More than just fast charging – additional revenue from energy trading

Demand for high-performance fast-charging stations continues to grow, especially in densely populated city centers. Since most charging points won't be fully utilized around the clock — even with a high number of EVs on the road — and this effect will only intensify as the network of fast chargers expands, there's a growing recognition that charging alone isn't a business model that will pay off in the long run. This is especially true given that, unlike oil, electricity is available everywhere, which means far more charging opportunities exist than we're used to seeing with traditional gas stations. Unlike a combustion vehicle, an EV can charge wherever it already happens to be — at the home wallbox, at work, or while running errands. At the same time, people still want to travel the way they always have, covering longer distances without unnecessary detours. It's already clear today that most charging stations won't reach full utilization.

As a result, operators increasingly want additional sources of income. ADS-TEC Energy addresses this with its ultra-fast charging solution ChargePost and its integrated 201 kWh bidirectional battery.

How is the buffer battery commercialized?

Thanks to sophisticated energy management, the buffer battery is controlled intelligently. During periods when no vehicle is charging, the stored energy in the battery can be fed back into the grid. It's particularly worthwhile to store energy from the grid when it's cheap — or even directly profitable during periods of negative electricity prices. At the same time, the stored energy cushions peaks at the site or in the grid and can be fed back later, once prices rise again and a profit can be expected.

Salzburg AG uses ChargePost as a charging and storage solution within its virtual power plant (VPP). ADS-TEC Energy provides the necessary interface for this and can bundle battery capacity on request. The first ChargePost system was accordingly prequalified for the balancing energy market in Salzburg in November 2025 as a battery-integrated fast charger.

An additional revenue stream comes from the 72-inch advertising displays, which can be integrated on one or on two opposite sides of the ChargePost. At high-traffic locations in the city, or in supermarket parking lots, for example, existing space becomes an extra source of income.

Another advantage: buffer battery instead of grid expansion

The ChargePost also has plenty to offer in its role as a fast charger. Because it operates on a low grid connection capacity of 22 to 87 kilowatts, installation typically doesn't require expanding the grid connection or adding an extra transformer. No grid expansion means significantly lower costs and shorter permitting and project timelines — and no increased grid-usage costs, meaning no ongoing fees that grid expansion would otherwise bring.

Via the integrated buffer battery, the low input feed from the 400V distribution grid is boosted to a charging capacity of up to 300 kW. This high output from the battery is always available, even when grid operators reduce their supply. Without a buffer battery, fast chargers can suddenly lose access to the full 300 kW because grid operators throttle the network to prevent overload. The battery, however, always buffers up to the maximum and thus operates independently.

Sustainable, resilient, and future-proof

ADS-TEC Energy uses proprietary, standardized battery modules into which various lithium-ion cell technologies can be integrated, ensuring long-term, sustainable operation. The battery is housed in a rugged steel enclosure and is climate-controlled. The manufacturer continuously monitors the operation of its systems and supports customers throughout the entire product lifecycle to ensure safe operation. Several hundred systems have already been successfully deployed internationally for years.

The ChargePost in Salzburg AG's virtual power plant marks a technological milestone — it is the world's first battery-buffered fast charger used for energy trading.