Mahle subsidiary presents ‘world’s smallest wallbox’

With the ‘smallBOX’, Mahle subsidiary chargeBIG has presented a new wallbox. It is characterised by its particularly compact size and will be available in two versions. The catch is that the, according to Mahle, 'world's smallest wallbox' cannot be used independently.

The smallBOX is available as an ECO version with a charging capacity of 7.4 kilowatts and as a PRO version with a charging capacity of 22 kW, as Mahle reports. However, anyone who thinks of the term ‘wallbox’ as a charger that can be mounted on the wall in your home garage with just an electric cable is mistaken in this case. Although Mahle refers to the smallBox as a wallbox in the press release, it is actually the charging point of the chargeBIG charging system – and is thus dependent on other components.

The subsidiary chargeBIG initially emerged from an internal Mahle startup incubator and has developed a charging system that can be used to equip large car parks with charging points as cost-effectively as possible. Instead of relying on classic wallboxes as AC charging points, chargeBIG has installed all the charging technology in a central control cabinet. Only very compact devices are installed at the parking space itself, which deliver the electricity to the vehicles – the smallBOX.

In other words, the smallBOX relies on a central charge distribution unit called the chargeCLUSTER. chargeBIG offers this in three sizes: the S variant can control two smallBOXes, the M version can control six, and the chargeCLUSTER L can centrally manage up to 36 charging points. ” This new, modular approach makes it possible to respond flexibly to customer demands while further optimizing the costs per charging point,” says Mahle. “The launch of the new chargeCLUSTER charging distributor means all chargeBIG smallBOX charging systems are equipped with dynamic load management and can be billed in compliance with calibration regulations.”

The chargeCLUSTER also features integrated dynamic load management, which ensures that the available power is optimally distributed to the connected vehicles without overloading the power connection. This is to prevent the charging system from overloading the grid connection and, for example, to be able to adjust the power in coordination with a building’s energy management system.

A charging process can be started either via the chargeBIG app or in roaming via common charging apps from other operators. With an optional terminal, charging processes can also be billed via RFID or debit/credit card, i.e. without an app.

“Our innovative smallBOX approach enables us to reduce installation times and costs and, therefore, make the electrification of parking spaces as easy as possible for the customer,” says Matthias Kreimeier, CEO of Mahle chargeBIG. “The new chargeCLUSTER systems can be combined with each other as desired. This flexibility means we can easily implement any customer requirement.”

mahle.com