Introduction

The evolution of electric vehicles demands a parallel evolution in charging infrastructure. No longer just a functional utility, a charging station is a critical touchpoint between the user and a sustainable lifestyle. LKK Design was proud to partner with global technology leader ABB to reimagine this experience. Our collaboration on the ABB Evinn 7kW AC Charging Station design resulted in a landmark product that successfully merges industrial-grade reliability with consumer-product appeal, setting a new standard for home and public charging.

Client: ABB – A Global Pioneer in Electrification

ABB is a leading global technology company dedicated to driving the transformation of society and industry towards a more productive and sustainable future. With a comprehensive portfolio of charging solutions, ABB upholds the highest standards of safety, reliability, and innovation.

The Design Challenge: Transcending the "Industrial Box"

As the EV market expanded from public networks to private homes, ABB identified a growing user need for charging solutions that were not only technically robust but also aesthetically refined and emotionally engaging. The challenge was to design a 7kW AC charging station for both residential and commercial use that would break away from the conventional, "boxy" design of traditional chargers. The goal was to create a product that felt less like a piece of industrial equipment and more like a desirable consumer gadget.

ABB set clear, ambitious objectives for the Evinn charging station design:

1. Uncompromising Safety & Reliability: The design had to facilitate full compliance with international safety standards and robust performance in all weather conditions.

2. Aesthetic Breakthrough: The station needed a high-visibility, "ultra-aesthetic" form that could seamlessly integrate into diverse architectural environments.

3. Superior User Experience: Intuitive operation, easy maintenance, and smart features were essential to deliver exceptional convenience.

4. Value Creation: The design had to inject new market competitiveness and emotional brand value, positioning ABB as a design leader in the sector.

Our team at LKK Design embarked on a human-centric design process, translating technical requirements into a desirable user experience.

1. Industrial Design: Fusing Technology with Warmth

• Form Language: We moved away from sharp, angular industrial aesthetics to a soft, "rounded and full" monolithic form. This signature silhouette provides instant brand recognition while conveying a sense of friendliness, safety, and approachability.

• Detail-Oriented Execution: A unique double-layer front cover was introduced to create visual depth while cleverly concealing maintenance interfaces for a clean, unbroken appearance. The integrated voice prompts and breathing light system provides clear status feedback, creating an emotional and intuitive dialogue with the user.

2. Mechanical Structure Design: Engineering Beauty for Durability

• Dual-Layer Enclosure: To achieve an IP65 rating for dust and water resistance, we engineered a precise double-shell structure. The outer shell maintains the beautiful, seamless form, while the inner structure ensures critical sealing and insulation, perfectly balancing aesthetics with all-weather reliability.

• Ergonomics & Usability: The structural layout was meticulously planned to ensure comfortable cable handling, optimal plug insertion force, and straightforward installation and maintenance. Every interface and button is placed for intuitive and safe interaction.

3. Prototyping and Testing: Validating the Vision

• Rapid Prototyping: We utilized 3D printing and CNC machining to create multiple rounds of functional prototypes. These models allowed us to refine proportions, evaluate material textures, and verify assembly processes.

• Rigorous Scenario Testing: Prototypes underwent extensive testing, including temperature cycles, ingress protection, mechanical impact, and UV exposure. This real-world simulation validated the enclosure's integrity, material durability, and electronic stability, ensuring the final product is built to last.

The successful launch of the ABB Evinn 7kW AC Charging Station delivered significant value:

• An Industry Design Benchmark: The product leads the industry with its "new concept, new form, and new value," successfully transforming a pure industrial device into a desirable consumer-grade product.

• Enhanced User Experience: Its beautiful, intelligent, and user-friendly design significantly improves the daily charging ritual, strengthening ABB's brand appeal among end-users.

• Strengthened Market Position: The future-proof design supports ABB’s ecosystem strategy, including cloud platform connectivity and smart home integration, making it a top choice for homes, apartments, hotels, and fleet operators.

• A Testament to Design-Driven Innovation: This project stands as a testament to how user-centered design, when fused with world-class engineering, can drive product innovation, elevate brand value, and open new market opportunities.

LKK Design is honored to have collaborated with ABB on this transformative project. Together, we are helping to build a more efficient, convenient, and beautiful ecosystem for electric mobility.