The new CEC has recently been installed in the reception area at innolectric. But what exactly is behind this technology? In this interview, CEO Tim Karcher explains why the CEC onboard charger is more than just a single component – and how it helps customers in various industries with their electrification efforts.

The CEC is not just a classic single component, but a complete charging solution. It combines several functions in one device: an onboard charger, a charging communication controller, and an inverter for single- or three-phase AC loads in one device. That’s just the basic version. We also offer customized variants. Our claim is clear: We offer the most powerful package on the market.

The CEC can be used across all industries. Our customers come from many areas of electromobility, including commercial vehicles, maritime applications and mining. However, commercial vehicles are clearly the focus, as there is a particulary high demand for flexible and powerful charging solutions in this sector.

Since innolectric was founded, we have been working on charging technologies. The CEC was the next logical step in our product development. Many customers wanted to replace existing solutions with more powerful ones that offered more functions, flexibility, and efficiency. For example, we have received requests for different vehicle bodies and trailer electrification. Electromobility is developing extremely quickly. To keep up, you need technologies suitable not only for today, but also for tomorrow.

We maintain close contact with our customers, which is extremely important to us. New inquiries often begin with a standard specification sheet. Before we begin, however, we ask: What does the system topology look like? How will the vehicle be used? These questions help us understand what is really needed. Our goal is to provide the right charging solution, not just supply a component. The CEC is then a central part of this overall concept. We don’t just supply the hardware described in the data sheet; we provide a complete charging solution. The innolectric component is a part of that solution.

Surprisingly high! Many applications, such as those for special-purpose machines, have very specific requirements. At the same time, however, it should remain economical. Often, the first request is for a standard product, followed immediately by a long wish list that is hardly compatible with it. This is precisely where the CEC´s strength lies: our products meet most requirements. Nevertheless, there are still areas where customization is necessary due to customer system requirements. The big advantage is that the CEC is designed in such a way that there is room for customization.

We can quickly and completely implement functional enhancements or hardware adaptations with minimal effort. Retraining can also be organized efficiently. Thanks to our existing series production line, we can quickly and reliably industrialize individual variants. This reduces risks and saves time, providing real added value for our customers.

Trends vary greatly depending on the industry. In the marine sector, for instance, we are seeing a convergence with automotive technologies, particularly with smaller vehicles. For large ferries, the trend is toward megawatt charging, which we specifically support with our D3C charging controller. In the commercial vehicle and special machinery sector, the focus is increasingly on bidirectional charging. This streamlines the system architecture because fewer components are required. Additionally, the market is shifting from individual components to all-in-one solutions. The CEC reflects this shift: it combines several functions, is scalable, and can be flexibly adapted. Lastly, engineering and consulting services remain key. Simply delivering technology is not enough; true partnerships are built through support and assistance throughout the entire project.

Clearly, it’s our commitment to quality and our determination to provide effective solutions. There are many suppliers of onboard chargers, including those in the 22 kW range. However, our product is fully qualified, field-tested, and developed to industrial standards. We provide our customers with intensive support from day one. That’s when the lightbulb moment happens in a personal exchange: when customers see how well-thought-out our technology is – and how much it stands out from the rest because we always go the extra mile for them. For us, that’s the best proof that we’re on the right track.