A new type of electric car cheapen could lead to cheaper charging for your car and also see more points erected across the country. In the US, there is new research which is exploring the potential of using lead battery cells in charging stations. Industry and government are joining forces to evaluate if high-capacity lead cells located at conventions fuel station could make charging easier. The feasibility study in Missouri has been organised by the Consortium for Battery Innovation, and is supported by the grant from the US Department of Energy.
“This ground-breaking project could pave the way for a much wider roll-out of EV charger stations utilising advanced lead battery technology,” the CBI said.
In US EV charging networks the lead cells would be charged using off-peak electricity, to help reduce costs of electricity to both the driver and the fuel station.
These lead batteries could also potentially reduce the need for ‘peak demand charges,’ which is a fee typically charged by electrical companies to US businesses.
It has been suggested in the McKinsey “How Battery Storage Can Help Charge The Electric-Vehicle Market” report that it could save drivers up to £2,400 per month in electricity.
The consultants suggest that 300kWh of led called and two 150kWh direct current (DC) fast chargers could be installed at a fuel station.
During peak hours, the lead cells would deliver the charge to the customers through the battery management and charging technology.
“A system configured this way could reduce demand charges to a minimum; that would be $3000 a month that wouldn’t need to be passed on to consumers, which would substantially cut costs,” said McKinsey.
“Tesla has already said it is going in this direction and others may follow suit.”
Lead cells are widely used throughout the industry and can be installed in large capacities.