Knowledge Hub
Battery Energy Storage Systems: A Smart Step Toward Scalable Fast Charging
As the world races towards net-zero emissions targets, the electrification of long-haul trucking offers immense potential to reduce emissions. However, the higher upfront costs of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) pose a challenge to widespread adoption in the freight industry. This is where Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) emerge as a game-changing solution, enabling lower charging prices and helping to offset the increased capital expenditure associated with BEVs, thus paving the way for a more sustainable and economically viable future in heavy-duty transportation.
The Challenge of Fast Charging for Long-Haul BEVs
The transition to BEVs in long-haul trucking presents a significant challenge when it comes to fast charging capabilities. The massive battery packs (often >600 kWh) required for extended range coupled with the demand to shorten the charging times, result in the need for fast charging often exceeding 400 kW per vehicle. This level of power draw places considerable strain on the existing electrical grid infrastructure, particularly in remote areas or at truck stops where multiple vehicles may need to charge simultaneously. To put that figure into perspective, fast charging three long-haul electric trucks simultaneously at 400 kW each requires a total of 1,200 kW of power. This is equivalent to the daily electricity consumption of approximately 276 average European households (source), highlighting the substantial energy demands of these charging operations.
Installing high-power charging infrastructure to meet these demands not only requires substantial capital investment but also often necessitates costly upgrades to local power distribution systems, which can result in long lead-times to deploy charging infrastructure. These grid constraints and the associated high costs of implementation pose significant hurdles to the widespread adoption of BEVs in the long-haul trucking sector, underscoring the need for innovative solutions to make fast charging more feasible and economically viable.
Introduction to BESS:
Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) are sophisticated technologies designed to store and distribute electrical energy. At their core, BESS consist of one or more rechargeable batteries that can store energy provided from the grid for later use. This stored energy can be discharged when needed, providing a flexible and responsive power source. In the context of electricity grids and renewable energy integration, BESS play a crucial role in addressing the intermittent nature of renewable sources like solar and wind. They function as a buffer, storing excess energy during high production periods and releasing it when generation drops, ensuring a consistent power supply despite weather variations. This capability enables higher levels of renewable energy integration into the grid, enhancing overall system stability and reliability. Additionally, BESS contribute to grid stabilization through services such as frequency regulation and voltage support, rapidly injecting or absorbing power to maintain system balance
BESS Integration with Fast Charging Infrastructure:
BESS can be effectively integrated with fast charging stations for electric vehicles, offering several key benefits. This integration allows for direct DC charging, reducing conversion losses and improving efficiency. BESS enables peak shaving and load leveling, which helps manage high power demands during peak charging times. This integration not only enhances the sustainability of charging operations but also helps overcome grid constraints, ultimately providing more reliable and efficient charging services for electric vehicles while optimizing energy consumption and costs.
Economic Benefits of BESS in Fast Charging:
The cost structure of grid-distributed energy consists of costs that are dependent on energy usage, peak power usage, and fixed cost. While the specific breakdown can vary by region, it generally includes:
- Fixed Grid Fee: A set charge based on the maximum power capacity (kW) required
- Peak Power Cost: Determined by the highest power (kW) demand during a billing period, often monthly peak average and yearly peak average.
- Transmission Fees: Charges for using high-voltage transmission lines to transport electricity (per kWh).
- Energy Costs: The cost of electricity consumed (kWh).
While dependent on the energy consumed, the costs related to the peak power cost and the grid fee can often be the largest and the one that you can influence when operating fast chargers. BESS can substantially address the costs related to peak power demand by enabling peak shaving and load leveling strategies. Furthermore, it can address the energy cost by storing energy during off-peak hours when electricity prices are lower and discharging it during peak demand periods, optimizing energy consumption and costs.
A research paper from Delft University of Technology found that adding a battery system to a fast-charging station can reduce the grid connection size by up to 80% in some scenarios. This significant (source) reduction in grid connection size not only leads to lower grid fees and peak power costs but also minimizes the need for expensive grid infrastructure upgrades, resulting in substantial long-term savings for charging station operators and, by extension, the trucking industry.
Challenges and Considerations:
While BESS coupled with a fast charger offer significant benefits, they also present several challenges. BESS with fast chargers can often be a larger investment than just investing in a fast charger. The high upfront costs associated with BEVs and their infrastructure are already substantial barriers to widespread adoption, and adding BESS further increases the initial capital expenditure. The economic viability of BESS in EV charging infrastructure heavily depends on achieving high utilization rates to justify the substantial investment. Ensuring high recurring volumes of BEV charging at BESS-equipped stations is crucial to maximize cost savings through peak shaving and load balancing, reducing payback periods, and optimize system efficiency.
Furthermore, while BESS opens up opportunities for charging cost optimization, it adds another layer of complexity into an already intricate BEV ecosystem. This increased complexity necessitates a holistic approach to optimizing the entire EV charging ecosystem, which will require sophisticated digital tools for effective management, including real-time data analytics, AI-driven demand forecasting, and smart energy management systems.
Conclusion
- BESS integration with fast chargers can significantly reduce grid connection costs and peak power demands, potentially lowering overall charging prices for long-haul BEV freight.
- High utilization rates are crucial for the economic viability of BESS-equipped charging stations, emphasizing the need for strategic placement and efficient operations.
- While BESS adds complexity to the BEV ecosystem, it offers opportunities for cost optimization through peak shaving, load balancing, and energy arbitrage.
- The successful implementation of BESS in EV charging infrastructure requires sophisticated digital tools for holistic ecosystem management and optimization.
- Despite challenges, BESS represents a critical component in achieving sustainable electrification of road freight transportation by enabling more cost-effective and grid-friendly fast charging solutions.
Insights
Cases
News
Packoplock and LOTS Group: Driving Logistics Efficiency Through Strategic Partnership and AI Innovation
Packoplock and LOTS Group have entered a results-oriented partnership to enhance European logistics operations. Central to this collaboration is the LOTS Group Pathfinder platform, which leverages advanced AI to analyze, simulate, and optimize logistics for maximum efficiency and smarter planning.
Racing Against 2030: Small Carriers, Big Sustainability Challenges
Europe’s transport sector must cut emissions fast to meet 2030 climate goals. While big players push ahead, small and medium carriers – the backbone of the industry – risk being left behind. This article highlights their challenges and the solutions needed to keep them part of the transition.
LOTS Pathfinder in Dagens Industri
In an interview with Dagens industri, Johan Palmqvist, Managing Director of LOTS Europe, and Jonathan Jönsson, Tech Lead, explain how LOTS Group leverages AI and data to reduce empty mileage, optimize vehicle utilization, and make electric freight commercially viable.
LOTS Group Acquires Elain – Strengthening capacity for data-driven CO₂ reduction
As pressure mounts on the logistics sector to cut emissions, many companies still struggle to turn climate data into actionable change. With the acquisition of Elain, LOTS Group is bridging that gap. By combining operational expertise with one of the market’s most advanced emissions platforms, the two companies aim to deliver deeper insights, stronger compliance, and measurable CO₂ reductions — without compromising on cost or quality.
White paper: It’s Not the Truck – It’s the System: How to Make Electric Freight Work
The road to decarbonized freight isn't blocked by technology — it's blocked by outdated thinking. Battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) are ready. Long-range electric trucks exist. Public charging infrastructure is growing along Europe’s major corridors. So why aren’t we seeing widescale adoption of electric road freight? The answer is simple: it’s not about the truck. It’s about the system around it.
White paper: Collaborative Shipping: Paving the Way to Net Zero Logistics
The logistics industry is at a pivotal moment. As one of the largest contributors to global emissions, transportation must evolve swiftly to meet the increasing demands for sustainability and carbon reduction. The future of logistics is rooted in reducing carbon footprints, and two critical strategies have emerged: electrification and collaborative shipping.
SKF and LOTS Group Collaborate on Electrification – Launching One of Europe’s Longest BEV Routes
As the demand for greener transport solutions grows, SKF and LOTS Group, together with Scania and Ahréns Åkeri, are taking action by launching one of Europe’s longest battery-electric vehicle (BEV) routes. This initiative significantly reduces emissions while optimizing transport efficiency. By leveraging digital tools and collaboration across the supply chain, the project demonstrates that long-haul electrification is both feasible and economically viable, setting a new standard for sustainable logistics.
Navigating Electricity Cost Structures: Optimizing BEV Charging Economics
Electrifying freight means mastering grid costs. Peak demand, not fuel price, defines BEV economics.
Women Driving Change in Logistics
LOTS Group’s female driver training program fosters inclusion and changes the face of road transport.
ETS2: Calculating Your Emissions – A Guide for Logistics Professionals
Article 2 in our series about ETS2: Accurately calculating emissions. With ETS2 introducing a cost for carbon and CSRD driving demand for primary emissions data, logistics professionals must adopt standardized methodologies like those outlined in the GHG Protocol, ISO 14083, and the GLEC framework. Choosing the right calculation approach and collaborating with supply chain partners will be critical for meeting regulatory requirements, maintaining competitiveness, and driving meaningful CO2 reductions.
ETS2: The End of Business as Usual for Logistics and Transport
Article 1 in our series on ETS2: The EU’s Emissions Trading System 2 (ETS2), launching in 2027, will bring carbon pricing to road transport, buildings, and smaller industries—driving long-overdue emissions reductions in logistics. This article series breaks down the key impacts and offers practical insights to help businesses adapt.
Case: Boosting Efficiency Through Lean Principles: The Power of Small Changes
Lean production is about more than cutting costs. It’s about creating a smarter, more resilient system that adds value at every step. By embracing lean efficiency, we’re not only improving processes but also laying the foundation for a more sustainable, greener supply chain.
Collaborative Shipping – Decarbonization won’t happen in silos
One of the most significant challenges facing the logistics sector is its fragmented nature. With multiple stakeholders, from manufacturers to logistics providers, each working in their own domain, inefficiencies are bound to arise. This siloed approach hinders the progress needed to transition toward sustainable, electric transport. The lack of a cohesive strategy results in duplicated efforts, wasted resources, and slower overall progress toward sustainability goals.
The Changing Landscape of Logistics
The logistics industry stands at a critical crossroads, grappling with unprecedented challenges as it seeks to reduce emissions while meeting the demands of a rapidly evolving global economy. Currently, transport accounts for 25% of total EU emissions, with heavy-duty vehicles representing a significant portion of this total.
Electrification – The Next Frontier for Decarbonizing Transport
Electrification offers a promising path to reducing transport emissions, but challenges like high costs and limited charging infrastructure slow its adoption. This article examines the potential of electric trucks and the key obstacles to creating a sustainable logistics future.
Enhancing Efficiency and Sustainability in Logistics
The logistics industry is constantly evolving, and companies are always looking for ways to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance sustainability. One such initiative is the transition from non-stackable to stackable pallets. This document explores the potential benefits of this transition for a client who has been using non-stackable pallets for bulk transportation of components. The goal is to identify how switching to stackable pallets can optimize logistics operations, reduce costs, and support sustainability goals while adhering to lean efficiency principles.