Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming increasingly popular with both consumers and businesses alike, due to their cost savings and environmental benefits. ChargePoint and Stem are working together to ensure that EV charging is as convenient and efficient as possible, providing innovative solutions that pair EV charging with energy storage solutions. These solutions provide a variety of benefits to EV drivers, such as improved charging flexibility and more reliable power. By pairing electric vehicles with energy storage solutions, ChargePoint and Stem are making it easier and more cost-effective to charge electric vehicles, while making sure that power is used responsibly. In this article, we will explore the various benefits of pairing EV charging with energy storage solutions from ChargePoint and Stem.
Benefits of pairing EV charging with energy storage solutions
A key benefit of using energy storage solutions with EV charging is that it allows drivers to charge their vehicles at any time of day. In the past, this was not possible for several reasons, including the need for a large amount of storage capacity, the lack of sufficient charging stations, and the inconvenience of charging at off-peak times. Together with electric vehicle (EV) charging, energy storage can allow electric vehicle (EV) drivers to use solar power and other renewable resources, providing a low-cost, long-term solution. With the ability to store energy from solar photovoltaic (PV) power, electric vehicles can be integrated with on-grid energy storage without impact to the grid. Another major benefit of pairing EV charging with energy storage solutions is the ability to charge EVs during times of low demand. This can be particularly beneficial for businesses that have employees who drive EVs. With energy storage solutions and EV charging, it is now possible to have employees charge their cars in their own parking spaces. This allows them to avoid finding parking spaces during low demand times.
a. Improved charging flexibility
EVs have unique charging requirements that can be challenging to manage when charging with conventional chargers. In particular, EVs may have a range of different charging requirements, depending on the battery capacity, age, and usage of the EV. By pairing EV charging with energy storage solutions, EV drivers can take advantage of different charging types, depending on their EV’s requirements. EVs may require a high-power charging source, such as a fast-charging station that can deliver quick charges. Or, an EV may have a lower charging capacity and require a lower power source, such as an on-grid charging source that uses less electricity. EVs also come in various shapes and sizes. Consumers who are unfamiliar with charging techniques can benefit from pairing EV charging with energy storage solutions. First, they can use energy storage solutions to provide a wider range of charging options, such as time of day, charging type, and power source. Then, they can use the EV charging data, such as charging capacity and range, to select the right charging station. This can help EV drivers who are new to the charging market, greatly improving their convenience and charging flexibility.
b. More reliable power
EVs may be capable of powering a building or local area for less than an hour each day. But with the increasing adoption of EVs, it is important to ensure that there are enough power sources that can support EV charging. With energy storage solutions and EV charging, it is now possible to use renewable power sources, such as solar PV, to power EV charging. Doing so ensures that more reliable, continuous power is available, reducing the risk of charging shortage. EV charging paired with energy storage also helps to manage the power distribution system by providing a reliable source of power. In particular, the amount of power drawn from the grid will depend on how much power is generated and stored by electric vehicles and energy storage solutions.
Cost savings associated with pairing EV charging with energy storage solutions
Providing EV charging paired with energy storage solutions has the potential to save EV drivers time and money, compared to conventional charging. First, electric vehicles can use energy storage to provide a range of different charging options, including from renewable sources and the grid. This can help to reduce the number of different charging stations that EV drivers need to visit, saving both time and money. By providing a reliable power source, EV charging paired with energy storage solutions can significantly reduce the risk of power shortages. This can help to reduce the cost of peak power, as well as provide power when it is most needed. For example, when it is very hot outside.
Ensuring that power from EVs is used responsibly
Many EV charging solutions, such as Level 2 charging, are capable of delivering a substantial amount of power. This can be used to charge EVs quickly, which can help to reduce the time it takes to charge an EV. But at the same time, this power can be used to power nearby loads, such as commercial appliances or EV chargers. In the future, EV charging combined with energy storage can provide more reliable and controlled power. This will help to reduce unnecessary power use. EV charging paired with energy storage solutions can help to ensure that this power is used responsibly. First, it can be difficult to monitor the power used by charging stations. With EV charging paired with energy storage solutions, this becomes easier, as it is now possible to monitor the power used by individual charging stations.
Impact of pairing EV charging with energy storage solutions on EV drivers
The adoption of EVs is expected to increase significantly in the future, due to their cost savings, environmental benefits, and convenience. But one important factor that can impact the success of EV adoption is the availability of charging stations. By pairing energy storage solutions with electric vehicles, drivers can take advantage of the expanded electric vehicle charging infrastructure and energy storage capabilities. This includes more flexible, reliable power sources and a more predictable, controlled flow of power. By reducTo reduce the risk of power shortage and ensure reliable power is used responsibly, energy storage solutions can help to make charging an electric vehicle more cost-effective and convenient for drivers.
Examples of EV charging and energy storage solutions from ChargePoint and Stem
Between them, ChargePoint and Stem offer a range of energy storage solutions, such as wireless EV charging stations, Level 2 and DC fast chargers, and residential and commercial chargers. EV drivers can use these solutions to seamlessly and safely charge their EVs, while also benefiting from the increased availability of charging and power sources. EV drivers can use ChargePoint’s network of over 6,000 charging stations to seamlessly charge their EVs. With the ability to charge at any station, and any time of day, EV drivers can satisfy any charging requirement. And with the ability to charge multiple types of vehicle, EV drivers can take advantage of the cost savings offered by energy storage solutions. Stem is an energy storage solution provider that partners with EV chargers to provide a range of convenient and reliable energy storage solutions. Stem customers can use the Stem mobile app to view real-time charging data and control the charging of their EVs. And with a range of renewable power sources, Stem provides an integrated solution that is capable of powering EV chargers.
Conclusion
The increasing adoption of EVs is likely to continue to grow, as they provide a more sustainable form of transportation and can reduce greenhouse gas emissions. To make it easier to drive an EV, there needs to be a sufficient number of charging stations available. But public charging infrastructure is only partially addressing this challenge, as it requires drivers to find an available charging station, which can be inconvenient. And many times, this requires navigating different charging types, such as high-power, Level 2, and DC fast chargers. The energy storage industry will be one way to support electric vehicle (EV) charging with more reliable and controlled power. And by pairing EV charging with energy storage solutions, EV drivers can take advantage of this increased availability of power sources.