Volvo has unveiled an interesting energy storage system designed to meet your charging needs anywhere and anytime—even when the power grid is unavailable due to disruptions related to weather events or other disasters.
Volvo’s stationary battery is called the PU500 Battery Energy Storage System. As its name suggests, it can store up to 500 kWh of energy. According to the Swedish company’s energy division, this is more than enough to power homes, plants and even construction sites built to work in areas affected by natural disasters.
Photo by: Volvo
Volvo PU500 Energy Storage Unit
Or, if you want to stick to more pleasant subjects, just enough to power a concert or any entertainment show. And it could well be a godsend for electric vehicle drivers who find themselves far from a plug.
Charging At 240 kW
The PU500 can receive and supply power at speeds of up to 240 kW. That’s enough to charge most EVs in mere minutes, and the unit itself should be able to reach a full charge in a matter of hours.
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“With an integrated CCS2-type charger, the PU500 is designed to work with all electrical equipment on the market, regardless of the company that produces it,” said Niklas Thulin, stationary systems manager at Volvo Energy. “This ensures that any device, including electric cars, can be powered, greatly increasing the flexibility of our product.”
Charging Up To 20 EVs Per Day
And it’s meant for more than just one EV as well. Thanks to the presence of a large lithium-ion battery, the PU500 can recharge as many as 20 electric cars in a day. Alternatively, it can supply electrons to three electric trucks or even construction vehicles such as wheel loaders or other construction vehicles.
Photo by: Volvo
Volvo PU500 Energy Storage Unit
Volvo stressed the speeds at which it can deliver power. “The PU500 offers an impressive ability to recharge a heavy-duty truck in approximately 1.5 hours and can charge up to three electric heavy-duty trucks or 20 electric cars daily when fully charged, making it an essential asset for industries relying on electric vehicles,” the automaker said.
The Volvo PU500 is designed to be easily moved around in a truck. This way it can be easily installed anywhere, and once placed, it can start supplying electricity even if it’s placed in remote areas.
Volvo hasn’t yet said when the unit goes on sale, but did add that it will receive digital services to let users to monitor and schedule its charging operations.
