They are located in Apfelwuhr Nord and Apfelwuhr Süd, in the canton of Graubünden. Apfelwuhr Nord was the first station as part of the Federal Roads Office fast charging station tender of 2019 in the branch Bellinzona; on the other side of the highway, Apfelwuhr Süd was opened on 13 July. Fastned will build an additional 16 stations on Swiss rest stop areas as part of this tender.
Fastned’s growing Swiss network is of great significance for the company’s expansion plans, contributing to the company’s goal of 1,000 fast charging stations in Europe by 2030. Swiss motorways connect central to western and southern Europe, and charging infrastructure on those motorways is crucial for the growing number of EV drivers on their way to many popular destinations.
While most Fastned stations have solar roofs, the heavy snow in the region demanded a different design and specific construction materials. The result is a new glass design for the roof, that although not solar, protects drivers from the snow, sun and other weather conditions and illuminates the station at night.
“The opening of Apfelwuhr North and South and the upcoming 16 stations at Swiss rest stops mark the beginning of Fastned's expansion momentum in Switzerland,” said Ludwig Steding, country manager Switzerland at Fastned. “We are dedicated to further be expanding our network to serve the growing demand for electric mobility across the nation.”
