EVBox and Covestro To Introduce More Sustainable Materials into EV Charging Stations

AMSTERDAM, November 30, 2021 — EVBox and Covestro are looking back on a 10-year partnership of producing EV charging stations. The relationship has gone from strength to strength in recent years as EVBox has worked toward meeting the demands of the automotive industry. Covestro has proven to be a trustworthy partner providing reliable material solutions, including testing and validation support.

In the early stages of the polycarbonate value chain, ISCC Plus certified (International Sustainability and Carbon Certification) hydrocarbons from renewable sources are being used. With this process, Covestro can change the feedstock for the production of high-performance polycarbonates from purely fossil resources to renewable alternatives.

EVBox is set to begin using these more sustainable plastics during production. For now, tests and pilots with the more sustainable polycarbonate material, Makrolon® RE, are being performed to determine to what extent this material can be used in production. The new polycarbonate could be key to the production of EV charging stations made using more sustainable plastics.

Plastics are typically made of fossil-based raw materials and have to meet strict standards when used in the production of EV charging stations. Now, sustainable materials used in the EV charging industry are required that comply with UL certifications. 

With Covestro’s new production process that replaces fossil feedstocks with renewable, ISCC Plus-certified sources (such as waste and residue oils and fats), EVBox can produce charging stations with less impact on the environment.

The plastics used in the charging station production pilot will follow a mass balanced approach to ensure that the sustainable share of Makrolon®-based plastic parts represents at least 50 percent. The entire process will still adhere to the strict EV charging industry regulations.

With sales of €10.7 billion in 2020, Covestro is among the world’s largest polymer companies. Business activities are focused on the manufacture of high-tech polymer materials and the development of innovative, sustainable solutions for products used in many areas of everyday life. In doing so, Covestro is becoming fully circular. Its main customers are the automotive and transport industries, the construction industry, the furniture and wood processing industries, and the electrical, electronics, and household appliance industries. Other sectors include sports and leisure, cosmetics, healthcare and the chemical industry itself. As of the end of 2020, Covestro produces at 33 sites worldwide and employs around 16,500 people (converted to full-time positions).