Battery-in-EV-charger: Elli adds 160 kWh of storage to Flexpole Plus EV charger

Volkswagen Group company Elli has debuted its new Flexpole Plus, a next-gen upgrade to its popular DC fast charger, that includes a usable 160 kWh of battery storage from an installed total capacity of 193.5 kWh using LFP battery cells.

With the integrated battery system, the DC fast charger can supply up to 150 kW while requiring far less in grid upgrades or construction. The new system also offers ModBus interface communication between AC chargers or on-site energy management system to balance load peaks and in doing so, supporting grid capacity.

The battery itself is IP 67 rated, and the system is IP54 rated, and together, weigh 2650 kg as a single unit. A spokesperson at The Smarter E Europe told ESS News the overcapacity of storage (193.5 kWh installed vs. 160 kWh available) allows for less impact from deep discharging when it is required.

Mark Möller, Chief Technical Officer at Volkswagen Group Charging (Elli), said: “The Elli Flexpole is a gamechanger because it enables the expansion of charging infrastructure in places previously seen as unsuitable.

The system has a 10-inch touchscreen, plus a 43-inch advertising screen, and allows for easy integration for various Payment Service Providers (PSPs) to support contactless payment, EC/credit card payments, and mobile payment options.

Elli announced a partnership with German energy association UNITI to expand fast charging at typically fuel-only petrol stations or gas stations.