From Concept to Creation – The Manufacturing Journey at Autel Energy North America

From 2017 to 2020, I worked at Autobody News (ABN) in Carlsbad, California, as the company’s Digital Marketing Manager. Autobody News is a monthly print magazine, covering national and regional collision repair news. I was in charge of all digital marketing for the company, and enjoyed many successes. One of those was leveraging ABN’s team to gain over 10,000 high-quality FaceBook (FB) followers (body shop employees, owners, and managers).

Autobody News’ vibrant, very active FB page still held an impressive lead in followers (22K) over its top competitors, FenderBender (12K) and BodyShop Business (13K), in January 2024. ABN’s competitors are much larger companies with significantly higher marketing budgets. Yet, ABN is beating them on an important social media channel, thanks to my methods. My methods for dramatically increasing followers and engagement for FB are nearly identical to those I use for LinkedIn, where I am now an electric vehicle (EV) influencer. One of my marketing services is teaching others how to become LinkedIn influencers. As of November 2024, I have over 19,000 EV advocates and professionals following my LinkedIn account.

One of ABN’s advertising clients at the time was Autel, one of the world’s leading providers of automotive advanced diagnostics, inspection and TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) products and services. With the ABN team, I visited the Autel booth, along with many other booths, during yearly visits to the SEMA show. The SEMA Show is a four-day trade show for the automotive aftermarket industry, and is not open to the public. It is a premier event for automotive specialty equipment manufacturers to learn about the latest trends and technologies. I was impressed by Autel’s great reputation and professionalism, when meeting and working with the company’s friendly and knowledgeable representatives at the show, and as a client of Autobody News.

Autel, One of the World’s Leading Providers of Advanced Automotive Products and Services

Autel is a global technology company that specializes in developing and providing advanced diagnostic tools, automotive repair solutions, and electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. Founded in 2004, Autel initially gained recognition for its innovative automotive diagnostic tools, which have been widely adopted by automotive technicians and repair shops around the world. The company offers a broad range of products, including diagnostics scan tools, ADAS calibration equipment, TPMS sensors, and many additional specialized automotive repair products. Now, with the addition of Autel Energy North America, the organization is complementing its decades of well-respected experience in the automotive diagnostics space by offering the highest-quality equipment to the EV charging industry.

Autel Energy North America is Quickly Becoming America’s EV Charging Leader

Founded in 2021, and located in Port Washington, New York, Autel Energy North America (Autel) is quickly becoming known as America’s leading electric vehicle (EV) charging manufacturer, offering the very highest quality products.

With the launch of Autel Energy North America’s EV charging product line, the company now offers solutions featuring the latest innovations, highest quality standards, and best-valued products in the industry. From research and development to design and production, Autel ensures that its products deliver industry-leading advancements in AC and DC charging units, smart app software development, and seamless maintenance solutions. The EV charging products are designed to meet the needs of various applications, including fleets, residential, workplace, retail, commercial parking, and public charging point operators.

EVinfo.net’s Series on Autel Energy North America

This article is an introduction to Autel Energy North America’s impressive products and services for the EV charging industry. In subsequent articles, we will take you more in-depth and behind the scenes in Autel Energy North America’s amazing progress in cutting-edge EV charging technology.

Autel Energy North America: An EV Charger for Every Use Case

Autel offers high-quality, easy to use, and technologically advanced EV chargers for every use case. Autel chargers include Home, AC Elite Business, AC Ultra, DC Compact, DC Compact Mobile, DC Fast, and DC HiPower. The AC chargers are best for longer-stay applications, while the DC fast chargers offer lower waiting times, when time is more short. A great deal of innovation is going on with upcoming launches of new DC solutions, ranging from the all-in-one 480kW solution to the distributed solution, ranging from 320kW to 1440kW.

Autel MaxiCharger AC Elite Home Level 2 EV Charger

The Autel MaxiCharger AC Elite Home simplifies EV charging at home with fast performance, smart app controls, and easy integration.

Key Features:

Fast Charging: Delivers up to 50A (12kW) for 9x faster charging compared to traditional home chargers, with adjustable settings via a hardware switch or app.

Smart Controls: Provides real-time notifications, detailed charging session reports, and scheduling features.

Easy Installation: Offers hardwired or NEMA 14-50/6-50 plug options; plug-in installation takes 8 minutes, while the hardwired version requires a certified electrician.

Autel MaxiCharger AC Elite Business Level 2 EV Charger

Designed for commercial applications, the Autel MaxiCharger AC Elite Business is ideal for locations where drivers park for longer periods, such as hotels, car parks and retail malls.

Key Features:

Fast Charging: Delivers up to 50A (12kW), charging 9x faster than traditional AC chargers, with adjustable settings via hardware or app.

Durability & Reliability: Built to UL standards with IK10 high-impact resistance and NEMA 4-rated weather protection, operating efficiently in temperatures from -40°F to 133°F.

Cloud-Based Smart Charging: Integrated with Autel Cloud for real-time monitoring, dynamic energy balancing, cost control, and simplified maintenance.

Autel MaxiCharger AC Ultra: Dual-Port AC Charger

The MaxiCharger AC Ultra is a powerful dual-port charging solution for commercial sites, designed for fast and efficient performance in limited spaces. Ideal for locations such as workplaces.

Key Features:

Fast Dual Charging: Provides 19.2kW per port, enabling simultaneous charging of two vehicles, adding 75 miles of range in just 60 minutes. Includes ISO 15118 Plug & Charge for seamless user experience.

Commercial-Optimized Design: Rugged, space-saving one-piece construction can be wall or floor-mounted, ensuring easy installation and reduced costs for faster ROI.

Smart & Future-Ready: OCPP 1.6 and 2.0.1 compliance ensures adaptable power management, optimizing charging efficiency and reducing operating expenses.

Autel MaxiCharger DC Compact: Big Power in a Small Package

The MaxiCharger DC Compact delivers 40kW of smart charging power in a space-efficient design, ideal for versatile commercial applications.

Key Features:

Fast & Efficient Charging: Dual-port system charges two vehicles simultaneously, adding 80+ miles of range in just 30 minutes.

Compact & Cost-Effective: Ultra-compact design reduces installation costs, enabling faster ROI for site operators.

Smart Advertising Platform: Equipped with a 21.5-inch LCD touchscreen powered by Android 10, enabling ad placements and customer engagement to create additional revenue streams.

Autel MaxiCharger DC Compact Mobile: Flexible & Efficient Charging

The DC Compact Mobile offers 40kW of dual-port charging power with the versatility of fixed or mobile installation, ideal for any location.

Key Features:

Fast Charging: Charges two vehicles simultaneously, adding 80 miles of range in 30 minutes.

Compact & Flexible Design: Ultra-compact with options for fixed or mobile positioning, offering low installation costs and faster ROI.

Smart Advertising Platform: Features a 21.5-inch LCD touchscreen powered by Android 10, enabling advertising and customer engagement to generate additional revenue streams.

Autel MaxiCharger DC Fast: The Ultimate Level 3 DC Fast Charger

Designed for fleet operations and highway service centers, the MaxiCharger DC Fast delivers unparalleled power, speed, and reliability for EV drivers and businesses.

Key Features:

High-Powered Fast Charging: Delivers up to 240kW, providing 125 miles of range in just 10 minutes, with a maximum 400A output current and a 30% faster charging speed.

Smart Advertising Platform: Displays charging details (SOC, cost, kWh) and offers an advertising channel to generate additional revenue streams.

Reliable & Future-Ready: High compatibility with IEC-standard vehicles, a charging success rate above industry averages, and ongoing software updates for future EV models.

Autel MaxiCharger DC HiPower: High-Capacity, High-Performance Charging

The MaxiCharger DC HiPower sets a new standard in EV charging with up to 640kW of power, advanced technology, and cutting-edge advertising capabilities, ideal for fleet operations and highway service centers.

Key Features:

Unmatched Charging Power: Supports up to 8 vehicles charging simultaneously, delivering up to 250 miles of range in just 10 minutes.

Reliability & Efficiency: AI algorithms and vehicle telematics optimize charging strategies while predictive monitoring reduces operational and maintenance costs.

Advanced Advertising Platform: Equipped with HD LED screens, each dispenser can deliver targeted advertising and messaging to drivers while they charge.

Deerfield, MA, Opens EV Charging Station Funded by Federal Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) Grants, Using Autel Charger

In November 2024, The Joint Office of Energy and Transportation celebrated the opening of the first EV charging stations in the Eastern U.S. funded by the Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) Program in Deerfield, MA. Located at the Leary Public Parking Lot near Interstate 91, the installation includes an Autel DC HiPower charger with 4 ports, offering convenience for quick charges or longer visits. The $2.46 million project enhances accessibility with nearby bus stops from Franklin Regional and Pioneer Valley Transit Authorities, bike lanes, and secure bike racks. It serves as a key charging hub for New England travelers from Connecticut to Canada.

Ideal Solution and Site Design

The Deerfield location is a great example of Autel’s expertise in site and solution design. The Autel field services team collaborated with the site host to select the ideal locations to install the chargers, designing the sites with the EV drivers’ convenience and safety in mind. Strategic site preparation and expert installation are part of Autel’s process, and were utilized at the Deerfield location for an impressive result.

Autel’s Greensboro, North Carolina Manufacturing Facility

In October 2023, Autel Energy announced that production would begin at its North Carolina facility with the launch of the MaxiCharger 180kW–240kW DC Fast EV charger. At the time, the company planned to produce up to 5,000 DC Fast chargers annually at the newly renovated facility, which spans 200,000 square feet in Greensboro, NC. The site, which was acquired in May 2023, has undergone significant renovations and modernization to support this expansion. Initially, the facility was expected to employ 150 people, with plans to increase that number to 400 within the next five years, further solidifying Autel Energy’s commitment to driving innovation in EV charging solutions and contributing to local job growth.

This facility features state-of-the-art equipment and advanced production lines, which enable efficient manufacturing of high-quality EV chargers. Its clean manufacturing processes ensure that environmental concerns are always forefront in the company’s goals.

Autel chose the North Carolina location after conducting an extensive site selection process throughout the United States.

“Autel was attracted to the Triad region for its embrace of new energy technologies, a conducive business environment, and a skilled, hardworking workforce,” said Frank Li, Chairman of Autel Intelligent Technology Corp., Ltd., the parent company of Autel Energy North America.

Autel’s factory in North Carolina manufactures its EV chargers, and currently employs 50 people. The facility produces several key products, including the MaxiCharger DC HiPower and the MaxiCharger DC Fast, known as a powerful and impressive Level 3 DC fast charger. It also manufactures the MaxiCharger DC Compact Mobile, offering flexible and efficient charging solutions, and the MaxiCharger DC Compact, which delivers lots of power in a small package. As demand for EV chargers grows, the factory is expected to create many more jobs, contributing to the region’s economic growth. This expansion highlights Autel’s commitment to supporting local economies while scaling its EV infrastructure. The factory plays a vital role in advancing both sustainable transportation and community development in North Carolina.

Bringing Hardware and Software Together: The Autel Energy Innovation Center

Autel’s solution teams working behind the scenes are focused on the importance of innovation and customization in solutions tailored to customer needs. Autel opened the Autel Energy Innovation Center as a hub to prioritize interoperability, serviceability, functional testing, and smart charging in its quest to harness the full potential of renewable energy for its innovative EV chargers.

The Autel Energy Innovation Center is a state-of-the-art facility designed to drive the future of electric vehicle (EV) charging technologies and energy solutions. As a part of Autel Energy’s commitment to innovation and sustainability, the Innovation Center focuses on advancing research and development (R&D), testing, and engineering to develop cutting-edge products and solutions for the EV industry.

At the heart of the Innovation Center is a dedicated team of engineers and technology experts working on next-generation charging solutions, including both AC and DC fast chargers, along with energy management software and intelligent systems. The facility supports rigorous product testing, ensuring that Autel’s products meet industry standards for performance, safety, and reliability.

Additionally, the Autel Energy Innovation Center serves as a hub for exploring clean energy integration and optimizing charging infrastructure for various applications, including residential, commercial, and public charging stations. This focus on continuous innovation and cutting-edge technologies helps Autel lead the way in delivering high-performance and cost-effective EV charging solutions to meet the growing demand for sustainable transportation.

By fostering collaboration between its R&D, engineering, and production teams, the Innovation Center also plays a key role in expanding job creation in the clean tech sector, while supporting the company’s mission to revolutionize the future of electric mobility.

Rigorous Quality Control and Extensive Pre-Shipping Testing

Before the electric vehicle (EV) charging products leave the Autel Energy facility, they undergo a comprehensive and rigorous testing and inspection process to ensure they meet the highest standards of quality, safety, and performance. This process begins with pre-production testing, where Autel Energy evaluates raw materials and initial prototypes to confirm they meet durability and safety requirements. Simulations are run to assess how the product behaves under different conditions such as voltage fluctuations and temperature variations.

Once production begins, the assembled units undergo visual inspection to check for any physical defects, and component assembly verification is conducted to ensure the electrical and mechanical components are securely connected. Following this, the chargers are powered up to confirm that the main electrical circuits, displays, and communication protocols are working correctly.

Each charger then undergoes electrical and performance testing to ensure it meets stringent industry standards. This includes testing for high-voltage resistance, load handling, overcurrent protection, short-circuit protection, and heat performance. These tests help ensure that the charger operates effectively and safely under real-world conditions. The chargers are also subjected to software and communication systems verification, ensuring the firmware operates without issues and that the charger communicates effectively with management software and networks. This includes testing for remote monitoring, diagnostics, and software update capabilities.

In addition, each charger undergoes rigorous safety compliance and certification tests. These include grounding and insulation resistance checks, fire safety testing, and certification to meet regulatory standards such as CE and UL. Only after passing these tests will the product go through final inspection and quality assurance. This step includes checking the appearance of the charger for any blemishes or defects and conducting a final performance review to ensure it meets all specifications. The chargers are then labeled with serial numbers, and any accompanying documentation, such as user manuals and warranty cards, is verified.

Once the chargers are cleared for shipment, they are carefully packed with custom protective materials to prevent any damage during transit. After they are shipped, Autel Energy continues to monitor their performance remotely, collecting customer feedback and addressing any issues that may arise. This ongoing support helps to maintain product quality and enables Autel Energy to improve future product designs.

This meticulous process ensures that every EV charging product leaving the facility is of the highest quality, offering reliable and safe performance to customers while adhering to industry standards. Extensive Interoperability testing with all vehicles and software providers is completed for each product. Over-the-air firmware updates ensure that each charger continues to function well in the future.

Autel Energy North America, a Passionate Team of Sustainability Leaders

Autel’s team is passionate about making the world a better place, and come to Autel with many years of experience in EV charging. This experience and passion is the perfect combination for getting the job done. A strong commitment and focus on doing good for the customer translates to world-class customer service. All of Autel’s team care deeply about what they do, promoting EV adoption through their work. This provides the world with cleaner air, while fighting climate change.

Autel Energy North America follows its mission, “To set the industry standards for quality, functionality, and value for EV customers through complete turnkey charging and energy solutions.” The company’s vision is to create a seamless experience for EV drivers and accelerate the adoption of electric solutions worldwide. The company’s sustainability efforts are industry-leading. EVinfo.net highly recommends this innovative and highly respected company’s EV charging products.