Search: Peak Energy

E.On Next has reduced the off peak rate on its Next Drive Smart tariff to 6.9p per kWh between midnight and 6am, a move the supplier says saves drivers up to £462 a year compared to charging on the energy price cap. The company has also cut its Next Drive Fixed tariff to 8.5p per kWh off peak, offering savings of £423 annually versus the cap.

Why it matters: Lower home charging costs strengthen the business case for domestic charge point installations and may accelerate residential EV adoption, expanding the addressable market for home charger suppliers and installers. The tariff competition among major energy retailers signals growing confidence in overnight demand management, a key factor for grid operators planning depot and fleet charging infrastructure.

A policy dialogue hosted by Indus Consortium in Pakistan has called for a stable long term electric vehicle framework and expanded charging infrastructure to support the country's New Energy Vehicle Policy 2025 to 2030. The policy targets 30% electrification of all new vehicle sales by 2030, with a specific 50% electrification target for two wheelers, three wheelers and buses. Speakers emphasised that charging and battery swapping infrastructure must extend beyond highways into cities, residential areas and rural regions, and that the national grid requires upgrading and stronger integration with renewable energy.

Why it matters: The dialogue highlights infrastructure gaps that charging point operators and grid planners must address to meet Pakistan's ambitious 2030 electrification targets, particularly the need for urban and rural charging networks beyond highway corridors. A stable policy framework is critical for private sector investment in charging infrastructure and for financial institutions backing EV deployment.

A policy dialogue hosted by Indus Consortium in Pakistan has called for a stable long term electric vehicle framework and expanded charging infrastructure to support the country's New Energy Vehicle Policy 2025 to 2030. The policy targets 30% electrification of all new vehicle sales by 2030, with a specific 50% electrification target for two wheelers, three wheelers and buses. Speakers emphasised that charging and battery swapping infrastructure must extend beyond highways into cities, residential areas and rural regions, and that the national grid requires upgrading and stronger integration with renewable energy.

Why it matters: The dialogue highlights infrastructure gaps that charging point operators and grid planners must address to meet Pakistan's ambitious 2030 electrification targets, particularly the need for urban and rural charging networks beyond existing highway corridors. A stable policy framework is critical for private sector investment in charging infrastructure and for financial institutions backing EV deployment.

Three major charging networks in Hungary have introduced restrictions between 5:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. to reduce peak electricity demand. MOL has cut output on its 150 kW or faster Plugee chargers to 100 kW, E.ON Drive Infrastructure has halved available power at sites with 300 kW or higher capacity chargers from 3 August, and EV.app has imposed a temporary tariff of 420 forints per kilowatt hour for sessions started during evening hours. The measures respond to grid pressure from air conditioning and broader energy consumption.

Why it matters: Procurement teams and charge point operators must now factor evening demand management into site design, tariff structures and customer communications, particularly where high power infrastructure is planned. The Hungarian precedent shows how grid constraints can force operational changes that affect utilisation and revenue during commercially important hours.

More homeowners in Stratford-upon-Avon and across Warwickshire are installing combined renewable energy systems that pair solar panels, battery storage and EV chargers, allowing them to generate, store and use their own electricity rather than rely on the grid during peak hours. Stratford Energy Solutions, a local renewable energy company, reports it has completed over 4,000 installations in the region over more than 15 years. The Stratford Herald notes the trend reflects households seeking greater control over energy use amid ongoing volatility in UK electricity bills.

Why it matters: The shift toward integrated home energy systems signals rising demand for EV chargers that work alongside solar and storage, creating opportunities for installers and equipment suppliers who can deliver turnkey packages. It also underscores the importance of smart charging features that prioritise self-generated power, a capability procurement teams should specify when tendering residential or workplace charge points.

Battery maker Molicel has introduced the INR-21700-P70X, the first cell in its PX series designed to bridge lithium-ion batteries and supercapacitors. The cell offers 7,000 mAh capacity, 340 Wh/kg specific energy, 30C continuous discharge, and 900 W peak power with under 200 microsecond response time. Molicel tested the cell under a supercapacitor-like profile and reports 96% capacity retention after 1,000,000 cycles, targeting the hybrid market which reached 20% of US new vehicle sales and 24% in Europe during 2025.

Why it matters: The cell's rapid response and million-cycle durability address hybrid duty cycles that differ fundamentally from BEV deep discharge patterns, potentially influencing battery procurement strategies as hybrids capture growing market share. Molicel's UL9540A thermal runaway certification may also inform safety specifications for charging infrastructure serving hybrid fleets.

The Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority has chosen AmpUp to develop a statewide managed charging programme with the state's electric utilities, following evaluation of four pilots under the Innovative Energy Solutions Programme. AmpUp's 18 month pilot with Eversource Energy enrolled more than 1,000 charging ports at 200 locations across 8 commercial customer segments, delivering incentives through wallet credits in exchange for brief charging pauses during peak demand periods. PURA has invited AmpUp and Connecticut utilities to jointly propose a statewide programme design for public and shared EV chargers.

Why it matters: The selection signals a shift towards utility managed charging at public infrastructure, creating new procurement requirements for software platforms that can coordinate demand response across commercial charging networks without additional hardware. CPOs operating in Connecticut may need to integrate managed charging capabilities to participate in utility programmes and access associated incentives.

Geely Auto Group has unveiled its 16-in-1 Intelligent E-Drive, an 800 V electric drive system weighing 75 kg that achieves 93.8% efficiency on the CLTC cycle, debuting on the Geely TT model. Developed with InfiMotion, the integrated unit recorded 8.20 kWh/100 km energy consumption in testing at Qinghai Lake and delivers 425 kW combined output in dual-motor configuration, enabling 0 to 100 km/h acceleration in 3.8 seconds. Geely engineered the system with 54-channel directional cooling that reduces peak motor temperature by up to 15° C and targets 5 million kilometre durability.

Why it matters: The integrated 800 V drive system signals intensifying competition in high-efficiency EV powertrains, with implications for charging infrastructure as lower energy consumption per 100 km reduces dwell time and operational costs at charging sites. Geely's in-house development capability may influence procurement strategies for OEMs and charging operators evaluating partnerships with vertically integrated manufacturers.

InstaVolt is rolling out 273 EV charging units across 18 British Land retail park sites in the UK, with five locations already live and the remainder due for activation in the coming months. Two sites under development at Reading Gate and Kingston, Milton Keynes will feature on-site battery energy storage to ease grid demand and support reliable charging at peak times. All sites operate 24/7 with off-peak rates available after 8 pm via the InstaVolt app, announced 27 July 2026.

Why it matters: This represents one of the largest retail park charging rollouts in the UK, demonstrating how property developers and CPOs are integrating battery storage to de-risk grid constraints and deliver resilient ultra-rapid charging at high-footfall retail destinations. The scale and storage integration offer a procurement blueprint for similar retail and mixed-use developments.

Eversource and National Grid are integrating vehicle to grid capable EVs into their ConnectedSolutions demand flexibility programme in Massachusetts, working with EnergyHub, Sunrun's grid services arm, and The Mobility House. The programme currently orchestrates more than 280,000 distributed energy resources and over 800MW of flexible capacity across five US states, using thermostats, battery storage, and commercial and industrial resources to reduce grid strain. Customers with qualifying V2G devices will receive incentives for adjusting usage patterns during peak demand periods.

Why it matters: The integration of V2G into an established 800MW demand response programme signals growing utility confidence in bidirectional charging as a grid asset, potentially creating new revenue streams for fleet operators and expanding the business case for V2G capable charging infrastructure. For CPOs and installers, this validates investment in bidirectional hardware and positions V2G as a scalable solution beyond pilot projects.

The Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority has chosen AmpUp's Adapt & Earn managed charging project for statewide deployment, following an 18 month pilot with Eversource Energy that enrolled over 1,000 chargepoints across 200 locations. The pilot shifted charging off peak during a regional heatwave when wholesale electricity prices spiked more than 3,600%, at roughly a third of the cost of peak supply. Driver acceptance was high, with 91% reporting zero inconvenience during charge pauses and 83% willing to participate again, while multifamily housing sites achieved a 33% driver participation rate.

Why it matters: The statewide scale up signals regulatory confidence in managed charging as a grid tool and opens a procurement pathway for utilities and site hosts across Connecticut to deploy demand response capable infrastructure. The pilot's 100% site host enrolment and strong driver engagement metrics provide a reference case for CPOs evaluating managed charging business models in shared and public settings.

InstaVolt is expanding its partnership with British Land to deploy 273 ultra-rapid EV charging units across 18 retail park locations in the UK. Five sites are already operational, with the remainder scheduled to go live in the coming months. Two sites under development at Reading Gate and Kingston, Milton Keynes will incorporate on-site battery energy storage to maintain consistent ultra-rapid performance during peak periods and reduce grid demand.

Why it matters: This represents one of the UK's largest retail park charging rollouts, demonstrating how property developers are integrating EV infrastructure at high-footfall destinations. The inclusion of battery storage at select sites offers a procurement model for managing grid constraints while delivering reliable ultra-rapid charging at scale.

General Motors has introduced a home energy management system designed to reduce electricity bills for EV owners by optimising charging times. The platform integrates with GM electric vehicles to schedule charging during off-peak hours when energy rates are lower. The initiative forms part of GM's broader strategy to make EV ownership more economical and accelerate adoption across the United States.

Why it matters: Automaker-led demand management tools can shift residential charging load away from peak periods, potentially reducing grid strain and the need for costly infrastructure upgrades. For charge point operators and energy suppliers, such platforms signal growing competition in the home energy services market and the importance of time-of-use tariffs in the EV ecosystem.

U.S. Energy, a U.S. Venture company, has launched a new Volt Vault configuration that integrates ElectricFish Energy's 400squared storage and charging technology into its redeployable infrastructure platform. The unit delivers dual-port charging at up to 400 kW and uses an integrated battery to store energy during off-peak periods, enabling DC fast charging in locations with limited grid capacity. The system targets commercial fueling sites, municipal installations, fleet depots and logistics hubs, and supports peak shaving, demand charge management and grid-responsive operations, according to a 14 July 2026 announcement.

Why it matters: The battery-integrated design addresses a common procurement barrier by allowing fast charging deployment where grid upgrades would otherwise delay or block projects. Fleet operators and site hosts gain a turnkey option that combines energy storage with high-power charging in a single, relocatable package.

The UK energy regulator Ofgem raised its price cap on 1 July, lifting the maximum electricity rate from 24.67p per kWh to 26.11p per kWh through 30 September. WhatCar? estimates the increase will add £22.06 per year for smaller EVs such as the Renault 5 and up to £52.12 for larger SUVs, based on 33.3 home charges annually for Britain's two million EV drivers. The publication advises motorists to compare dedicated EV home tariffs, use workplace charging and seek off peak public network deals to offset the higher costs.

Why it matters: Higher domestic electricity costs may accelerate demand for workplace and public charging infrastructure as fleet operators and private drivers seek cheaper alternatives to home charging. CPOs offering competitive off peak or bundled tariffs could gain market share during the cap period and beyond.

Cherry Creek School District in Colorado has deployed six electric school buses that use bi-directional charging to return stored energy to the local power grid during peak evening demand. Highland Electric Fleets designed the system to discharge excess battery capacity after school runs, then recharge overnight when demand is lowest. The buses and depot facility are funded by a $2.4 million rebate collected by Highland Electric Fleets.

Why it matters: The project demonstrates vehicle to grid technology at scale in the school transport sector, offering a revenue model for fleet operators and showing how depot charging infrastructure can support grid stability while reducing operational costs.

Peak Energy will invest $71 million in a 183,000 square foot manufacturing facility at Sacramento's Metro Air Park, creating 239 jobs and producing 4 GWh of grid scale sodium-ion energy storage systems annually from Q1 2027. The company has secured over 6 GWh in customer commitments and received a $10.5 million CalCompetes tax credit awarded in May 2026. Peak Energy plans to commercialise the first fully passive grid scale energy storage system using sodium-ion technology.

Why it matters: The facility signals growing US domestic battery manufacturing capacity beyond lithium-ion, with sodium-ion systems potentially offering lower costs for grid operators and EV charging sites requiring energy storage to manage demand peaks. Procurement teams should monitor sodium-ion pricing and performance as an alternative to lithium-ion for stationary storage applications supporting charging infrastructure.

Axle Energy, a British energy flexibility platform that aggregates EV chargers, batteries and heat pumps for grid balancing, has closed a €21 million Series A led by Energize Capital, with Accel, Picus Capital and Eka Ventures participating. The company will use the funds to expand across the UK and international markets, connecting more distributed energy assets and deepening partnerships with OEMs, utilities and fleet operators. CEO Karl Bach said virtual power plants can bring flexible capacity online in weeks rather than years, reducing reliance on fossil fuel peaker plants when demand spikes.

Why it matters: For charge point operators and fleet managers, Axle's platform offers a revenue stream by turning idle EV chargers into grid services, while procurement teams at utilities and OEMs gain a partner to monetise flexibility and meet rising electricity demand from electrification and data centres. The Series A signals growing investor confidence in software that unlocks value from existing charging infrastructure without new capital expenditure on generation or grid upgrades.

Peak Power has brought a 3.6 MW / 7.2 MWh lithium ion battery energy storage system into commercial operation at Vuteq Canada's manufacturing facility in Woodstock, Ontario, alongside six Level 2 EV chargers installed through Canada's Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program. The battery system, owned by Madison Energy Infrastructure and operated by Peak Power, supports industrial energy cost savings, demand response participation, and grid reliability. The project accompanies a nearly $40 million facility expansion backed by $5 million in provincial funding, creating 145 new jobs.

Why it matters: The integration of workplace charging with behind the meter battery storage at an expanding industrial site demonstrates how manufacturers can bundle EV infrastructure with energy management systems to control costs and support grid services. The ZEVIP funded chargers provide a procurement model for workplace charging rollouts tied to facility capital projects in Canada.

InstaVolt has integrated Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) into its UK rapid charging network, which now spans more than 4,250 chargers across over 1,200 sites. The operator's Winchester Superhub already offers charging at 70p per kWh, or 65p per kWh for app users, enabled by stored renewable energy. InstaVolt also runs an off peak tariff of 55p per kWh between 8pm and 7am for app users.

Why it matters: Battery storage co located with rapid chargers can lower operating costs and improve grid resilience, a model that may influence future site design and tariff structures across the UK CPO sector. InstaVolt's pricing at Winchester demonstrates how on site BESS can translate renewable capture into competitive per kWh rates for drivers.

InstaVolt has extended its partnership with British Land to deliver 273 charging units across 18 retail park locations in the UK, with three sites already operational and the remainder opening in coming months. Three sites in Reading Gate, Kingston and Milton Keynes will feature on-site battery energy storage to support ultra-rapid charging during peak periods. InstaVolt now operates more than 4,250 chargers across over 1,200 sites nationwide, offering off-peak rates of 55p per kWh from 8pm to 7am via its app.

Why it matters: The rollout demonstrates how property owners are integrating EV infrastructure at scale across high-footfall retail destinations, while the inclusion of battery storage at selected sites signals a procurement trend towards grid-friendly solutions that maintain charging performance during peak demand.

The World Resources Institute reports that 230 electric school buses across deployed vehicle to grid projects can now supply 8 MWh of power back to the grid at any given time, enough to power approximately 1,600 typical US homes for up to four hours. California leads US adoption, with Oakland Unified School District operating the largest project of 74 buses that add an estimated 2.1 GWh of clean energy to the state's grid annually. The deployments helped utilities manage peak demand during last week's heat wave.

Why it matters: Vehicle to grid capability is emerging as a practical grid service, with school bus fleets offering predictable availability during summer peak demand periods. The figures demonstrate early commercial scale for bidirectional charging infrastructure that CPOs and fleet operators can now price into procurement decisions.

The Uttar Pradesh government has introduced a 20 per cent tariff discount for public EV charging between 9 am and 4 pm, when solar generation peaks. Energy Minister Arvind Kumar Sharma said the policy aims to cut charging costs, boost EV adoption and increase renewable energy use. The state recently met a record peak demand of 32,673 MW and has not raised electricity tariffs for seven consecutive years.

Why it matters: The solar hour discount creates a commercial incentive for CPOs to align charging demand with cheap renewable supply, potentially lowering operating costs and improving business cases for daytime charging sites. Procurement teams may prioritise locations with strong solar generation windows to maximise the tariff benefit.

Truck manufacturer Scania has successfully demonstrated vehicle to grid (V2G) technology for heavy commercial vehicles using the Megawatt Charging System (MCS), with charging rates reaching up to 750 kW (1,000 A). The bidirectional charging system enables electric truck fleets to provide grid flexibility services including peak shaving, grid balancing and energy storage, while improving utilisation of local renewable energy generation such as solar power. The technology is initially expected to be most useful in depot charging environments where vehicles are parked for longer periods, with secure real time communication between truck, charger and energy management systems allowing dynamic control based on transport needs and grid conditions.

Why it matters: This demonstration marks a significant step in proving MCS infrastructure can support bidirectional charging at megawatt scale, potentially transforming depot operators from pure energy consumers into grid service providers. For CPOs and fleet depot planners, the technology opens new revenue streams through grid services while improving the business case for high power charging infrastructure investments.

Yarra Energy Foundation has commissioned Victoria's first front of meter community battery integrated with two wheelchair accessible EV charging bays at Collingwood Leisure Centre in Clifton Hill, Melbourne. The AU$750,000 project, funded by the Victoria government's Neighbourhood Battery Initiative, charges the battery during daytime solar surplus (10:00 to 16:00) and discharges during evening peak demand (17:00 to 21:00) to reduce grid strain and fossil fuel reliance. The trial aims to incentivise EV charging during peak solar generation hours when emissions and energy prices are lowest.

Why it matters: The project demonstrates a replicable model for integrating community battery storage with public EV charging infrastructure to manage grid demand and reduce network upgrade costs as EV adoption accelerates. For CPOs and local authorities, the trial offers evidence on how time of use incentives and battery pairing can shift charging behaviour to align with renewable generation and lower operational costs.

London-listed Invinity Energy Systems has delivered 90 vanadium flow batteries totalling 20.7 megawatt-hours to the Copwood VFB Energy Hub in East Sussex, paired with a 3 MW solar array. The system, due to enter service later in 2026, will store solar energy during the day and discharge it during evening peaks, with capacity to cover the daily needs of around 3,000 homes. Invinity highlights the water-based electrolyte's fire safety advantage and the technology's suitability for long-duration energy shifting and decades of heavy-duty cycling.

Why it matters: The project marks the largest vanadium flow battery deployment in Europe and signals growing interest in non-lithium storage technologies for grid-scale applications, particularly where fire risk and planning concerns are prominent. Procurement teams evaluating long-duration storage for renewable integration may see vanadium flow batteries as a viable alternative for sites with space and a need for extended cycling life.

Pod Point has introduced Pod Power by EDF, a new electricity tariff offering seven hours of off-peak charging overnight for electric vehicle owners in the UK. The tariff is designed to encourage charging during periods of lower grid demand. The product was announced via Future Transport News and represents a collaboration between the charge point operator and energy supplier EDF.

Why it matters: Time of use tariffs can reduce operational costs for fleet operators and influence site utilisation patterns, while partnerships between CPOs and energy suppliers may shape future commercial charging propositions and grid integration strategies.

Design News reports that bidirectional AC charging technology is reducing the cost of using electric vehicles as backup power sources. The article highlights how this approach allows EVs to supply power back to homes or the grid during outages or peak demand periods, making vehicle to home and vehicle to grid applications more economically viable. The publication focuses on engineering and design innovations in the automotive and energy sectors.

Why it matters: Lower backup power costs strengthen the business case for bidirectional charging infrastructure, potentially influencing procurement specifications and opening new revenue streams for charge point operators offering vehicle to grid services.

E.ON Next has updated its electric vehicle tariffs, offering overnight charging from 8p per kWh on Next Drive Smart v6.1 and 9p per kWh on Next Drive Fixed v19, both available from 12am to 6am. The supplier claims customers charging off peak can save £401 per year on the Smart tariff and £377 per year on the Fixed tariff compared to the energy price cap. Both tariffs include no exit fees, a free one year Zoom EV subscription for public charging discounts, and a donation to the Woodland Trust.

Why it matters: Competitive overnight rates below 10p per kWh strengthen the business case for home charging infrastructure and may influence CPO pricing strategies in the residential and workplace segments. The bundled Zoom EV subscription signals continued integration between home and public charging ecosystems, relevant for operators planning customer loyalty programmes.

Nissan and Motability Operations have announced a strategic partnership to explore how Vehicle-to-Grid technology could reduce electricity costs for EV drivers using the British-built Nissan LEAF manufactured in Sunderland. The V2G system allows electricity stored in EV batteries to be exported back to the grid during high-demand periods, enabling drivers to charge when electricity is cheaper and sell stored energy when prices are higher. At scale, the technology could reduce pressure on the grid during peak periods and lower overall system costs.

Why it matters: This partnership signals growing commercial interest in V2G as a cost-reduction tool for fleet operators and could influence procurement decisions for organisations evaluating total cost of ownership. The focus on British manufacturing and grid-support capabilities may also shape future policy incentives and infrastructure requirements for V2G-capable charging installations.