Drivee uses Alfen technology to streamline EV charge point installation

Danish charge point operator (CPO) Drivee has developed a streamlined and scalable solution for installing EV charge points in residential parking garages. And Alfen’s durable technology and intuitive software made us the ideal partner to help them expand access to e-mobility throughout Denmark. 

Challenge 

Drivee has been installing EV charge points at homes and businesses since 2021. In recent years, the company has increasingly specialised in equipping parking garages for residential apartment buildings with EV charging facilities. Drivee’s ‘flat cable’ solution significantly reduces the cost and time required to complete these installations. Rather than running a separate power cable to each charge point, a single high-load cable provides power for around 10 charge points. More charge points can then be connected to the flat cable when required. However, ensuring a reliable power supply for EV charging in apartment blocks presents several challenges. 

Solution 

Unlike many commercial charging stations, most residential EV charging plazas don’t benefit from a dedicated power source. Power must therefore be drawn from the building’s existing electrical supply, which is shared with amenities such as residential use. Alfen’s Smart Charging Network ensures that EV charging doesn’t overload the building’s electrical system. Connecting directly to the building’s electricity meter, it actively manages the energy demand for up to 100 charge points simultaneously. For example, if most residents turn up the heating on a cold winter night, the Smart Charging Network will reduce the amount of power used to charge the vehicles in the garage. 

Technical details 

Systems like this normally require permanent internet connectivity. But what happens if there’s an internet outage? Alfen’s Smart Charging Network avoids this problem by operating completely offline, meaning that as long as there’s electricity, the cars will continue to charge smoothly. What’s more, since all the charge points work independently, if one goes down, the others will continue to charge up residents’ cars.  

“We’re delighted to work with Drivee to enable this streamlined, scalable and cost-effective charging solution,” said Jonathan Senniksen, Sales Manager for Sweden and Denmark at Alfen. “Innovative approaches like this are essential to accelerating the energy transition and enabling mass e-mobility in Denmark.” 

Implementation 

Drivee has installed more than 500 Alfen Eve Single S-line and Pro-line charge points in residential car parks around Denmark – with many more spaces prepared for installation. So, as soon as a resident buys an EV, they can have a charge point installed by Drivee within a few hours.  

“With Alfen products, we get a really robust and secure charging solution that allows us to keep downtime on our charging projects as low as possible,” said Simon Slott May, CEO of Drivee. “And thanks to Alfen’s advanced Smart Charging Network, residents benefit from a highly consistent charging process, every time. Alfen is therefore a key partner in our mission to support a phased shift to e-mobility.”