Having discovered the earning potential of electric car chargers, printing machine maker Heidelberg has expanded its offering with an electromobility technology acquisition.

Heidelberg is buying the charging station technology of Karlsruhe energy company EnBW, with both companies signing a corresponding purchase agreement.

This means the sheetfed press maker now has a product suitable for public and semi-public applications, as well as in its successful home sector market. The new offering is aimed primarily at municipal utilities, local authorities, companies and for customer parking lots, primarily in Germany and Europe.

With the rapid ramp-up of e-cars, the network of nationwide charging points in Germany and elsewhere in the EU will also be significantly expanded by 2030. Sales of the new Heidelberg charging station are scheduled to start in mid-2022. The new products will also be used by operators, such as in fleet management.

Chief executive Rainer Hundsdörfer said Heidelberg was gradually expanding its portfolio in the booming market: “By offering intelligent charging stations, we are tapping into a new market segment for our future field.

“This will enable us to further increase sales and profitability in this area."