As electric vehicles continue to reshape the global automotive landscape, the demand for robust charging infrastructure has reached unprecedented levels across continents. With the International Energy Agency forecasting that EV charging demand could exceed 1,000 TWh by 2026, the pressure to develop comprehensive charging networks and grid infrastructure to support them has become more pressing than ever.

The worldwide transition to electric mobility presents both challenges and opportunities, with current estimates showing over 350 million electric vehicles expected on roads by 2030 – representing more than 60% of vehicles sold globally. This dramatic surge in adoption requires a coordinated response from infrastructure developers, energy providers, and policymakers to ensure the availability of over 60 million charging points within the same timeframe.

Recent data from major markets reveals that public charging infrastructure deployment has grown significantly in 2024, with European markets seeing over 35% growth and the UK alone adding nearly 20,000 new charging points - representing a 19% year-over-year increase, with fast chargers representing over 35% of the total public charging stock. This rapid expansion highlights the increasing sophistication of charging solutions, yet also underscores the need for strategic implementation to address varying regional requirements and user demands.

With stakeholders worldwide introducing innovative approaches to reduce carbon emissions, the focus has shifted toward developing smart charging solutions that integrate seamlessly with existing power grids. The Global EV Infrastructure Initiative of 2024 emphasizes the importance of standardized charging protocols and grid stability measures to support this unprecedented scale of electrification.

As we approach 2025, the implementation of charging infrastructure must evolve beyond simple installation to encompass strategic placement, grid integration, and future-proof technologies that can accommodate the next generation of electric vehicles. This transformation requires careful consideration of power capacity, user accessibility, and the complex interplay between public and private charging solutions.

Is the grid ready for the EV revolution?

Powering the global transition to electric vehicles demands robust and reliable charging infrastructure that can handle rapid load variations while being monitored and managed by Distribution System Operators (DSOs) and Transmission System Operators (TSOs) to maintain grid stability. Market leaders recognize that traditional power systems must evolve to support the unique demands of EV charging networks.

Jean-Marc Guillou, Technical Director at Socomec, notes: "The key to successful EV infrastructure lies in implementing power solutions that can manage sudden demand changes while ensuring consistent power quality. Electric vehicle charging stations can experience power demand fluctuations from 0 to 100% in mere seconds. This is where Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) prove invaluable, acting as a sophisticated power buffer between the grid and charging stations. By deploying BESS solutions, operators can effectively manage these rapid power fluctuations in three critical ways:

  • First, BESS adds immediate power capacity by providing an additional energy source during high-demand periods, enabling fast charging even in locations with limited grid connections. This supplementary power ensures consistent charging speeds without straining the local infrastructure.

  • Second, the system's peak shaving capabilities automatically activate during demand spikes, drawing stored energy from the batteries instead of the grid. This intelligent load management can reduce significantly peak grid demand, resulting in crucial cost savings through lower demand charges and optimized energy consumption.

  • Finally, BESS implementation strategically defers costly grid infrastructure upgrades. Rather than immediately investing in extensive grid reinforcement, operators can utilize BESS to bridge the capacity gap, providing a more cost-effective solution that supports immediate charging needs while allowing for planned, phased grid improvements aligned with actual usage patterns."

Socomec's BESS SUNSYS HES range embed an advanced Power Management System (PMS) needed for this evolution, featuring sophisticated power control and power and energy optimisation stratégies. The SUNSYS HES range, including both HES L and HES XXL models, delivers precise power control for multiple charging points while maintaining optimal efficiency levels - essential for sustainable charging infrastructure deployment across diverse global markets. The range's innovative PMS capabilities ensure optimal energy flow management between the grid, potential other power sources like photovoltaïc, storage system and EV charging stations, making it a cornerstone solution for modern charging infrastructure.

Global EV points & infrastructure landscape

Rapid growth in global charging networks has driven unprecedented innovation in power management systems. Major metropolitan areas globally are deploying smart grid solutions that can handle multiple charging speeds while maintaining network stability. These installations demonstrate how advanced power control systems prove essential for managing peak demands. For example, Transport for London's 2030 EV Infrastructure Strategy has successfully implemented smart grid solutions across the city, with their latest data showing that dynamic load balancing systems have reduced peak electricity demand by 25% in high-density charging zones (Transport for London, 2024).

"The evolution of charging infrastructure requires intelligent and robust power systems that can adapt to varying and high power demands throughout the day" notes Jean-Marc Guillou, Technical Director. "Our SUNSYS HES L and XXL series enable charging station operators to maximize efficiency with their advanced PMS capabilities while ensuring reliable operation across diverse environmental conditions."

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Taking charge: Strategic implementation

Strategic implementation of charging infrastructure requires a comprehensive approach that balances immediate needs with long-term scalability. Recent data shows that Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) are becoming increasingly critical for EV charging infrastructure deployment across Europe and North America, with global BESS deployments rising by 53% in 2024 (Driivz Industry Report, 2024).

In the European Union, the deployment of fast chargers expanded by nearly 50% in 2024, reaching 71,000 charging points (IEA Global EV Outlook 2025). The integration of  BESS solutions like Socomec's SUNSYS HES L SKID has proven instrumental in this expansion, particularly in regions where grid capacity constraints would otherwise limit rapid charging deployment.

Furthermore, integrating renewable energy sources with charging infrastructure has become a cornerstone of successful implementations across key markets. In the United States, BESS-integrated charging stations are demonstrating enhanced operational and financial efficiency while reducing grid dependencies and congestions.

Socomec's energy storage for EV infrastructure

Grid congestion occurs when electricity demand exceeds the grid's capacity to deliver power, creating bottlenecks in the distribution network. This situation strains infrastructure components like transformers and power lines, potentially leading to service disruptions and reduced power quality.

The rapid adoption of electric vehicles is intensifying grid congestion challenges across Europe, the UK, and the US. When multiple EVs charge simultaneously, particularly during peak evening hours, they can create sudden demand spikes from 0 to 100% in seconds. This uncoordinated charging behavior puts unprecedented stress on local distribution networks, especially in areas with limited power infrastructure.

Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) offer a strategic solution to this growing challenge. The SUNSYS HES L storage solution, compliant with IEC 62933-5-2, acts as a sophisticated power buffer between the grid and charging stations. During high-demand periods, BESS provides immediate additional power capacity, enabling fast charging without straining the local grid. When demand peaks occur, the system automatically draws stored energy from the batteries instead of the grid, effectively managing load and maintaining optimal charging speeds.

Recent implementations across European transportation corridors demonstrate this capability, where BESS solutions enhance grid stability while enabling rapid charging in areas with constrained power infrastructure. This approach has become particularly valuable in the US market, where the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program is driving rapid charging deployment along interstate corridors. By integrating BESS, operators can defer costly grid upgrades while ensuring consistent charging availability and speeds, making it an essential component of modern EV infrastructure strategy.

Future-proofing charging infrastructure

The integration of BESS solutions with EV charging infrastructure continues to evolve, with new developments focusing on enhanced grid stability and improved charging efficiency. Recent data from the International Energy Agency indicates that battery storage deployment for EV charging support grew by 65% globally in 2024, with particularly strong adoption across European markets.

Jean-Marc Guillou explains: "As we look toward 2025 and beyond, the role of battery storage in EV charging becomes increasingly critical. BESS-enabled charging stations reduce grid connection costs while providing consistent charging speeds even during peak demand periods. The SUNSYS HES L and XXL system's advanced power management capabilities ensure optimal energy and power distribution to multiple charging points, maintaining charging efficiency even under challenging grid conditions."






 

Energy storage system for EVCI

Going further, maximizing BESS investment in EVCI

To maximize the value of BESS in EV charging infrastructure, expand beyond basic buffer and peak shaving into three high-impact applications that compound returns over time:

Off-peak price optimization

Use the battery to arbitrage energy costs by charging during low-tariff, off-peak periods and discharging during expensive peak windows. This reduces exposure to volatile prices and utility demand charges, flattens your load profile at the point of connection, and protects margins without compromising charging speed or customer experience; when modeled correctly, it also lowers monthly OPEX and smooths cash flow for corridor sites, retail hubs, and fleet depots.

Solar PV integration

Pair the BESS with on-site photovoltaics so midday generation can be captured and dispatched later to support afternoon and evening sessions. Storage increases PV self-consumption, mitigates curtailment due to export limits, and trims grid imports, cutting both energy costs and carbon intensity. For multi-tenant sites, granular metering enables transparent cost allocation and ESG reporting while the energy management system co-optimizes PV, battery state of charge, and charger queues to maintain user-visible performance.

Resiliency and backup power

Use the BESS to supply prioritized loads during grid disturbances or full blackouts, keeping essential chargers, communications, payment systems, and safety lighting online. Islanding capability and well-defined transfer logic preserve uptime, protect revenue during outages, and enhance the site’s reliability credentials—an increasingly important differentiator for CPOs and fleets operating on tight schedules.

Together, off-peak arbitrage, PV-plus-storage, and resilience turn a battery from a simple buffer into a strategic platform for cost-efficient, low-carbon, and resilient EV charging, improving total cost of ownership while accelerating deployments in grid-constrained locations.

Powering the future of mobility

As the global transition to electric vehicles accelerates, the strategic implementation of BESS solutions becomes increasingly vital for successful charging infrastructure deployment. With air quality concerns driving policy changes and contactless payments becoming standard, charging networks and most over electrical grids must evolve to meet both technical and user requirements.

The Department for Transport's latest guidelines emphasize the importance of long-term investment in robust charging infrastructure, particularly as the rollout of electric vehicles continues to accelerate. Through advanced solutions like the SUNSYS HES range and comprehensive monitoring systems, operators can build resilient charging networks that support the growing demands of electric mobility while maintaining grid stability and operational efficiency.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the role of BESS in EV charging infrastructure?

A Battery Energy Storage System buffers the grid from rapid EV load swings, caps demand charges, and unlocks fast charging where the interconnection is constrained. In other words, a BESS helps you get more power than what the grid could actually provide.

How does BESS improve charging station capabilities?

Jean-Marc Guillou, Technical Director at Socomec, explains: "BESS solutions enhance charging station capabilities in three key ways: providing immediate additional power capacity, enabling intelligent load supply through peak shaving, and deferring costly grid infrastructure upgrades. This comprehensive approach ensures reliable charging while optimizing operational costs."

What are the key considerations for implementing EV charging infrastructure?

Strategic implementation requires balancing immediate charging needs with long-term scalability. Essential factors include: 
• Grid capacity assessment and power quality monitoring 
• Charging profiles and simulations to size power and energy needs very precisely 
• Integration with DIRIS Digiware metering systems for precise consumption tracking 
• Compliance with standards such as IEC 62933-5-2 
• Smart load management capabilities 
• Future expansion potential

How does BESS support grid stability for EV charging?

The SUNSYS HES range features sophisticated power control mechanisms that: 
• Manage sudden demand changes from 0 to 100% in just milliseconds 
• Provide peak shaving capabilities 
• Enable fast charging in areas with limited grid capacity 
• Maintain consistent power quality to chargers 
• Support multiple charging speeds simultaneously