Power2Drive 2025: Elli unveils new "Flexpole Plus" and announces key partnership with UNITI
Wolfsburg/Munich, May 7, 2025: Elli is presenting a major innovation at this year’s Power2Drive trade fair in Munich: the new Flexpole Plus. The next-generation of Elli’s battery-buffered DC fast charger combines proven flexibility with expanded payment capabilities, making it ideal for public, business, and fleet locations with limited grid capacity. Coinciding with the product launch, Elli is also announcing a strategic partnership with German energy association UNITI to help transform gas station infrastructure across the country.
The all-new Flexpole Plus: an evolution of fast charging
The Elli Flexpole Plus marks a new evolutionary step for the popular DC fast charger – designed for maximum flexibility, easy integration, and future-proof operation. Staying true to its proven DNA, the Flexpole enables DC fast charging of up to 150 kW without costly grid upgrades or complex construction work, thanks to its integrated battery system. The upgraded Flexpole provides even more new advanced features.
Key new features:
· Modular payment terminal: For the first time, the new Flexpole payment system allows easy integration of terminals from various Payment Service Providers (PSPs). Operators can now choose their preferred payment partners. Contactless payment, EC/credit card payments, and mobile payment options are standard.
· Smarter load and energy management: A newly enhanced ModBus interface enables even better communication with AC chargers or on-site energy management systems, helping to balance load peaks – especially important for locations with limited grid capacity.
· Optimized thermal management: New cooling circuits and an intelligent thermal control system reduce energy consumption and increase operational efficiency.
· Customizable HMI & user interface: The new Flexpole Plus user interface is fully customizable – operators can tailor colors, languages, logos, and charging animations. A dedicated screen is also available for advertising displays (e.g., promotional campaigns).
Mark Möller, Chief Technical Officer at Volkswagen Group Charging (Elli), emphasizes: "The Elli Flexpole is a gamechanger because it enables the expansion of charging infrastructure in places previously seen as unsuitable. With the new payment terminal, it is now compatible with nearly all payment infrastructures, making it ready for public, semi-public, and corporate locations alike."
Strong partnership with UNITI: rethinking fast charging at gas stations
Starting in May, Elli will partner with UNITI, Germany’s national association of independent gas station operators to bring electric mobility directly to their stations. The goal is to significantly accelerate charging infrastructure deployment at around 8,600 gas stations operated by UNITI member companies. The partnership will be officially announced during Power2Drive.
This partnership gives UNITI members access to a modular Elli product and service package: from site analysis and planning to installation and commissioning of Flexpole units or other DC fast chargers – including service, software, and hardware – all from a single source. Thanks to Flexpole’s battery-buffered technology, installation typically requires no major grid upgrade or heavy construction work, making it especially advantageous for leased or rented gas station properties with limited connection capacity.
A special highlight of the partnership: UNITI stations can be integrated into Elli's "Selected Partner Network", meaning their charge points will be displayed directly Volkswagen Group EVs’ navigation systems, dramatically improving their visibility and positioning independent and medium-sized gas stations on par with major market players.
Giovanni Palazzo, CEO of Elli, comments: "Our goal is to make charging as simple and accessible as possible. Together with UNITI, we are bringing the right charging infrastructure directly to gas stations – places that millions of people use every day. The Flexpole is the perfect solution: robust, fast, easily integrated, and ideal for existing stations with limited grid supply."
Elmar Kühn, Chief Executive Officer of UNITI, adds: "Our member companies not only gain access to Elli’s technologically strong charging products, but also significantly enhance their visibility within one of Europe's largest vehicle manufacturers’ systems. This is how we are making the gas stations of the future a reality – flexible, economical, and customer-focused."
Further information on this topic is available at www.elli.eco.