Ameren, GS Yuasa, and Siemens have recently marked a milestone in the clean energy transition by successfully implementing a first-of-its-kind Managed EV Charging and Microgrid platform — now operational at Ameren’s St. Louis campus.
The new charging station employs stationary advanced lead batteries. The EV chargers pull energy from the electric grid, the stationary lead battery, and solar panels as needed. The information technology system optimizes the use of energy by EV chargers to maximize clean energy sources and minimize costs.
The sustainable process uses advanced lead batteries in an energy storage system forming a microgrid, which backs up the EV chargers — reducing cost and improving reliability as two of its capabilities.
Lead batteries are more than 99% recycled at the end of their use, and their components are used to manufacture new batteries. The one-megawatt-hour microgrid includes GS Yuasa’s advanced lead batteries capable of more than 5,000 cycles, making the system durable, long-lasting and cost efficient.
The installation results from collaboration between companies to develop a more economical and sustainable option for EV fast-charging. The Consortium for Battery Innovation (CBI) guided and supported the industry towards this type of innovation. Ameren Missouri will use the station to power its fleet of electric service vehicles.
The charging system is a first in the United States and if it continues to prove its safety and performance, could be rolled out across the country improving access to EV charging facilities and reducing cost.
The Doe Run Company, an Ameren customer and fellow Missouri business, is a global supplier to the market and recycles more than eight million lead batteries each year. Doe Run was instrumental in bringing Ameren together in collaboration with CBI and GS Yuasa to develop this technology.
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Filed Under: Technology News