Opening new fast-charging sites in Germany requires strict compliance with distribution system operator (DSO) regulations, which vary across regions. Fastned has to meet specific grid operator requirements for each location.
gridX implemented a tailored, grid-compliant energy management system (EMS) that manages active and reactive power according to each DSO’s rules. The system automatically controls electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure according to grid signals from the DSO and confirms compliance in real time.
After six months of pilot projects with different DSOs, gridX delivered the final solution in a matter of months. The gridX solution enables reliable and compliant handling of grid interactions with each DSO. The system automatically processes incoming grid signals and applies the required active and reactive power adjustments in real time, ensuring that Fastned sites remain compliant and operational at all times. gridX allows Fastned to optimize grid-related costs, enhance operational reliability, and operate its charging infrastructure in a grid-friendly manner.
Beyond the project, the gridX solution helps Fastned with a scalable, future-proof foundation. With the newly introduced support for G100 in the UK, Fastned can continue expanding across multiple markets without operational blocks. The technology helps ensure that each new site can be deployed quickly and compliant, creating a reliable infrastructure for the fast-charging network of tomorrow.
As electric vehicle adoption accelerates, grids face increasing pressure while electric vehicle (EV) owners look for simple ways to reduce charging costs and use the flexibility of their vehicles to support a stable energy system – without the need to invest in additional assets such as rooftop solar.
With Slim Laden (Smart Charging), essent helps its customers charge their electric vehicles intelligently at home. Customers who participate and keep their EV plugged in for at least six hours can benefit from our flexibility solution and earn up to €300 per year through bonuses or reduced electricity costs. All without changing their daily routine.
At the heart of the proposition is automated energy optimization. Charging processes are shifted to the most cost-efficient hours based on day-ahead electricity prices, ensuring that EVs are charged when electricity is cheapest and the energy system is under less strain.
To deliver this proposition at scale, essent relies on gridX’s advanced energy management system. The platform connects, monitors and controls electric vehicles via a cloud-to-cloud architecture, enabling seamless integration without additional hardware at the customer site.
A successful pilot project allowed the grid operator's control center to override the dynamic load management's local setting according to future energy regulation.