XCharge North America, a provider of DC fast charging and battery-integrated EV solutions, is partnering with the Orlando Utilities Commission to install XCharge NA’s Net Zero Series (NZS) charger at OUC’s Grid Integration Laboratory (GIL). The companies aim to explore how resilient charging solutions can enhance the electrical grid’s stability while reducing costs.

Under a one-year research agreement, OUC will use the NZS unit to assess its battery-integrated system and charging capabilities in a demanding operational environment.

Traditional behind-the-meter DC fast charging deployments frequently require infrastructure upgrades, such as new utility hookups and/or transformers. The NZS incorporates a 233 kWh battery pack, and is engineered to limit the amount of power drawn from the grid to a maximum of 194 kW. The NZS installed at GIL operates on an existing 60-amp breaker, and allows OUC to reduce demand impact on the grid to a quarter of what it would have been without the battery buffering.

“As we build out OUC’s network of EV charging stations, we’re always looking for solutions that can be strategically installed on existing infrastructure, maximizing efficiency and minimizing costs,” said Paul Brooker, OUC Manager of Emerging Technologies. “We’re encouraged by XCharge North America’s innovative demand response features, which could better enable us to efficiently manage electricity during peak periods to alleviate stress on the grid. NZS also opens doors for applications like microgrids, which can provide critical backup power to essential services such as hospitals or college campuses during emergencies like hurricanes.”

“Our partnership with OUC is a significant step in our mission to build EV solutions that not only benefit EV drivers but also strengthen grid reliability through battery-integrated technology,” said Alex Urist, XCharge NA’s VP. “We are excited to see how OUC uses the NZS’s bidirectional functionality to enhance the grid’s performance, particularly in addressing mobility demand and extreme weather conditions.”

Source: XCharge North America