Gridserve using second-life batteries and biofuel to power rapid chargers

Gridserve is using second-life batteries and biofuel to help speed up electric vehicle charger activation.

The business introduced this interim microgrid solution at Moto Ferrybridge, months ahead of when the grid connection was otherwise available.

Gridserve said it was the first deployment of this type to power six high power chargers and the company said it demonstrates its commitment to delivering EV charging in the UK in the earliest possible timeframes.

The trial test case with this microgrid solution features a 150kW/150kWh battery pack, sourced from second-life car batteries, that controls the supply of power to the EV chargers and is supplied by vegetable oil generators.

Vegetable oil generators produce 90% less carbon emissions than traditional generators, so in order to stay net zero, GRIDSERVE is also planting trees to offset the remaining 10% carbon emissions this process is unable to remove.

The Gridserve Electric Super Hub at Moto Ferrybridge will ultimately have 12 high power chargers once the permanent grid connection is in place.

Toddington Harper, Gridserve chief executive, said: “Electric Super Hubs typically require new grid connections, which are outside of our control and often take much longer to deliver than installing all the chargers.

“As a result, we’ve been working through solutions to get chargers working as quickly as possible, and we are excited to trial this microgrid solution running on batteries and vegetable oil, as this has enabled us to get the chargers operating many months before the grid connection was available. 

“It’s not a perfect solution, hence to maintain net zero we have arranged to plant trees to offset any carbon emissions produced, but on balance, as an interim solution we feel it makes sense.

“Of course, if there are people out there who have even better interim solutions that can be delivered within the timeframes we are working to, we would be delighted to hear from you.”

Harper said getting new Electric Super Hubs online often isn’t straightforward.

Over the course of anywhere from six to 18 months, Gridserve works with landowners, adjacent business owners, local councils, contractors and Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) to energise new locations.

Any delay at any stage, could postpone Gridserve from delivering the new Electric Super Hub, and over time this can have a knock-on effect on timelines for projects being energised.

Gridserve will be monitoring the microgrid test to understand the customer experience, charging speeds and overall feedback, while awaiting grid connection.

Customers using the site are invited to share their feedback through connect@gridserve.com.