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Less grid expansion – more revenue: Battery-based solution vs. conventional charging solution

Electromobility is gaining momentum – but grid expansion is slow in catching up. As the number of electric vehicles increases, so does the demand for high-performance charging infrastructure. The German government has set itself the ambitious goal of creating one million public charging points by 2030. But conventional grid expansion is expensive and time-consuming.

 

The challenge: Conventional DC fast chargers require high connection capacity. However, many locations are not designed to cope with this strain, and expanding grid capacity often requires significant investment.

 

The alternative: Battery-based fast charging platforms such as the ChargePost from ADS-TEC Energy decouple the charging capacity from the power of the grid. They store electricity in buffer storage systems and maintain output so as to enable ultra-fast charging – even in locations with limited grid capacity. At the same time, they tap into new sources of revenue, such as energy trading or digital advertising displays.

 

Conventional DC fast charging: high costs, minimal flexibility

Many charging infrastructure projects fail not because of the technology, but because of the high costs and long lead times for grid connection. Every new fast charging point requires a high-performance connection, but this can involve significant investment, especially in remote locations or in inner-city areas with limited space and grid capacity. Grid expansion thus becomes a cost driver that calls into question the economic viability of many projects.

In addition, grid charges are rising. Grid operators are charging ever higher rates for peak loads and grid usage, which puts additional strain on ongoing operating costs.

Another problem is the financial dependence on electricity prices of traditional business models with fast chargers. Since profitability results solely from the margin between the purchase and sale price of electricity, the business model can quickly become less attractive due to rising grid charges and volatile electricity prices.

Battery-based charging platforms offer a more economical alternative. They limit dependency on the grid, reduce ongoing costs and open up additional sources of income – a pivotal advantage for the sustainable development of charging infrastructure.

Battery-based charging platforms: economic benefits without the need for grid expansion

The expansion of charging infrastructure is reaching its limits in many places. Conventional DC fast charging stations often require considerable expenditure, particularly in locations with limited grid capacity or in areas where expensive grid expansion is not economically viable.

One solution, however, is battery-based charging platforms that store electricity from the grid or from renewable sources temporarily and discharge it as needed. In this way, high grid expansion costs can be avoided without compromising on charging capacity.

How battery-based fast charging systems work

Intermediate energy storage as a key technology

  • The battery constantly takes in electricity so it can provide it for fast charging in the shortest possible time if required.
  • This prevents high peak loads, as the grid connection does not have to deliver full power at all times.

Flexibility in procuring electricity

  • The integrated storage system allows electricity to be purchased in a targeted manner when it is cheapest (e.g. in the event of a surplus of renewable energies).

Independence from grid power

  • Even locations with low grid capacity can offer ultra-fast charging because the battery supplies the required electricity buffer.
  • Operators gain greater planning certainty as they are less dependent on grid charges and demand charges.
  • Locations that would not otherwise be equipped with fast chargers can be set up.

 

 

 

 

 

Comparison

Standard DC fast charging vs. battery-based solution

The biggest differences between conventional DC charging technology (with direct grid connection) and battery-based platforms are summarized below.

Standard DC fast charging

Battery-based charging platforms

Battery-based charging platforms enable high charging output even in locations with limited grid infrastructure. In addition to reduced peak load costs and cheaper electricity procurement, they also open up additional sources of income for operators, making the entire business model significantly more scalable and future-proof.

Practical example

Battery-based fast charging platform in use

Battery-based fast charging platforms such as the ChargePost from ADS-TEC Energy offer an economical and flexible alternative to conventional fast charging. They reduce strain on the power grid, enable operation in locations with limited grid capacity and lower peak load costs. At the same time, they open up additional sources of revenue for operators, such as energy trading or digital advertising space.

Example: 300 kW charging capacity without expensive grid expansion
The integrated buffer storage systems in the ChargePost store energy when the grid is only under a light load and deliver it specifically for ultra-fast charging. This enables charging capacities of up to 300 kW to be achieved, even in locations without a powerful grid connection. Time-consuming and costly grid expansion is no longer necessary, but high charging speeds are still possible.

This infrastructure also opens up new business models:

  • Optimized energy use
    Charging at low electricity prices and discharging at peak times.
  • Advertising revenue
    Digital displays integrated in charging stations create an additional source of income.
  • Flexible location selection
    No direct access to high-voltage grids required, ideal for locations with limited grid capacity.

 

 

Future prospects

More efficiency, less grid dependency

Electromobility is growing rapidly – faster than grid expansion is able to keep pace in many places. This is where battery-based charging platforms come in: they reduce the pressure on the electricity grid, offer more flexibility and open up additional business models. Charge point operators (CPOs) and fleet operators in particular benefit from not being subject to grid fees and volatile electricity margins. Towns and cities can also implement ultra-fast charging points in this way, even in places where the grid capacity would not be sufficient for conventional fast chargers.

Another step toward sustainable energy use is bidirectional charging. In the future, platforms that not only draw energy from the grid, but also feed it back in if required could offer even greater benefits – both for private companies and for municipal energy providers. This allows peak loads to be balanced out and for the smart management of energy flows.

Thanks to their scalability, battery-based systems are predestined for future-proof charging infrastructure. They enable high charging capacities without complex grid connections and open up lucrative revenue models such as energy trading and advertising space. By reducing peak load costs and optimizing the timing of electricity purchases, they make the “fast charging” business model far more profitable.

Less need for grid expansion – more revenue: Battery-based fast chargers are facilitating the rapid development of electromobility without the need to install expensive grid connections at every location. As a result, they are not only efficient, but also economically viable – a decisive factor in speeding up the transport transition and securing stable revenues for operators in the long term.