Current challenges in the network and potential for companies

The increasing number of electric cars, heat pumps and digitalized processes are elevating the demand for electricity. At the same time, the energy generated from wind and solar sources fluctuates greatly. For grid operators, all this means is stress: peak loads are occurring more frequently and the grid is reaching its regional limits. Standard network expansion is expensive, time-consuming and entails hurdles in getting approved.

This creates problems for companies: For example, fast charging stations cannot be installed without sufficient grid capacity. It is here that the potential for innovative solutions lies. With battery-buffered systems, companies can overcome these challenges and also tap into new revenue streams.

 

Rethinking charging infrastructure: battery-based systems

Battery-buffered charging means that the power required for ultra-fast charging is not obtained directly from the power grid, but largely from an integrated battery storage system. Simply put, the battery is charged slowly when electricity is cheap and available – then the stored energy is supplied to the vehicle within a short period of time with high power output.

This means that even ultra-fast charging is possible without the grid connection having to constantly provide high power output. This saves companies from having to invest in extensive, expensive grid expansions and allows them to benefit from stable and predictable charging infrastructure.

 

Why batteries are crucial for the charging of the future

Batteries enable flexibility and independence from the utility grid. Particularly in areas with limited grid capacity, they offer huge advantages:

  • They balance out peak loads and thus reduce grid charges.
  • They offer the possibility of storing electricity cheaply and using it at peak times or feeding it back into the grid (arbitrage).
  • They integrate seamlessly into decentralized energy systems, such as local PV systems or virtual power plants.
Battery-based charging solutions by ADS-TEC Energy

ChargePost and ChargeBox

ADS-TEC Energy has developed two systems specifically to meet these requirements: ChargePost and ChargeBox. Both solutions combine ultra-fast charging with an integrated battery storage system and offer a wide range of additional functions that go beyond mere charging. They also make it possible for locations that were previously unsuitable for ultra-fast charging to accommodate such facilities.

ChargePost

This all-in-one solution takes charging to a whole new level: with up to two optional 75" displays, additional business models are possible.

ChargeBox

The solution with one battery unit and two charging stations offers enormous flexibility during installation.

ChargePost: more than just charging

With an output of up to 300 kW, the ChargePost delivers ultra-fast charging for electric vehicles – meaning you can charge up enough for a range of around 60 miles in about five minutes. The integrated battery storage system with a capacity of 201 kWh means the ChargePost works independently of the available grid capacity and offers maximum flexibility.

 

Expanding your business model with ChargePost

In addition to charging, the ChargePost offers various opportunities to generate additional revenue:

  • Digital out-of-home advertising (DOOH): Large built-in advertising displays enable dynamic advertising in high-traffic locations such as grocery store parking lots or shopping malls. This allows companies to generate attractive additional income and the flexibility to present their offers in a way that specifically addresses their target audience. Totally separate from the use of the charging infrastructure.
  • Arbitrage: The battery storage system enables you to store electricity cost-effectively, for example in the event of oversupply from PV installations or wind turbines. During times of high demand or in the event of grid bottlenecks, the stored energy is discharged again – and brings you additional revenue on the electricity market.
  • Optimizing self-consumption: Excess energy from your own photovoltaic systems can be stored in the battery, so you can then use it effectively to operate the charging station or to cover your own needs.

     

Practical examples: grocery stores, towns, public institutions

Grocery stores use the ChargePost to offer customers fast charging and attractive ads at the same time. Towns benefit from DOOH advertising as an additional source of revenue, while providing their residents with flexible charging infrastructure. Public institutions, such as town halls or educational institutions, rely on battery-buffered charging to reduce operating costs and as an active contribution to the energy transition.

 

ChargeBox: flexible and future-proof fast charging solutions

The ChargeBox enables ultra-fast charging of up to 320 kW – even in locations with low grid capacity. The spatial separation between the storage system and the charging point (up to 200 meters away) results in flexible design options, making it ideal for confined urban spaces or locations with limited connection capacity, for example.

 

Advantages over standard grid expansion

ChargeBox offers clear advantages over complex network expansion:

  • Less space required and simpler installation: No time-consuming network expansion measures required, simple approval process, quick start-up.
  • Fast charging despite low grid capacity: The intelligent combination of battery storage and charging technology drastically reduces demand on the grid.
  • Peak load management through intelligent controls: Battery storage systems cover power peaks and ensure continuous, efficient use of the power connection – with significant cost savings for companies.

In this way, the ChargeBox not only responds to current challenges, but is also an attractive, long-term solution for your company.

 

DOOH – digital out-of-home media as an additional revenue stream

Digital out-of-home (DOOH) transforms modern charging points such as ChargePost systems into eye-catching advertising media – equipped with large, high-resolution HD screens right at the point of sale (POS). 

The advertising content reaches not only electric car drivers during the charging process, but also passers-by, customers and visitors – at locations such as grocery stores, shopping malls and transport hubs.

Companies can position their messages in a targeted manner because the content can be controlled flexibly according to the time of day, target group or location. This creates an attractive usage scenario for brands that want to advertise where people are actually looking.

Another benefit Campaigns can be flexibly adapted and updated – ensuring the advertising message remains relevant and effective at all times. This creates real added value for advertisers and additional sources of revenue for location operators.

Technical requirements

Whether you’re a retailer, car manufacturer or energy supplier, DOOH is becoming an additional, scalable business model that can be seamlessly integrated into existing charging infrastructure.

 

Battery2Grid and virtual power plants

Storing, trading, feeding electricity back into the grid – all smartly controlled: Battery2Grid solutions offer new revenue potential beyond traditional charging.

There are two operating models to choose from:

  • Front-of-the-meter (FTM): The storage system is connected directly to the public power grid. This means it can be an active participant in the electricity market, for example in the event of price or voltage fluctuations.
  • Behind-the-meter (BTM): The storage system is integrated into the company’s own infrastructure, e.g. at a grocery store or company campus. This involves the management of peak loads or the targeted use of energy generated on the premises.

Virtual power plants (VPPs) intelligently form a network of several such storage systems. The result is that a small number of individual services are bundled and marketed together.

This leads to a new type of charging infrastructure – one that not only supplies electricity, but also plays an active role in the energy market.

 

Cost-effectiveness and profitability of the systems

Charging infrastructure pays off when it works efficiently – not just technically, but also financially. This is where the battery-based systems from ADS-TEC Energy come in. Various revenue streams are possible and make the charging location profitable:

  • Electricity sold by electromobility users
  • DOOH advertising thanks to two 75-inch displays
  • Arbitrage through intelligent storage system management
  • Peak load management to reduce grid charges

The overall result is a multi-revenue model that can be integrated into existing location concepts – and that delivers not only energy, but also returns.

 

Outlook and recommendations

The growth of electromobility is unstoppable – but it has to be smarter. Charging infrastructure based on storage technology provides a stable, flexible and economically viable basis for the mobility transition. And it is constantly evolving.

 

What companies should pay attention to now:

  • Early planning: Charging infrastructure is becoming a key resource – tapping into locations early will secure long-term benefits.
  • Thinking of scalable systems: Demand is growing. Today’s technology solutions should be designed with expansion in mind.
  • Using added value: Charging points can do far more than supply electricity – DOOH advertising, arbitrage and ancillary services are opening up new areas of business.
  • Choosing partners who are proactive: ADS-TEC Energy sees itself not only as a technology supplier, but also as a co-designer of new energy infrastructure.

The path to profitable charging infrastructure doesn’t start with breaking ground – it starts with making the right decision. If you recognize the potential, you can turn a technical necessity into a sustainable business model. ADS-TEC Energy is with you on this journey – with modular, flexible and collaborative solutions.