Skip to main content

EVgo adds second-life batteries to fast-charging system

EVgo has added second-life BMW i3 batteries to its Union City fast-charging station in California to store energy during peak solar hours and reduce strain on the grid. This energy is then used to deliver a fast charge to EVgo customers’ electric vehicles during periods of high demand. The second-life battery system integrates two BMW i3 battery packs into a single housing. Evgo says each battery pack has a capacity of 22 kWh which combines with a 30 kW inverter to offer a 30 kW/44 kWh energy storag
July 18, 2018 Read time: 1 min
EVgo has added second-life BMW i3 batteries to its Union City fast-charging station in California to store energy during peak solar hours and reduce strain on the grid. This energy is then used to deliver a fast charge to EVgo customers’ electric vehicles during periods of high demand.


The second-life battery system integrates two BMW i3 battery packs into a single housing.

Evgo says each battery pack has a capacity of 22 kWh which combines with a 30 kW inverter to offer a 30 kW/44 kWh energy storage system.

Princeton Power Systems provided the inverter hardware and integrated it with the battery packs. Meanwhile, technology company Kisensum developed software controls for the battery system and managed software integration.

The EVgo Union City site began operating earlier this summer and currently has two 50 kW DC fast chargers.

Related Content

  • ABB adds AC Wallboxes to portfolio of charging solutions
    June 28, 2018
    ABB has added alternative current (AC) wallboxes to its portfolio of charging solutions. The company says that the systems can be installed in homes and businesses and are suited to companies that want to provide overnight charging facilities. The products are manufactured with a robust all-weather enclosure for indoor and outdoor use and are available in different versions, offering 4.6 and 11 kW AC charging as well as 22 kW AC 3-phase charging. The chargers are fitted and maintained via ABB’s global
  • Elimination of electric vehicle systems
    June 24, 2016
    According to IDTechEx Research reports, Power Electronics for Electric Vehicles 2016-2026, Mild Hybrid 48V Vehicles 2016-2031 and Structural Electronics 2015-2025: Applications, Technologies, Forecasts”, el4ctric vehicles (EVs)have a cost challenge: hybrids have complexity problems meaning reliability and space issues. Extra power electronic units arrive for tasks such as a vehicle-to-grid, vehicle-to-house and inductive charging. Many more will be added in future such as regeneration modules - thermoelect
  • Cyber switching launch enhanced configuration on EV master controller to manage power
    November 22, 2017
    Cyber Switching Electric Vehicle Master Controller (EVMC) has released a direct input product configuration which aims to enhance capability during daytime high-demand/high–turnover charge station applications. It is designed with the intention providing electric vehicle (EV) fleet managers with more options to meet their charging needs while realizing the cost savings from managing power to charging stations. The controller, through the direct input design, can be connected to up to four independent input
  • Asia Pacific expected to lead EV charging station market by 2022
    April 1, 2016
    According to Markets and Markets’ latest market research report, the electric vehicle (EV) charging station market is estimated to reach US$12.61 Billion by 2022, at a CAGR of 29.8 per cent between 2016 and 2022. Factors which are driving the electric vehicle charging stations market include government subsidies and incentives, increasing use of EVs, and the growing need to reduce carbon emissions. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) categorises battery electric vehicles (BEVs) as zero-emissi