Gold Street Furniture Design · 2025
Electraline Modular Charging Station Infrastructure
by Valeriia Ilicheva and Antoine Questel
- A' Design Award 2025 Gold Winner in Street Furniture Design
- Awarded April 15, 2025
- CLIENT: Electra
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 56,739
- Verification code C47773CAB2 · Verify this award
About Electraline Modular Charging Station Infrastructure
Electraline is a modular urban furniture solution that redefines EV charging hubs by integrating functionality, aesthetics, and adaptability. Its fluid, scalable design allows seamless expansion from compact installations to large hubs while maintaining a cohesive visual identity. Featuring responsibly sourced wood, sleek aluminum, and integrated LED panels, it enhances user experience with real-time information and intuitive interaction. The optional solar-equipped canopy further expands energy efficiency, making it a future-proof and sustainable public infrastructure solution.
Positioned at the intersection of sustainable material practice and essential urban infrastructure, this visualization of Valeriia Ilicheva and Antoine Questel's Electraline Modular Charging Station Infrastructure represents a significant contribution to the evolving typology of civic furniture designed to accommodate emerging mobility technologies while enriching the aesthetic fabric of public space. The designers appear to have drawn upon longstanding traditions of timber architecture, evoking the warmth and organic character associated with Scandinavian design sensibilities and the broader contemporary movement toward biophilic urbanism, where natural materials and forms seek to reconnect built environments with elemental human affinities for wood, light, and organic geometry. The arched portal form suggests historical precedents ranging from classical triumphal architecture to the sheltering canopies of traditional market halls, reinterpreted here as graceful frames that transform utilitarian parking spaces into dignified thresholds. Technical accomplishment manifests in the seamless integration of charging equipment within the overall formal vocabulary, where teal-colored units with their precisely articulated horizontal ribbing complement rather than compete with the dominant timber elements, creating a coherent visual system that communicates both technological capability and environmental consciousness. The chromatic strategy demonstrates sophisticated understanding of color psychology, employing warm wood tones to suggest approachability and natural authenticity while cool accent colors signal innovation and efficiency. Compositionally, the modular repetition creates a distinctive visual identity that would establish strong placemaking presence within diverse urban contexts, the sequential rhythm serving wayfinding functions while contributing architectural interest to streetscapes often dominated by purely functional elements. The work invites contemplation of how communities might embrace necessary infrastructure evolution as opportunity for environmental enhancement rather than visual compromise, suggesting that thoughtful design can transform obligation into aspiration.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- Electraline is a holistic, all in one EV charging solution. Its modularity enables adaptation to diverse locations and future needs. Starting with a sleek base station, it scales to larger setups with solar canopies. Warm, ecofriendly materials like wood ensure harmony with surroundings, while LED screens provide vital info and visibility. Electraline connects people and technology through thoughtful, sustainable design.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- - Base Module Dimensions (2 chargers): Width 14,080 mm x Depth 720 mm x Height 3,840 mm
Component Breakdown:
- Left/Right Modules: Width 4,240 mm x Depth 720 mm x Height 3,840 mm
- Central Module: Width 5,600 mm x Depth 720 mm x Height 3,840 mm
- Junction: Width 1,400 mm x Depth 720 mm x Height 240 mm
- Canopy with Solar Panels (Optional): Modular and scalable, adapting to station size
- Totem Dimensions: Width 1,000 mm x Depth 700 mm x Height 2,807 mm - Tags
- EV Charging, Sustainable Infrastructure, Modular Design, User-Friendly, Solar Energy, Warm Materials, All-in-One Solution, ElectraLine, Public Design, Urban Furniture, Urban Design, Electra
- Production Technology
- ElectraLine is designed with sustainability and practicality in mind. Using warm, ecological materials such as responsibly sourced wood and durable metals, the structure prioritizes both aesthetics and environmental responsibility. The modular system ensures easy assembly and scalability, while the optional canopy integrates solar panels to harness renewable energy. Every detail, from integrated speakers to energy-efficient LED displays, has been thoughtfully developed to enhance user experience and sustainability.
- Design Challenge
- The primary challenge was balancing modularity with recognizability. Designing a system that could evolve from a basic setup to an advanced station with a solar-integrated canopy required careful consideration of aesthetics, cost, and scalability. The use of respectful materials, such as wood and energy-efficient components, reflects our commitment to sustainable design without compromising on visual impact or functionality.
- Project Duration
- The project began in February 2024 in Paris, with design completion by June 2024. The first prototype was publicly unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in October 2024, generating significant interest. Deployment across Europe starts in February 2025, with initial installations in France, Belgium, Italy, and Spain.
- Operation Flow
- ElectraLine simplifies the charging experience at every step. Users are guided by LED displays offering real-time information on availability, pricing, and charging progress. Comfortable seating and shaded areas invite users to relax while their vehicle charges. With a modular concept, the station can adapt to changing needs, including the addition of a canopy with solar panels. This ensures not only an energy-efficient infrastructure but also a forward-thinking approach to design that grows with its users.
- Research
- The concept for ElectraLine was developed using a comprehensive framework that integrates user insights, sustainable design principles, and innovative technology. Through extensive research and workshops, we identified the need for an adaptable and approachable charging solution. The design merges functionality with aesthetics, ensuring that the stations not only meet technical requirements but also foster a positive user experience.
- Inspiration
- Electraline embodies a user first approach, addressing the needs of EV drivers with simplicity and elegance. Inspired by Electra’s values - approachability, simplicity, and sustainability - it combines cutting edge design with functionality. The concept centers on creating a charging station that is as inviting as it is efficient, ensuring a seamless integration of form, function, and user experience. Its modular design, built with respectful and sustainable materials, reflects our commitment to redefining public infrastructure.
- Image Credits
- All rights belong to the Electra company.
- Patents
- All rights belong to the Electra company.
Colors of Electraline Modular Charging Station Infrastructure
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Design Interview about Electraline Modular Charging Station Infrastructure
The core idea behind ElectraLine is to transform the EV charging experience - turning a typically cold, utilitarian infrastructure into a warm, functional, and beautifully integrated element of the city. It’s about creating something that feels natural, useful, and emotionally resonant, while staying true to our values: approachable, simple, and smart.
Our main focus was to elevate a moment of pause into a meaningful interaction. We designed for comfort, simplicity, and clarity - creating a place where people don’t just plug in their car, but also connect with their environment, intuitively and effortlessly.
ElectraLine is being rolled out as the new visual identity of Electra stations across Europe. Future evolutions include new formats for compact sites, upgraded solar integrations, and enhanced interactive experiences with screen and sound elements.
The concept was developed over approximately 9 months, from early design research and branding workshops to live prototype testing at public events. It continues to evolve based on user feedback and operational insights.
Because existing charging stations were uninspiring, purely functional, and lacked any emotional or visual identity. We saw an opportunity to bring design, sustainability, and urban integration into a space that was long overdue for reimagination. But beyond improving the user experience, we also wanted to create a distinctive and recognizable visual identity - something that would make Electra stations instantly identifiable in the urban landscape, reinforcing our brand presence and values. This wasn’t something we were commissioned to do - it was a strategic, visionary move to shape the future of our network through design.
No. Electraline is designed, developed, and used exclusively by Electra. It is a core element of our brand identity and operational model, and we intend to keep it fully integrated within our ecosystem. The design was conceived entirely in-house by our Station Design team, led by Valeriia Ilicheva (Designer) and Antoine Questel (Product Manager). This internal collaboration ensured a deep alignment between user experience, technical constraints, and brand expression, resulting in a station concept that is both innovative and true to our values.
We wanted to show that charging infrastructure can be elegant, intuitive, and integrated. This project allowed us to merge product thinking, physical architecture, and environmental values in one single design language.
Our influences came from observing how people move through public spaces, how they engage with technology, and how design can build trust and comfort without saying a word. We drew inspiration from real-world use, not from other designers.
Electraline is designed for all users of Electra stations - whether they're daily urban commuters, professional drivers, or families on long-distance trips. It also addresses the needs of cities and site owners who seek charging solutions that are both efficient and harmoniously integrated into their environments. The design aims to serve a wide range of use cases while remaining inclusive, intuitive, and visually coherent across our network.
Electraline is a signature element of Electra stations - it gives them a strong visual identity, making them instantly recognizable and welcoming. Its modular architecture, combination of warm, tactile materials like responsibly sourced wood and durable, recyclable elements like painted aluminum, along with the integration of features such as LED screens, ambient lighting, seating, and optional solar canopies, make it a multi-functional and adaptable structure. It stands out by combining design, sustainability, and user-centric technology into a cohesive system that enhances both the charging experience and the integration of the station into its environment.
The name Electraline was inspired by the linear and continuous shape of the structure. It creates a visual and spatial line within the station, giving coherence and identity to the overall layout.
We used a mix of 3D modeling software, architectural tools, and visual design platforms - including SketchUp, AutoCAD, Twinmotion, Artlantis - along with physical prototyping, mood boards, and internal user journey mapping.
The way Electraline blends aesthetics, comfort, and high-tech features into a cohesive and flexible structure. The combination of warm wood, interactive screens, and scalable layouts creates something both iconic and human.
The concept was developed by Electra’s Station Design Team, led by Valeriia Ilicheva (Designer) and Antoine Questel (Product Manager). It was challenged throughout by top management, ensuring strategic alignment. Once the concept was defined, other internal teams contributed during the industrial design phase to prepare it for production and deployment.
Technology is embedded throughout - from real-time LED screens and motion-sensitive lighting, to sound systems and solar panel integration. Yet the technology remains discreet and purposeful, never overwhelming the human experience.
Absolutely. We conducted user interviews, field tests, and surveys. Real data on comfort, screen readability, and visual appeal directly informed key design decisions.
Designing for modularity without compromising aesthetics, ensuring durability in harsh environments, and integrating technology in a seamless and scalable way were all major challenges. We also had to align with strict urban planning and accessibility standards.
Because we believe design should be part of public infrastructure conversations, and that this work represents a new standard for how infrastructure can serve both people and place.
We learned that empathy is the strongest design tool. Every line, curve, and material was refined by asking how people feel, not just how things function. We also grew as a team - learning how to balance vision with real-world constraints.
Yes, we believe ElectraLine is a symbol of a better urban future. It’s not just about EVs. It’s about designing cities where infrastructure disappears into beauty, and where technology serves quietly and respectfully.
Grand Interview about Electraline Modular Charging Station Infrastructure
The integration of responsibly sourced wood and sleek aluminum in Electraline’s Modular Charging Station infrastructure aligns with our commitment to environmental sustainability while enhancing user experience. The choice of Douglas lasured wood brings warmth and tactile appeal, creating a welcoming atmosphere for users. Combined with its weather-resistant properties, the wood ensures durability, extending the infrastructure’s lifespan. Aluminum, particularly the painted sandblasted RAL 7021, complements the organic warmth of the wood with a modern and sleek finish, delivering a refined contrast that not only appeals aesthetically but also reduces the environmental footprint. This thoughtful material choice harmonizes modernity and sustainability, resulting in a user-friendly environment that feels as functional as it is inviting.
The modular design of Electraline allows for seamless expansion from small stations with 2 chargers to large hubs with over 40 chargers. Maintaining visual cohesion across these configurations was a critical design challenge. The modular design principle was key—whether in the ISL (Island) or EOP (End of Place) layout, the visual identity remains consistent. This is achieved through uniform use of materials like wood and aluminum, ensuring that each configuration, regardless of size, retains the same aesthetic appeal. Additionally, the optional solar-powered roof add-on provides a further layer of flexibility, adapting the stations to different environments while offering a scalable solution that meets the needs of various locations.
The optional solar-equipped canopy of Electraline significantly contributes to both energy efficiency and the future-proofing of public charging solutions. Solar panels integrated into the roof reduce reliance on external power grids, generating clean, on-site energy to power the station’s LED lighting and digital displays. This sustainability aspect not only makes the station more energy-efficient but also aligns with Electra’s vision of creating self-sufficient, eco-friendly charging infrastructures. The modularity of this roof feature ensures it can be added to smaller stations, adapting to larger hubs as needed, thus supporting future expansion.
LED panels were strategically integrated into the design to enhance user experience by providing real-time information such as charging status, availability, and pricing. These panels are positioned for optimal visibility, ensuring users can easily access the information they need. During the design process, we focused on making the screens not just functional but dynamic. The panels can also display seasonal content, promotions, or interactive elements, creating an engaging and inclusive experience for users of all backgrounds and needs. By aligning these digital features with our human-centric design approach, we’ve elevated the EV charging experience to be both practical and part of everyday life.
Balancing the technical aspects of EV charging with the need for a welcoming, aesthetic environment posed unique challenges. While technical elements such as durability, ease of use, and integration with the EV network were critical, we also wanted to create a space that felt inviting. The use of natural materials like wood, combined with sleek aluminum, allowed us to achieve this balance. The design was also informed by insights from our user research, which revealed that users appreciate intuitive, low-stress environments. Thus, we ensured that technical features like chargers, LED displays, and app connectivity were integrated seamlessly into a structure that prioritizes comfort and visual appeal.
The modularity of Electraline is key to its ability to meet both current and future EV infrastructure demands. Electraline is not a direct charging solution but an essential part of the overall infrastructure, designed to be adaptable. This allows for seamless integration of different technologies, such as adding a solar roof to enhance energy efficiency, without compromising the overall design integrity. The flexibility of this modular approach ensures that Electraline can evolve with the introduction of new technologies or infrastructure requirements while remaining compatible with long-term sustainability trends.
The integration of comfortable seating areas and shaded spaces reflects a fundamental shift in the relationship between urban furniture and EV charging requirements. By adding elements such as seating and shade, we transform the charging station into more than just a place to charge—it becomes a comfortable space where users can relax, work, or socialize while their vehicles charge. This thoughtful design addresses the increasing demand for public spaces that offer not only functionality but also comfort and social interaction. The result is a space that feels integrated into the urban landscape, encouraging longer dwell times and fostering a sense of community.
The development of Electraline was deeply influenced by extensive research and workshops. These sessions helped identify key needs, such as the importance of intuitive interfaces, comfort, and visual integration with the cityscape. While Electraline itself is not the charging solution but an integral part of the overall charging station infrastructure, the focus was on how it can enhance the user experience and strengthen the Electra brand within the larger context of the station. Our design team iterated on these insights, exploring various materials, layouts, and functionalities. The final design reflects this user-centric approach, ensuring that Electraline serves as a flexible and adaptable element within any charging station, while remaining approachable and seamlessly integrated into diverse environments.
As a Gold A’ Design Award recipient, Electraline sets a new standard for sustainable urban infrastructure. It has received positive feedback for its modularity, eco-friendly materials, and engaging user experience. Electraline is not a direct charging solution but plays an integral role in overall EV charging infrastructure. We envision Electraline influencing future urban charging solutions across Europe, promoting the adoption of sustainable materials, solar energy integration, and user-centric design. Its scalable and modular nature ensures that Electraline aligns with the growing demand for flexible, sustainable public infrastructure.
Electraline seamlessly combines functionality with urban sensitivity, playing a key role in both enhancing urban environments and reinforcing the Electra brand. The design focuses on adaptability, ensuring that Electraline can integrate smoothly into diverse urban landscapes, from modern cityscapes to more historic settings. This flexibility allows the infrastructure to maintain a strong visual identity across various environments while respecting the unique characteristics of each location.An important consideration throughout the project was the ease of deployment. Electraline’s modular design simplifies installation, enabling quick setup in various locations with minimal disruption. This approach helps to reduce operational complexity and accelerate the rollout process, making it a practical and efficient solution for cities aiming to meet the growing demand for EV infrastructure.From an economic perspective, Electraline is designed to be cost-effective and offer long-term value. Its modular nature supports future upgrades, while the use of sustainable materials and solar energy integration helps minimize operational costs and environmental impact. This focus on sustainability, adaptability, and ease of deployment strengthens the Electra brand and positions Electraline as a forward-thinking infrastructure solution that contributes to the future of urban charging infrastructure across Europe.