Many energy companies struggle to reliably deliver power at stable voltages during extreme heat waves and cold snaps. Additionally, high-energy applications such as artificial intelligence (AI), industrial manufacturing, and electric vehicle (EV) chargers continuously strain new and legacy power grids.
This article reviews the three types of EV chargers and discusses the key parameters and role of battery energy storage systems (BESS). It highlights how integrating and co-locating these systems with renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, can help stabilize and optimize grid operations. It also explores joint BESS-EV product and sales opportunities, ranging from private residences to commercial and public areas.
Charger speeds and power requirements
EV chargers span three primary categories: Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3. Level 1 chargers operate at 120 volts ac, drawing approximately 10 to 12 amps with a power capacity of 1 to 2 kW.
These chargers connect to standard household outlets and provide a slow, consistent charge, adding about three to seven miles of range per hour. Ideal for overnight charging and routine daily commutes, Level 1 chargers integrate easily into existing residential wiring and electrical systems.
Figure 1. ChargePoint’s J1772 Level 2 EV Charger.(Image: Amazon)
Level 2 chargers (Figure 1) run at 240-V ac in residential settings or 208-V ac in commercial deployments, with amperage ranging from 15 to 80 amps and power outputs between 3 and 19.2 kW. These units require a dedicated circuit and can charge EVs 5 to 15 times faster than Level 1 chargers, providing 10 to 75 miles of range per hour. Level 2 chargers are commonly found in public parking areas, commercial spaces, and some private homes.
Level 3 chargers (Figure 2), also known as dc fast chargers, provide rapid charging for long-distance EV travel. Strategically placed along highways and major routes, these chargers convert ac power to dc at 400 to 1,000 volts, delivering between 50 and 400 kW of power.
Figure 2. A row of Level 3 EV chargers in an industrial parking lot. (Image: QMerit)
Level 3 chargers can charge a medium-sized EV in 17 to 52 minutes, although charging speeds decrease significantly above 80% battery capacity.
The crucial role of BESS units
Many electrical grids aren’t designed to efficiently handle EV charging and other energy-intensive applications, such as AI, industrial manufacturing, and large-scale HVAC systems.
Additionally, power companies face significant challenges in maintaining a continuous energy flow at stable voltages during extreme weather, especially when air conditioners or heaters run at maximum capacity or when fleets of EVs with larger batteries are plugged into active Level 2 and Level 3 chargers.
Figure 3. An industrial-sized BESS integrated with solar panels and wind turbines. (Image: Cummins Inc.)
BESS units balance energy demand and supply to support the evolving high-power demands of legacy and modern electrical grids. A typical BESS comprises lithium-ion battery banks, a battery management system (BMS), inverters, thermal management components, and dynamic load balancing control systems.
These advanced, AI-driven control systems use sophisticated machine learning (ML) algorithms to adapt to fluctuating demands and adjust power distribution in real time. By discharging energy during peak times and recharging during periods of low demand, BESS allows electrical grids to balance loads and maintain reliable energy flow at stable voltage levels.
Integrating BESS and EV chargers
Many electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) operators supplement their infrastructure with a BESS unit. This co-location and integration (Figure 4) optimizes grid stability, streamlines energy management, prevents overloading, and avoids power outages.
Figure 4. A detailed illustration of EVESCO’s BESS and dc fast charger efficiently converting a 25-kW grid input into 120 kW output, enabling true simultaneous 60-kW charging for two electric vehicles. (Image: EVESCO)
Similarly, some operators co-locate and integrate EV chargers and BESS units with renewable energy infrastructure, such as solar panels and wind turbines, further reducing reliance on the grid and bolstering sustainability. When combined, these systems optimally manage charging schedules, accurately predict energy requirements, and improve grid resiliency.
This integrative approach allows power companies to postpone costly grid infrastructure upgrades and reduce operational costs. It also enables EV charging stations to operate independently during peak demand, unplanned power outages, and scheduled maintenance.
Lastly, EVSE operators can sell excess energy back to power companies during peak demand times, providing additional revenue while supporting grid stability.
Exploring joint BESS-EV products
Integrating EVSE and BESS units offers a wide range of joint product development and sales opportunities for energy storage solution providers and charger manufacturers.
In residential areas where Level 1 chargers are common, a small-scale BESS can ensure a steady power supply during extreme weather and other conditions that impact the grid. Homes with Level 2 chargers may require a larger BESS to fully charge their EVs when the grid is overextended or offline. The BESS can be packaged and sold in both cases with the charger, streamlining installation, solar panel system integration, and operation.
Commercial and public areas, such as shopping centers, office complexes, and highway rest stops with Level 2 and Level 3 dc chargers, require a larger, industrial-size BESS. Multiple units may sometimes be necessary to meet higher power demands during peak times or grid outages.
As in the residential market, EV chargers targeting commercial and public deployments can be packaged and sold with BESS units to streamline installation, enable integration with renewable energy infrastructure such as solar or wind, and ensure interoperability. These integrated and co-located deployments are particularly crucial for EV car and truck fleets, as they allow multiple vehicles to efficiently charge during peak demand or in areas with unstable grid conditions.
Conclusion
Many electrical grids aren’t designed to efficiently handle the energy demands of applications like Level 2 and Level 3 EV charging, particularly during extreme heatwaves or freezing temperatures.
To stabilize and optimize grid performance, EVSE operators can integrate EVSE with BESS units and renewable energy infrastructure, such as solar and wind. Co-locating these systems create joint opportunities for EVSE and BESS manufacturers.
Related EE World content
- What is Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE)?
- How Can EVs Be Used for Grid Stability and Load Balancing?
- How do Air and Liquid Cooling Compare in EV Chargers and Cyclers?
- What is Smart Energy Management for EVs?
- How is Functional Safety Defined & Implemented for Batteries in EVs and BESS?
References
- The Benefits of Battery Energy Storage for EV Charging, EVESCO
- Integrating EV Chargers with Battery Energy Storage Systems, ReneSys Energy
- The Role of Energy Storage in Commercial EV Charging Systems, QMerit
- What is EV Charging Load Management?, BENY
- Load Management & Balancing for EV Charging, Driivz
- What are Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)?, Cummins Inc
Filed Under: Charging, FAQs, Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G)