Summary
- EV charging station buildout in the US is progressing, but obstacles remain, such as expensive grid upgrades needed to handle the influx of EV owners.
- ElectricFish, a California firm, offers a modular charging station solution called 350Squared that reduces the need for expensive grid upgrades by utilizing existing infrastructure.
- The 350Squared power bank system eliminates up to 90% of the cost of grid upgrades for conventional EV fast charging stations and offers faster charging speeds.
- ElectricFish has integrated AI forecasting into its software to optimize energy use, ensure grid stability, and lower operational costs while enhancing revenue generation for site hosts.
- The electrification of fleet vehicles, particularly medium-duty trucks, presents a significant opportunity for EV adoption, with the potential for cost savings and efficiency improvements.
Article
The EV charging station buildout in the US is continuing to grow, but there are obstacles that need to be addressed. One of the main challenges is the need for expensive grid upgrades to accommodate the increasing number of EV owners. ElectricFish, a startup based in California, has developed a solution called “350Squared” that aims to address this issue. This modular charging station can utilize existing electrical infrastructure to serve as a community microgrid and energy storage system, reducing the need for costly grid upgrades.
ElectricFish recently announced the launch of the new 350Squared power bank, which features 400 kilowatt-hours of storage and fast EV charging capabilities. The company claims that this system can eliminate up to 90% of the costs associated with grid upgrades for conventional fast charging stations. By integrating AI forecasting and real-time energy market APIs, ElectricFish’s charging stations are also designed to optimize energy use and ensure grid stability while lowering operational costs.
As the demand for EVs continues to rise, the electrification of fleet vehicles presents a significant opportunity for the industry. ElectricFish is focusing on medium-duty fleet electrification, aiming to lower upfront costs and maximize efficiency for fleet operators. The company’s 350Squared system incorporates two charging ports and a bi-directional meter, catering to the specific needs of fleet vehicle charging.
The US EV charging market is expanding rapidly, with various stakeholders working to ensure the growth of the electrification movement. States like Pennsylvania have successfully deployed funds for charging infrastructure, and partnerships between companies like Sheetz, IONNA, Pilot/Flying J, GM, and EVgo are facilitating the development of charging locations across the country. Additionally, advancements in home charging solutions for multi-family residential properties are opening up new opportunities for EV sales.
Toyota, a major player in the automotive industry, has traditionally focused on hybrids and fuel cell electric vehicles but is now making strides in the EV market. The automaker recently introduced three new battery-electric vehicles in Europe and plans to bring one of them to the US market. Toyota’s investment in the IONNA EV charging network demonstrates its commitment to supporting the development of charging infrastructure. Overall, the expansion of EV charging stations and the adoption of electric vehicles are key components of the ongoing transition towards a cleaner and more sustainable transportation system.
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