ABL

Overview

ABL is a German manufacturer of electric vehicle charging infrastructure, including wallboxes and charging columns for private, semi-public, and public applications. The company is one of the pioneers in the e-mobility sector, having transitioned from its historical expertise in electrical connectors to become one of Europe's largest charging infrastructure manufacturers. ABL serves major automotive clients including Daimler AG and Audi AG, and has established market leadership in key regions such as Norway.

History

ABL was founded in 1923 by Albert Büttner in Franconia, Germany. The company gained prominence in 1925 when Büttner invented the SCHUKO plug, which became the world's most widely used plug and socket standard. Beginning in 2011, ABL pivoted to electric vehicle charging infrastructure, leveraging its century of expertise in electrical connectivity. In October 2023, Wallbox acquired ABL for approximately €15 million, integrating the company's manufacturing facilities in Germany and Morocco into the Wallbox Group.

Product Lines

Manufacturing

ABL operates state-of-the-art manufacturing and assembly facilities in Germany (headquarters location) and Morocco for component manufacturing. The company emphasizes "Made in Germany" quality standards in production and maintains high-quality control throughout its manufacturing processes.

Notable Products

• ABL Wallbox - Residential charging station for private EV owners with smart charging capabilities
• ABL Charging Columns - Public charging infrastructure for cities and municipalities
• SCHUKO Plug - Universal electrical plug standard invented in 1925, foundational to the company's heritage

Reputation

ABL is recognized as a reliable and experienced player in European EV charging infrastructure with strong engineering credentials rooted in over a century of electrical connector expertise. The company is respected for its focus on user-friendly design and quality manufacturing standards. Its market leadership in Norway and partnerships with major automotive manufacturers demonstrate industry credibility, though as an acquired subsidiary of Wallbox, its independent brand presence has diminished since 2023.