Interview about Electraline Modular Charging Station Infrastructure, winner of the A' Street and City Furniture Design Award 2025
Electraline is a modular urban furniture solution that redefines EV charging hubs by integrating functionality, aesthetics, and adaptability. Its fluid, scalable design allows seamless expansion from compact installations to large hubs while maintaining a cohesive visual identity. Featuring responsibly sourced wood, sleek aluminum, and integrated LED panels, it enhances user experience with real-time information and intuitive interaction. The optional solar-equipped canopy further expands energy efficiency, making it a future-proof and sustainable public infrastructure solution.
View detailed images, specifications, and award details on A' Design Award & Competition website.
View Design DetailsThe integration of responsibly sourced wood and sleek aluminum in Electraline’s Modular Charging Station infrastructure aligns with our commitment to environmental sustainability while enhancing user experience. The choice of Douglas lasured wood brings warmth and tactile appeal, creating a welcoming atmosphere for users. Combined with its weather-resistant properties, the wood ensures durability, extending the infrastructure’s lifespan. Aluminum, particularly the painted sandblasted RAL 7021, complements the organic warmth of the wood with a modern and sleek finish, delivering a refined contrast that not only appeals aesthetically but also reduces the environmental footprint. This thoughtful material choice harmonizes modernity and sustainability, resulting in a user-friendly environment that feels as functional as it is inviting.
The modular design of Electraline allows for seamless expansion from small stations with 2 chargers to large hubs with over 40 chargers. Maintaining visual cohesion across these configurations was a critical design challenge. The modular design principle was key—whether in the ISL (Island) or EOP (End of Place) layout, the visual identity remains consistent. This is achieved through uniform use of materials like wood and aluminum, ensuring that each configuration, regardless of size, retains the same aesthetic appeal. Additionally, the optional solar-powered roof add-on provides a further layer of flexibility, adapting the stations to different environments while offering a scalable solution that meets the needs of various locations.
The optional solar-equipped canopy of Electraline significantly contributes to both energy efficiency and the future-proofing of public charging solutions. Solar panels integrated into the roof reduce reliance on external power grids, generating clean, on-site energy to power the station’s LED lighting and digital displays. This sustainability aspect not only makes the station more energy-efficient but also aligns with Electra’s vision of creating self-sufficient, eco-friendly charging infrastructures. The modularity of this roof feature ensures it can be added to smaller stations, adapting to larger hubs as needed, thus supporting future expansion.
LED panels were strategically integrated into the design to enhance user experience by providing real-time information such as charging status, availability, and pricing. These panels are positioned for optimal visibility, ensuring users can easily access the information they need. During the design process, we focused on making the screens not just functional but dynamic. The panels can also display seasonal content, promotions, or interactive elements, creating an engaging and inclusive experience for users of all backgrounds and needs. By aligning these digital features with our human-centric design approach, we’ve elevated the EV charging experience to be both practical and part of everyday life.
Balancing the technical aspects of EV charging with the need for a welcoming, aesthetic environment posed unique challenges. While technical elements such as durability, ease of use, and integration with the EV network were critical, we also wanted to create a space that felt inviting. The use of natural materials like wood, combined with sleek aluminum, allowed us to achieve this balance. The design was also informed by insights from our user research, which revealed that users appreciate intuitive, low-stress environments. Thus, we ensured that technical features like chargers, LED displays, and app connectivity were integrated seamlessly into a structure that prioritizes comfort and visual appeal.
The modularity of Electraline is key to its ability to meet both current and future EV infrastructure demands. Electraline is not a direct charging solution but an essential part of the overall infrastructure, designed to be adaptable. This allows for seamless integration of different technologies, such as adding a solar roof to enhance energy efficiency, without compromising the overall design integrity. The flexibility of this modular approach ensures that Electraline can evolve with the introduction of new technologies or infrastructure requirements while remaining compatible with long-term sustainability trends.
The integration of comfortable seating areas and shaded spaces reflects a fundamental shift in the relationship between urban furniture and EV charging requirements. By adding elements such as seating and shade, we transform the charging station into more than just a place to charge—it becomes a comfortable space where users can relax, work, or socialize while their vehicles charge. This thoughtful design addresses the increasing demand for public spaces that offer not only functionality but also comfort and social interaction. The result is a space that feels integrated into the urban landscape, encouraging longer dwell times and fostering a sense of community.
The development of Electraline was deeply influenced by extensive research and workshops. These sessions helped identify key needs, such as the importance of intuitive interfaces, comfort, and visual integration with the cityscape. While Electraline itself is not the charging solution but an integral part of the overall charging station infrastructure, the focus was on how it can enhance the user experience and strengthen the Electra brand within the larger context of the station. Our design team iterated on these insights, exploring various materials, layouts, and functionalities. The final design reflects this user-centric approach, ensuring that Electraline serves as a flexible and adaptable element within any charging station, while remaining approachable and seamlessly integrated into diverse environments.
As a Gold A’ Design Award recipient, Electraline sets a new standard for sustainable urban infrastructure. It has received positive feedback for its modularity, eco-friendly materials, and engaging user experience. Electraline is not a direct charging solution but plays an integral role in overall EV charging infrastructure. We envision Electraline influencing future urban charging solutions across Europe, promoting the adoption of sustainable materials, solar energy integration, and user-centric design. Its scalable and modular nature ensures that Electraline aligns with the growing demand for flexible, sustainable public infrastructure.
Electraline seamlessly combines functionality with urban sensitivity, playing a key role in both enhancing urban environments and reinforcing the Electra brand. The design focuses on adaptability, ensuring that Electraline can integrate smoothly into diverse urban landscapes, from modern cityscapes to more historic settings. This flexibility allows the infrastructure to maintain a strong visual identity across various environments while respecting the unique characteristics of each location.An important consideration throughout the project was the ease of deployment. Electraline’s modular design simplifies installation, enabling quick setup in various locations with minimal disruption. This approach helps to reduce operational complexity and accelerate the rollout process, making it a practical and efficient solution for cities aiming to meet the growing demand for EV infrastructure.From an economic perspective, Electraline is designed to be cost-effective and offer long-term value. Its modular nature supports future upgrades, while the use of sustainable materials and solar energy integration helps minimize operational costs and environmental impact. This focus on sustainability, adaptability, and ease of deployment strengthens the Electra brand and positions Electraline as a forward-thinking infrastructure solution that contributes to the future of urban charging infrastructure across Europe.
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