The government-owned organisation plans to invest in Energy Storage Systems - essentially giant battery packs – for service stations where the grid supply is not enough for rapid charging infrastructure.
Around 20 Energy Storage Systems will temporarily bridge this gap, storing energy in quiet periods to provide rapid high-power charging at busy times, until those motorway services can obtain increased power directly from the grid for rapid charging themselves.
Storing energy in quiet periods, ESSs then provide rapid high-power charging at busy times, until those motorway services can obtain increased power directly from the grid for rapid charging themselves
EVs have the potential to provide significant demand side response and energy storage in response to electricity system needs. For example, by ensuring EVs charge overnight where possible, at times when demand is low, or by charging at times when there is plentiful renewable electricity generation.
Investing £11 million, National Highways is currently discussing the move with prospective suppliers and plans to install the energy storage systems, which will connect to the motorway services operators’ charge points, within the next two years.
The energy system is secure and stable as EV charging demand grows. Electricity system actors have visibility of EV charge point installations for future planning of energy system investment. Consumers are incentivised to smart charge, and costs/rewards are reflective. The electricity markets work for EV flexibility;