Pratteln: Innovation centre for e-mobility planned

The innovation center is to be built in Salina Raurica in Pratteln (BL), directly on the A2 freeway, because the location with its connection to the international transport axis is ideal, according to EBL. The cooperative wants to acquire the building land from the canton of Basel-Landschaft, which has already assured a reservation.

The building design was developed by the architectural firm Berrel Berrel Kräutler. It envisages a hybrid construction method that allows multifunctional, flexible use. The building will be 30 meters high, have a usable floor space of around 23,000 square meters and comprise nine floors plus a basement for technology and the battery storage facility.

In addition to a service center for electromobility with 280 charging stations, the center will offer space for concept stores of the leading manufacturers of electric cars, a studio for research projects, businesses and events, as well as co-working spaces for innovative companies, according to EBL. The energy demand for the center - which is as high as that of 5,000 households because of the charging stations - is to be met entirely with local renewable energy from solar power, wood and water.

The utilization concept will be fleshed out in the coming months. Construction work is expected to start in mid-2021, parallel to the construction of the new Rhine road. The opening of the Swiss E-Mobility Hub is planned for 2023. EBL is working with the canton of Basel-Landschaft, the municipality of Pratteln, the University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland and other partners to realize the project.

The costs for the innovation center are estimated at CHF 50 to 70 million. They are to be covered by private investors.