Cleveland company’s charger technology ‘huge step’ in America’s EV transition

Photo: Cleveland Clinic

Cleveland-based Lincoln Electric has introduced a new electric vehicle charging technology that it says delivers fast charging speeds with unparalleled reliability.

The Velion Level 3 DC fast charger platform is the first and only American-designed, American-made EV fast charger that exceeds the U.S. government's National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program (NEVI) requirements. 

Lincoln Electric, with 71 manufacturing locations in 20 countries, has made durable electric products for more than 125 years, but the Velion is the first EV charging product.

Why it matters to Ohio

The Velion positions Ohio as a leading producer of EV charging technology at a critical time. EVs continue to grow in market share, but some consumers are frustrated with older charging technology that is slow and unreliable.

One recent study suggests that one in five consumers shows up at a public charging station that does not work.

“You pull up, half of them are broke, out of service,” said Lt. Gov Jon Husted at Lincoln Electric’s unveiling.

Lincoln Electric said at the announcement that it’s leveraging its proven skills and extensive American manufacturing capabilities to advance the critical infrastructure that’s needed to grow the EV market.

In Ohio, the sector will need as many as 25,000 new workers over the next five years.

What they’re saying

“This is an important milestone for Lincoln Electric and a huge step forward in facilitating America’s transition to electric vehicles.”

- Chris Mapes, Chairman, President, and CEO of Lincoln Electric

“As that transition’s going on, we need to make sure that we’re prepared for what the EV future holds, which means how can we help more Ohio companies make the things that will be part of that transition so that we don’t lose jobs or the economic benefit of this transition from more fossil fuel cars to EVs. I really believe that Lincoln Electric is going to build the heart and soul of charging stations around the world, and that’s going to benefit Northeast Ohio.”

- Ohio Lt. Governor Jon Husted

“Today’s ribbon cutting shows that Cleveland and Ohio are going to fuel America’s next economic revolution.”

- Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb

“Lincoln Electric is our largest employer and a leader in innovation and sustainability. We see this inspiring the rest of our manufacturing base.”

- Euclid Mayor Holzheimer Gail