The European EV market is moving fast. As a Charge Point Operator (CPO) or fleet manager, you face a critical hardware decision. Should you install traditional All-in-One chargers or switch to the modern Satellite EV Charging System?
They both have clear advantages, but the best choice depends on your site layout, expected traffic, and long-term growth plan. Let’s break down the differences to help you decide.
All-in-One Chargers
All-in-one EV charging systems combine modules, the cooling system, and the user interface in a single unit. Everything sits inside one cabinet, which simplifies installation and reduces the number of components.
Pros:
Simplicity: You buy one unit and bolt it down.
Independence: If one unit fails, others nearby keep working.
Many car parks, retail centers, and small commercial sites prefer this model because it offers a neat and straightforward setup. Technicians only need to install one machine per charging point, making maintenance easy and fast. For businesses with limited space or a small number of parking bays, the all-in-one system can be an efficient and cost-effective solution.
Cons:
Footprint: They are bulky. They take up valuable parking space.
Rigidity: Upgrading power often means replacing the entire unit.
When the site needs to expand, operators must add more full cabinets. This increases both the footprint and the project cost. In locations with heavy traffic or limited installation space, the all-in-one setup can become restrictive.
Satellite (Distributed) EV Charging Systems
This is the trending Distributed Charging Architecture. It separates the power cabinet from the charging dispensers. A central “Power Unit” sits away from the parking spots. It connects to slim, compact “Satellite” dispensers where drivers actually plug in.
Maximize Parking Space
Real estate in European cities is tight. Satellite EV chargers are sleek. They fit between parking spaces easily. You don’t need to sacrifice a parking spot just to fit the charger hardware.
Dynamic Power Sharing
This is the game-changer. A Satellite system treats power as a shared pool. If a car only needs 50kW, the system directs the remaining power to other vehicles. You maximize your grid connection and serve more cars efficiently.
Which Setup Fits Your Site?
Choose All-in-One if:
- You only need one or two chargers.
- Space and future-proof are not major concerns.
- You prefer a decentralized maintenance strategy.
Choose Satellite Systems if:
- You run a charging hub, gas station, or fleet depot.
- You need to charge multiple vehicles simultaneously.
- You want to scale up power in the future without digging up concrete.
- You require High-Power Charging Infrastructure for trucks or buses.
The Solution: Iocharger’s Satellite Technology
If you decide that a distributed architecture suits your needs, you need reliable hardware. This is where iocharger stands out.
Iocharger has engineered a robust Satellite DC EV Charger solution designed for the next generation of charging hubs. Their system specifically addresses the pain points of heavy-duty and high-traffic sites.
Iocharger Advantages:
Megawatt Capabilities: Their system supports the Megawatt Charging System (MCS). This is vital for electric trucks and heavy transport.
Safety and Compliance: Iocharger follows strict quality requirements and supports advanced communication protocols such as OCPP2.0.1. This ensures compatibility with modern charging networks and improves remote monitoring and payment integration.
Flexible Power Routing: The iocharger split system utilizes smart Dynamic Load Balancing. It ensures your expensive grid power never goes to waste.
User-Centric Design: The satellite dispensers utilize liquid-cooling technology. This keeps the charging cables thin and light. Even with high power output, any driver can easily handle the plug.
Scalability: You can start with fewer satellites and add more as your EV traffic grows. The central power unit handles the upgrades.
As Europe continues building a modern charging network, the right architecture can determine the success of a site. Iocharger provides both all-in-one and satellite EV charging solutions, allowing operators to choose a system that fits their goals and grows with their business.