This marks the first battery storage energised DCFC chargers to go online in the state and according to Blink, is a milestone for EV charging resiliency.
The new state-of-the-art battery energy storage system (BESS) efficiently stores energy onsite then provides that power to EV drivers when they need it most. This allows the energy to be captured during off-peak usage times when electricity prices are lowest and releases that energy to charge EVs during peak-usage times when electricity prices are higher, to offset the costs of demand fees. This stored energy enables reduced stress on the grid, allowing drivers to charge even during black-out conditions.
“This innovative battery storage technology is an exciting innovation to EV charging and we’re proud to launch this unit in Pennsylvania as we look ahead to other regions where this technology can be used,” said Brendan Jones, president and CEO of Blink Charging.
The project includes using three Blink 50kW DCFC chargers and one 175kW DCFC charger, all of which will be paired with the battery storage unit. Engineered by Blink, the project was supported by a grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Driving PA Forward program, which uses Pennsylvania Volkswagen settlement funds to replace old diesel vehicles with cleaner transportation options and encourage use of zero-emission electric vehicles by investing in charging infrastructure.
Following the successful inaugural activation of the battery storage unit in Philadelphia, Blink looks to expand this innovative solution in Florida, installing the unit in up to 25 sites across the state that will also include solar canopies with EV chargers.
