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Kostner E-Charge: How an Alpine EV Hub Became a Global Benchmark - Lessons for EVCC™ Pedas RSA

Updated: Aug 21

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Image Credit : Kostner, Vahrn, South Tyrol, Italy


In the heart of the Italian Alps, along the busy Brenner motorway corridor connecting Italy and Austria, sits a charging destination that has redefined what an EV hub can be. Kostner E-Charge, located in Vahrn, South Tyrol, Italy, is not just a pit stop - it’s an award-winning, ESG-aligned mobility destination designed for both long-distance travellers and the local community.


Its success offers valuable lessons for Malaysia’s EVCC™ Pedas RSA, which aims to set a new standard for sustainable roadside development.



Strategic Location & Integrated Services


Opened in March 2024, Kostner E-Charge was purpose-built to capture traffic from the Brenner Axis - one of Europe’s busiest north-south transit routes. Roughly 90% of users are travellers from Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark, and Norway; the rest are local South Tyrol drivers.


Instead of being an isolated charging park, Kostner integrates into a full-service station that includes:


  • A regional restaurant and café serving local cuisine.

  • A retail shop with travel essentials.

  • A car wash facility.

  • Meeting spaces for business travellers.

  • Indoor and outdoor restrooms designed for high hygiene and accessibility.


This approach turns charging downtime into an opportunity to refresh, refuel, and even network.



High-Performance, Flexible Charging


The hub features 12 charging stations:

  • 6 Kostner-branded units with dual 300 kW Alpitronic Hyperchargers and additional 50 kW chargers.

  • 6 Tesla Superchargers capable of up to 250 kW.


Planned expansions include 4 more Tesla chargers and 4 more Kostner chargers, plus exploration of megawatt charging for heavy-duty vehicles and hydrogen refuelling options.



Renewable Energy Leadership


Kostner’s sustainability credentials are embedded in its design:


  • A roofed carport covered with 123 photovoltaic (PV) modules generates 36.9 kW of renewable energy, reducing 76,000 kg of CO₂ emissions annually.

  • All additional electricity comes from 100% green-sourced power, adding another 120,000 kg CO₂ savings each year.


The translucent PV panels not only generate clean energy but also allow natural light into the charging bays, enhancing safety and comfort.



Award-Winning User Amenities

One of the station’s most unique features is the Fit & Clean Box, which won the European Design Award 2023 in the “Better Future” category.


This amenity includes:


  • Seating for relaxation.

  • A pull-up bar for exercise.

  • Free-use vacuum cleaner and cleaning tools.

  • Windscreen wiper and rubbish bin.


Combined with free Wi-Fi, motion-sensor lighting, and 24/7 access, these features make the charging experience safe, engaging, and memorable.



Smart Operations for Reliability

Kostner uses the be.ENERGISED backend platform for real-time system monitoring. This enables:


  • Immediate alerts for technical faults.

  • Rapid maintenance response.

  • Seamless payment options via QR code, roaming cards, or company accounts.

  • Transparent, upfront pricing for direct users.



Lessons for EVCC™ Pedas RSA

As Malaysia’s first Platinum Rated GreenRE EV hub, EVCC™ Pedas RSA shares Kostner’s ambition to merge sustainability, high-speed charging, and traveller comfort.


Key takeaways from the Vahrn model include:


  1. Integrate services — Pair charging with retail, dining, and convenience for a complete experience.

  2. Make sustainability visible — PV roofing doubles as both functional infrastructure and an ESG statement.

  3. Prioritise user comfort — Small but thoughtful amenities create a positive memory of the stop.

  4. Plan for growth — Future-proof with space and infrastructure for emerging technologies like megawatt chargers.



Wrapping Up


Kostner E-Charge proves that a charging hub can be much more than a place to plug in — it can be a destination in its own right. By applying the same principles of location strategy, renewable energy leadership, and user-centric design, EVCC™ Pedas RSA is well-positioned to become Southeast Asia’s own benchmark in ESG-driven roadside development.




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