As fleet operators move from early stage deployment of EVs to mass adoption, many are finding their plans constrained by electricity supply issues. All too often, depots are simply not equipped with a grid connection that can support large numbers of EV chargers. Typically, the solution is an expensive upgrade from the distribution network operator (DNO), but BESS offers a lower-cost alternative.
“Battery energy storage systems come at a lower cost than some DNO upgrades and can be installed in a fraction of the time,” said Matthew Lumsden, CEO of Connected Energy. “We’re seeing a spike in interest from local authorities and private sector fleet operators who are realising that many of their depots do not have a grid connection that can meet their electrification goals.”
Connected Energy’s E-STOR takes batteries from Renault electric vans and gives them a second life in BESS applications. If a depot’s grid connection isn’t high enough to accommodate banks of EV chargers, E-STOR can bridge this gap. It works by drawing energy from the grid or on-site renewables during periods of low demand, and then providing that power to the charge points as it is needed.
