Munich. For nearly 50 years now, Designworks has been
shaping the face of the mobility of tomorrow. One of the design
agency’s most recent projects consists of a commission from IONITY to
design a European high-power-charging (HPC) network for electric
vehicles. IONITY is a joint venture between the BMW Group, Daimler,
Ford, and Volkswagen AG pursuing the objective of making e-mobility
ready for long-distance travel.
IONITY design to dispel concerns about range.
IONITY has briefed Designworks to design the charging station
architecture, the charger pylons, and the digital interaction concept.
The designers’ commission consists of furnishing IONITY with a
recognizable, welcoming and leading-edge visual identity in Europe,
whilst significantly improving the electric charging experience. The
goal is to dispel concerns about range and make electromobility more
attractive for long-distance travel. “For selection of the design
partner, our criteria included a comprehensive understanding of future
mobility as well as experience outside of the automotive industry,
competence in both analog and digital interfaces, pronounced
intercultural expertise, and the ability to develop concepts with a
view to future contexts,” says Michael Hajesch, CEO at IONITY.
“In creating the first Pan-European HPC network, we are looking
to give electromobility a boost toward a breakthrough in Europe.
Design, with the tremendous potential it has to reach people and
influence them in a positive manner, is a key factor for us
here”, Hajesch added.
A face for fast electric charging in Europe.
Using IONITY’s corporate identity and the core issues of e-mobility
as a starting point, the design team developed an independent
aesthetic vocabulary intended to establish IONITY fast-charging
stations as beacons along Europe’s principal transport routes. In
alignment with the spirit of e-mobility, the charging
station-architecture transmits a sense of space that is open, light,
clear, and user-friendly. It was important to the team that the design
be highly inviting in character. Therefore, the creative concept of
the IONITY station translates the DNA of hospitality into an
architectural ambience radiating a special kind of appeal, day and night.
The design aesthetics of the charging station can also be seen in the
charging pylons: Streamlining all elements down to their geometrical
foundation, well-defined, large radii, taut surfaces, and balanced
proportions contribute to the overall inviting impression and give the
charging pylon a welcoming appearance. In an intuitive manner, the
clear design conveys the user friendliness and speed in charging,
which has significantly increased in comparison to today’s standard.
The seamless integration of a touchscreen user interface, holder, and
charger plug contribute to this clarity, reinforcing the message of an
uncomplicated user experience.
At night, the charging pylons will be illuminated with what appears
to be a free-floating light ring, seated on top of the slender
charger’s body, using light or color changes to communicate
information about charge status to users.
„In order to create holistic experiences, it is imperative to give
product and interaction design equal attention and to ensure an
integrated process”, says Holger Hampf, president of Designworks.
„The design of IONITY´s charging poles conveys the value of this
approach: We have involved customers in the design process and thought
about every analogue and digital detail until we reached a solution
that will truly enable a new kind of charging experience” he continues.
Design for the mobility of tomorrow.
The name Designworks has been behind a variety of pioneering mobility
projects in the automotive, aviation and rail industry as well as in
the fields of infrastructure, construction and agriculture. With the
IONITY station design, Designworks is adding a further milestone to
its portfolio along the path to the mobility of tomorrow and shaping
the face of what is currently one of Europe’s most exciting
infrastructure projects.
IONITY is planning to have 400 stations along Europe´s major highways
up and running by the end of 2020. The charging stations, each of
which will be offering up to six chargers are equipped with the latest
e-charging technology. They will be easily accessible for the public
situated at a distance of approximately 120 km from each other. IONITY
uses the European charging standard “Combined Charging
System” (CCS) with a charging capacity of up to 350 kW and
thereby will provide cross – brand compatibility with most present day
and future electric vehicles. IONITY is dedicated to making electro
mobility a feasible proposition for long-distance journeys. The joint
venture has been established by partners with an equal share in the
business and welcomes further partners interested in expanding the
network over the medium to long term.
From 11. – 15. June 2018, IONITY and Designworks will jointly present
the design of the new charging poles at CEBIT, Europe’s Business
Festival for Innovation and Digitization. At a podium talk on 14.
June, Holger Hampf (President of BMW Group Designworks) and Frank
Plaschka (Manager Communications at IONITY) will discuss the role of
design in shaping tomorrow´s mobility solutions. (Hall 26, Expert
Stage, Start 10.30 AM).
In the event of inquiries, please contact:
Birgit Pucklitzsch, Manager Communications
Designworks, A BMW Group Company
Tel: +49-151-6052-4026, Fax: +49-89-548-49399
E-mail: birgit.pucklitzsch@bmwgroupdesignworks.com
Internet: www.bmwgroupdesignworks.com
Sophie Seidenath, BMW Group Design Communications
Tel: +49-89-382-27473, Fax: +49-89-382-28567
BMW Group Innovation and Design Communications
E-mail: www.presse@bmw.de
Internet: www.press.bmwgroup.com
About Designworks
Designworks is a creative consultancy that has been driving
innovation for more than forty years. Acquired by BMW Group in 1995,
Designworks enables its parent company as well as
internationally-renowned clients outside the automotive industry to
grow their businesses through design and creative consulting services.
With studios in Los Angeles, Munich and Shanghai and with clients
including BMW, MINI, Rolls Royce, HP, Corsair, Coca Cola, Konica
Minolta, Selle Royal, Shell, Siemens Trains and Singapore Airlines,
Designworks is deeply immersed in a broad cross-section of industries.
About IONITY Gmbh
IONITY is based in Munich and was founded in 2017; it is a joint
venture of the BMW Group, Daimler AG, Ford Motor Company and the
Volkswagen Group including Audi and Porsche. IONITY’s mission is to
build an extensive and reliable High-Power Charging network (HPC) for
electric vehicles in Europe to make comfortable long-distance travel a
reality. IONITY has been able to secure attractive national and
international locations through its strong cooperation partners.
IONITY is an internationally registered trademark.