all of us.