Salzburg AG and ADS-TEC Energy Pioneer Dual-Purpose EV Charging with Grid Stability Support
In a groundbreaking development, Salzburg AG, in collaboration with ADS-TEC Energy (NASDAQ: ADSE), has successfully prequalified the ChargePost fast charging system for participation in Austria’s ancillary services market. This marks the first time a fast charging system has been integrated into a virtual power plant to support both ultra-fast electric vehicle (EV) charging and grid stability. The deployment highlights the economic viability of multi-use charging infrastructure, eliminating the need for costly grid upgrades while advancing sustainable energy solutions.
A New Era of Smart Charging Infrastructure
ChargePost is a revolutionary system that combines ultra-fast DC charging of up to 300 kW with up to 201 kWh of battery storage capacity. Designed to operate on standard low-voltage grids, it leverages bidirectional storage and intelligent energy management to deliver several key benefits:
- Peak Shaving Capabilities: By smoothing out energy demand spikes, ChargePost reduces strain on the grid during peak usage periods.
- Reduced Grid Connection Costs: Its innovative design eliminates the need for expensive grid upgrades, making high-power EV charging economically feasible even in areas with limited grid capacity.
- Stable and Reliable Operation: Regardless of local grid conditions, ChargePost ensures stable operation and full-power EV charging at any time, enhancing user experience and reliability.
This dual functionality transforms fast charging infrastructure from a cost center into a value-added asset within the energy ecosystem. By integrating ChargePost into its virtual power plant, Salzburg AG is now able to leverage the system’s battery storage capabilities to provide short-term power adjustments, helping stabilize grid frequency and maintain overall grid stability.
A Milestone in Energy Innovation
The successful prequalification of ChargePost represents a significant milestone in the evolution of fast charging technology. Traditionally, only large-scale standalone battery storage systems were capable of providing ancillary services to the grid. However, ChargePost’s compact design and advanced technology enable it to fulfill this role while simultaneously serving as a high-performance EV charging station. This dual-purpose architecture offers a scalable solution that can be replicated across regions and markets, paving the way for broader adoption of smart, grid-supportive charging infrastructure.
At a joint event held in Salzburg on November 25, Thomas Speidel, founder and CEO of ADS-TEC Energy, joined Salzburg AG board members Michael Baminger and Herwig Struber to celebrate this achievement.
Thomas Speidel emphasized the importance of this innovation, stating, “To accelerate growth, fast charging must evolve beyond being a cost center. With intelligent buffering and stable grid behavior, systems like ChargePost unlock new flexibility in the operation of charging infrastructure. Our collaboration with Salzburg AG demonstrates how high-power charging and grid stability can go hand in hand.”
Strategic Expansion Plans
The success of this initial deployment has prompted Salzburg AG to extend its partnership with ADS-TEC Energy. The utility provider has awarded a tender for 20 additional ChargePost systems, underscoring the companies’ shared commitment to expanding battery-supported fast charging infrastructure in the region. This expansion will further enhance Salzburg AG’s ability to meet growing EV charging demands while continuing to support grid stability.
Unlocking Economic and Environmental Benefits
ChargePost’s integration into the ancillary services market not only supports grid stability but also creates new revenue opportunities for utilities and charging operators. By participating in Austria’s ancillary services market, Salzburg AG can monetize the system’s grid-support capabilities, offsetting operational costs and improving the overall economics of EV charging infrastructure.
Moreover, ChargePost’s ability to operate efficiently without requiring costly grid upgrades makes it an attractive solution for regions with constrained grid capacity. This approach aligns with global efforts to transition to a more flexible, decentralized energy system, where distributed energy resources play a critical role in balancing supply and demand.
A Blueprint for Future Energy Systems
The collaboration between Salzburg AG and ADS-TEC Energy serves as a blueprint for how utilities and technology providers can work together to address the challenges of the energy transition. As EV adoption continues to grow, the demand for fast, reliable charging infrastructure will increase exponentially. At the same time, grid operators face mounting pressure to maintain stability in an increasingly decentralized energy landscape.
ChargePost addresses both challenges by combining cutting-edge fast charging technology with grid-support capabilities. Its modular design and scalability make it adaptable to diverse environments, from urban centers to rural areas. By enabling high-power EV charging without overburdening the grid, ChargePost helps bridge the gap between transportation electrification and grid modernization.
About ADS-TEC Energy
With more than a decade of experience in lithium-ion technologies, ADS-TEC Energy develops and manufactures battery storage solutions and ultra-fast charging systems, including advanced energy management software. ADS-TEC Energy’s battery-buffered fast-charging technology enables electric vehicles to charge at ultra-high power levels even on weak grids, all within an exceptionally compact design.
Headquartered in Nürtingen, Baden-Württemberg, the company was nominated by the President of Germany for the German Future Prize and was inducted into the “Circle of Excellence” in 2022. The outstanding quality and performance of ADS-TEC Energy’s systems are the result of extensive investment in in-house development and high levels of vertical integration. With its advanced technology platforms, ADS-TEC Energy is a trusted partner for automotive manufacturers, energy providers, and charging infrastructure operators worldwide.
For more information, visit: www.ads-tec-energy.com
