Kempower Announces Fast-Charging Flex Satellite EV Chargers
About a dozen years ago, more battery-based energy storage projects began to be completed, which was exciting because they were, and continue to be, a solution to the “intermittency problem.” Sunshine and wind are not available 24/7, so it is necessary to store some solar and wind power electricity for the down times.
There is a similar situation with electric vehicle chargers because they are one solution to electric vehicle “range anxiety.” Manufacturing electric vehicles with 600 miles of range or more is not necessary because the more obvious solution is simply to install more EV chargers in places that don’t have any or have too few. Reducing the distance between public chargers is the solution, not having EVs with absurdly large batteries. At some point, if there are enough public EV chargers within an easily reachable distance of every EV, there will be no reason for anxiety. For the people who are unaware, most EV charging happens at EV owners’ homes, and another big chunk of EV charging happens at their workplaces. In that sense, there are already enough EV chargers for local driving for many EV owners.
While most EV news is about the vehicles themselves, expanding EV charger infrastructure developments are at least as important. On that matter, Kempower Senior Product Manager Kevin Lindley answered some questions for CleanTechnica about the Flex Satellite chargers.
What is the Flex Satellite and what about it is new?
The Kempower Flex Satellite is designed for public charging applications, providing light-duty EV drivers with an accessible and functional fast-charging experience while helping meet NEVI Formula funding requirements and state regulations. While allowing for faster charging and a better user experience, the Flex Satellite provides a dual-cable satellite with (1) DC input from the Kempower Power Unit, and a choice of either 400 A CCS1 or 380 A J3400/NACS connectors for each parking space, allowing drivers to choose which connector is needed for their vehicle for reliable charging without the hassle of adapters.
Is it compatible with CCS1 or NACS?
Yes, the Kempower Flex Satellite allows drivers to select the best connector for their vehicle, saving time and money. The dual-cable satellite allows for an adapter-free experience with the ability to choose between CCS1 and J3400/NACS connectors seamlessly.
What is the charging rate or rates?
The Kempower Flex Satellite is capable of charging some current or future vehicles at over 300 kW using continuous rated, 400 Amp CCS1 or 380 Amp J3400/NACS connectors. For many EV drivers, this results in a typical charge time of less than 30 minutes.
What are the best places to install it?
Designed for public charging applications, the Kempower Flex Satellite can be installed in confined spaces while still providing superior performance. More than six states require CCS1 and NACS to be offered at NEVI-funded charging sites, making the Kempower Flex Satellite the optimal solution. The Kempower Flex Satellite works well when one Flex Satellite is installed for each parking space, allowing every driver to have a choice of both common connectors.
What is the installation cost and time?
The Kempower Flex Satellite is typically installed within one day on a prepared site.
Who will be the customers?
The Kempower Flex Satellite is intended for general public charging applications, designed with NEVI-funded charging sites in mind.
What is the cost of the Satellite?
The Kempower Flex Satellite is part of the Kempower Satellite Charging System that combines a centralized Power Unit with distributed Satellites for charging where it is needed the most. The flexibility of the Kempower solution can accommodate the unique needs of each site, allowing for cost to be optimized. Please contact a Kempower Sales and Service Partner or Kempower directly for more information.
Where is it available?
The Kempower Flex Satellite is available for charging sites in the US and Canada.
What is the expected lifespan and warranty?
Though every site has its own unique environmental and other factors that can affect the lifespan, the Kempower Flex Satellite is designed for up to 10 years or more of reliable service.
How much space is required to install and operate it?
The Kempower Flex Satellite base occupies approximately 1 square foot, allowing it to be mounted in applications where space is limited. An installation only requires appropriate clearance for charging cable use and space in front of the satellite for service and driver interaction.
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