OXFORD, England & CHARLOTTE, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--ZapGo, Inc. has become the newest member of the Charging Interface Initiative (CharIN), a registered association founded by Audi, BMW, Daimler, Mennekes, Opel, Phoenix Contact, Porsche, TÜV SÜD and Volkswagen, in support of a global standard for charging battery-powered electric vehicles (EVs). CharIN is dedicated to the development of the Combined Charging System (CCS) as an industry standard that enables high power charging (>350kW) direct-current (DC) for on-road EVs in all GVW weight classes. ZapGo is the only storage company that has joined CharIN since its founding and is pursuing development of scalable and standardized “grid augmented” ultra-fast charging solution using local energy storage buffering.
To achieve the goal of a standardized CCS with ultra-high-power DC charging for the full span of EV segments generates extreme demands on electric grid-edge capacities which must be mitigated. This challenge can be achieved through energy storage buffers, such as through a storage solution bundle which includes ZapGo’s Carbon-Ion™ (C-Ion®) cells. Very-high-rate DC chargers could then be connected to the C-Ion banks and operate at 350kW, 450kW or even 1000kW without upgrading the grid connection and avoiding additional operating costs. The increasing variability from distributed energy generation requires utilities to maintain flexibility to balance controllable loads (such as EV charging) and to maintain distribution circuit voltage and frequency. This non-lithium grid-scale storage could simultaneously serve to provide the additional flexibility and balancing services as well.
Stephen Voller, CEO and founder of ZapGo, said, “We joined CharIN because we believe an integral part of the growth of the EV industry is establishing a global charging standard that is practical for all stakeholders: consumers, grid storage providers, EV manufacturers and energy providers. As part of the goal, our C-Ion® cell technology, which offers high-efficiency, extreme cycle life charging and discharging in the megawatt range, will help further shape this standard and serve as an instrumental component in securing its use worldwide.”
About ZapGo
ZapGo is a technology company based at the Harwell Research Campus, Oxford with a US office in Charlotte, NC. ZapGo has developed a unique energy storage solution specifically designed to boost and buffer the grid so ultra-fast charging stations operating at can operate safely without upgrading grid infrastructure. The ZapGo solution does not use lithium or cobalt, and has no moving parts, so can respond orders of magnitude faster than other forms of grid storage. This make the ZapGo technology appropriate for high resilient Data Centre back-up, grid balancing and frequency regulation, ramp rate control and peak shaving, renewable capacity firming, black start and power factor control and microgrid applications. ZapGo Carbon-Ion contains no flammable components so does not need fire suppressant infrastructure. ZapGo technology is designed for a 20-30 year operational life with minimal maintenance and cooling, and can operate in a wide range of operating temperatures providing a cost effective energy storage asset for grid and utility companies. ZapGo Carbon-Ion is made by combining novel nano-carbon materials with proprietary electrolytes they produce an ultra-fast, safe, recyclable energy storage solution. For more information, please visit www.zapgo.com.
About CharIN
The Charging Interface Initiative e.V. - abbreviated to CharIN e.V. - is a registered association founded by Audi, BMW, Daimler, Mennekes, Opel, Phoenix Contact, Porsche, TÜV SÜD and Volkswagen. Based in Berlin, Germany it is open to all interested parties. The purpose of the CharIN organization is to develop and establish the Combined Charging System (CCS) as the global standard for charging battery powered electric vehicles. Our goals include: expanding the global network of companies supporting CCS, drafting requirements to accelerate the evolution of charging related standards, and defining a certification system for all manufacturers implementing CCS in their products. In this connection the limits drawn by antitrust laws are to be observed by all members. Visit www.charinev.org to learn more.
