With the new SICHARGE FLEX high-power charging system, Siemens is breaking away from rigid infrastructure and separating the central power electronics from the actual charging points. In this interview, Marcel Rümenapf, Head of Germany and Head of Sales Europe at Siemens eMobility, explains how logistics companies and depot operators can save space, avoid costly peak loads, and scale their charging infrastructure precisely in line with fleet growth through this decentralized approach.
SICHARGE FLEX is a decentralized high-power charging system that decouples the central power units from the actual charging points – the so-called dispensers. The dispensers’ small footprint allows for additional flexibility. Operators can optimally adapt their charging infrastructure to available space, fleet structure, and future requirements – both at depots and in public spaces. This enables efficient, scalable electrification with optimized total cost of ownership.
The spatial separation makes it possible to install the power-intensive infrastructure centrally and in a space-saving manner, while the charging points can be flexibly positioned wherever they make operational sense. This significantly reduces civil engineering, cabling, and layout costs, especially in existing depots with limited space. At the same time, the modular architecture allows for gradual expansion – investments can be made precisely in line with fleet growth and do not need to be oversized in advance.
A high degree of standardization simplifies planning, and the standardized, modular design combined with factory pre-assembly significantly simplifies implementation. This reduces both installation time and on-site complexity while minimizing typical sources of error during commissioning and integration. In practice, this means faster project implementation, greater predictability, and a lower risk of delays – a decisive advantage for time-critical electrification projects.
Dynamic power distribution allows the available energy to be intelligently distributed among multiple vehicles in real time. This ensures optimal utilization of installed capacity. In combination with charging management systems, charging processes are controlled in such a way that peak loads are avoided and grid capacities are not exceeded. This reduces energy and grid costs by preventing costly peak loads and optimizing the timing of charging processes.
Intelligent charging management takes into account schedules, vehicle availability, electricity prices, and grid capacity. Vehicles are not charged immediately at maximum power, but rather in a targeted manner spread over a defined period of time. This allows for taking advantage of low electricity prices, avoiding peak loads, and utilizing the grid efficiently. Additionally, the systems react dynamically to deviations – such as vehicles arriving late – and automatically adjust the charging schedule.
High energy efficiency and a high power factor reduce conversion losses, thereby lowering operating costs. However, the exact financial impact depends heavily on site-specific factors such as energy prices, utilization rates, and charging profiles, which is why it is difficult to specify a universally applicable quantified savings figure.
Nevertheless, the effect is directly measurable in every project and consistently contributes to lowering the total cost of ownership (TCO) over the system’s lifespan.