Elli will present the new generation of its battery-integrated DC charging system at this year’s Power2Drive in Munich. The Volkswagen Group’s charging subsidiary also announced a new strategic cooperation with Uniti, the German association for medium-sized fuel retailers.
Known as the Flexpole Plus, the updated model maintains a 150 kW charging capacity without requiring grid upgrades and introduces several technical improvements aimed at simplifying deployment and enhancing compatibility. Elli has yet to disclose battery capacity details for the Flexpole Plus. The first-generation model offered a 193.5 kWh (160 kWh usable) buffer battery and featured two CCS connectors with a total capacity of 250 kW (150 kW max per plug), with simultaneous charging capped at 125 kW per vehicle.
Elli has been marketing battery-buffered fast chargers under the Flexpole brand that connect directly to low-voltage grids, removing the need for costly transformer stations and network approvals typically required for medium-voltage fast chargers. The Flexpole Plus builds on this approach with several notable upgrades:
Modular payment terminal: For the first time, operators can integrate payment systems from a provider of their choice. The terminal supports contactless, card, and mobile payments by default.
Intelligent energy management: A new ModBus interface allows advanced load balancing and improved integration with on-site AC charge points and energy systems – particularly useful where grid connections are limited.
Optimised thermal management: New cooling circuits and a smart heat control system reduce energy consumption and boost efficiency.
Customisable user interface: Operators can now adapt the display’s language, colours, branding and animations, with optional ad space available for promotions.
“The Elli Flexpole is a real gamechanger—it allows infrastructure expansion in locations previously considered unsuitable,” said Mark Möller, CTO at Elli. “With its new payment terminal, it’s ready for public, semi-public and private use cases.”
Alongside the hardware announcement, Elli confirmed a cooperation with the German fuel retailer association Uniti. The partnership could see Flexpole and other Elli DC chargers deployed at up to 8,600 Uniti-affiliated fuel stations across Germany.
Uniti members will gain access to a modular service package covering site assessment, installation, operation and maintenance – including hardware, software and aftersales support. Charging points installed under this scheme can also be included in the ‘Selected Partner Network’ of the Volkswagen Group, making them visible in in-vehicle navigation systems of VW-brand EVs.
presseportal.de (in German)
