Recycled low-carbon aluminium is helping Q-Light set a standard for electric charging stations
The global market for electric vehicle charging stations is attractive and opportunistic, and in Norway, Q-Light AS is striving to win market share with its ONEPOLE product line. The company is differentiating its product through sustainable thinking and its use of sustainable materials, with aluminium front and center.
Norway has more than 25,000 public charging points across the country, one of the highest numbers in proportion to electrical vehicles, according to the U.S. based Environmental Defense Fund. And the number of suppliers is growing. One is Q-Light.
The ONEPOLE product series centers on a universal charging pedestal that Alustrax AS, a Q-Light subsidiary, developed and is producing in Kristiansand, in southern Norway. Alustrax specializes in processing aluminium plates and profiles, which are integral components in the series.
Robust, safe and corrosion resistant product series
Charging infrastructures need to be efficient, durable, and safe. The ONEPOLE series is already distinguishing itself in its home market, partly due to its TUV Rheinland certification. This certification ensures that the pole is ideal for use with circuit breakers and terminal connectors, and that the product meets high international safety standards.
In addition, the product line has passed demanding tests related to its resistance to corrosion, and ONEPOLE’s universal and modular design is scoring points with buyers as well.
Sustainable design, responsible sourcing, sustainable materials
Q-Light's philosophy is centered on developing products and solutions that are easy to assemble, with innovation and competitiveness at the core. A key aspect of its approach is the thoughtful implementation of sustainability.
During its development process, Q-Light’s goal is to minimize the use of energy and raw materials while ensuring sufficient durability to extend the lifespan of its products. Kristoffer Repstad, who is Q-Light’s head of eMobility, says this strategy has helped save costs and improved environmental performance.
“Electrical safety is another crucial component of the design philosophy,” says Repstad, who outlines ONEPOLE's sustainability related benefits:
- Utilizing materials that reduce environmental impact and ensure product safety.
- Minimizing the product's transportation related carbon footprint, thereby enhancing environmental and operational efficiency.
- Optimizing resource use and incorporating recycling practices throughout the product lifecycle, further underscoring their commitment to sustainability and safety.
“Our collaboration with Alustrax is a prime example. It led to the adoption of recycled low-carbon aluminium Hydro CIRCAL, which not only reduced CO2 emissions from 77 kgs to 24 kgs per pole, but also maintained the high standards of electrical safety required for such products. We are exploring further possibilities to reduce our environmental impact in the coming year without compromising safety,” says Repstad.
Hydro CIRCAL a favorable alternative to primary aluminium
Hydro CIRCAL is a favorable alternative to primary aluminium with regard to carbon footprint because it contains a guaranteed minimum of 75 percent recycled post-consumer scrap aluminium. This is metal that had been used in products that reached the end of their respective lifetimes, such as discarded window frames or car parts.
ONEPOLE’s universal charging pedestals are made from this aluminium, which is extruded at Hydro’s manufacturing plant in Vetlanda, Sweden.
“The environmental benefits of Hydro CIRCAL support consumer preferences for eco-friendly products and enhance ONEPOLE’s brand image and appeal to environmentally conscious consumers,” says sustainability manager Thomas B. Svendsen of Hydro Extrusions.
