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XCharge North America (XCharge NA) has partnered with the Orlando Utilities Commission (OUC) to install and evaluate the Net Zero Series (NZS) charger at the Grid Integration Laboratory (GIL) within OUC’s Gardenia Innovation & Operations Center. The study aims to determine how battery-integrated charging technology can enhance grid stability, reduce costs, and support the growing energy demands of electric vehicle (EV) adoption.
Key Highlights:
- OUC will test XCharge NA’s NZS unit under a one-year research agreement, with an option to extend.
- The battery-integrated charger is designed to reduce reliance on the grid by limiting power draw while delivering high-output DC fast charging.
- NZS can charge a Ford F-150 Lightning from 20% to 80% in approximately 20 minutes while reducing grid demand by 75% compared to traditional fast chargers.
- The system enables microgrid applications, offering backup power to essential services like hospitals and universities during extreme weather events.
- Bidirectional functionality allows the charger to store and return excess energy to the grid, supporting peak demand management.
Advancing EV Charging and Grid Resilience
As Florida experiences surging EV adoption, OUC aims to explore cost-effective ways to expand EV charging infrastructure without requiring extensive electrical upgrades. Traditional DC fast chargers often necessitate expensive grid reinforcements, but NZS integrates a 233-kWh battery, reducing strain on the grid. The unit at OUC’s GIL operates on a 60-amp breaker yet delivers up to 189 kW, demonstrating how existing infrastructure can be leveraged for high-power EV charging.
Paul Brooker, OUC’s Manager of Emerging Technologies, highlighted that XCharge NA’s demand response features could help efficiently manage electricity distribution during peak periods. Additionally, the system’s microgrid capabilities could play a key role in ensuring energy resilience during emergencies such as hurricanes.
Alex Urist, Vice President of XCharge NA, emphasized that this collaboration is a significant step toward integrating EV charging with grid stabilization efforts. He noted that NZS offers a dual benefit—serving as both a charging station and backup energy storage, which could streamline microgrid expansion in the Orlando area.
Shaping the Future of EV Charging
With its high-output, battery-integrated design, NZS provides a scalable solution for modernizing America’s EV infrastructure. By enabling energy storage and redistribution, the charger contributes to a cleaner, more resilient grid while ensuring efficient, cost-effective charging for EV drivers.
For more information on NZS, visit XCharge NA.
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