Why Peak Shaving Is Important for Charging Stations
Peak shaving for charging stations refers to the targeted reduction of peak loads caused by multiple electric vehicles charging simultaneously. For many commercial power connections, capacity-based grid fees are based on the highest measured 15-minute power level. Avoiding such peak loads is therefore one of the most important economic levers for charging station operators.
What does “peak shaving” mean in the context of charging stations?
Peak shaving for charging stations involves specifically limiting the maximum power drawn from the grid at a charging station’s grid connection point to avoid cost-driving peak loads. A battery storage system can even increase the total available charging power while simultaneously limiting grid draw. Peak shaving follows the same basic principles as in industrial and commercial facilities, but takes into account the specific load profiles of charging infrastructure, which involves many charging processes that vary over time.
Why Peak Loads Occur at Charging Stations
- Simultaneous charging of multiple vehicles, such as during peak hours
- High individual charging capacities at fast-charging stations (DC)
- User behavior at public charging stations is difficult to predict
- Fixed power distribution without dynamic adjustment
Power consumption can fluctuate significantly within a short period of time, for example, when several vehicles start or stop charging at the same time.
Methods for Peak Shaving in Charging Infrastructure
- Predictive Control and Dynamic Charging Management for continuous adjustment of charging power
- Use of a pre-charged storage system to smooth out short-term load peaks and make better use of the available site capacity
- Distribution of available power according to the fair-share principle, so that multiple vehicles can be charged simultaneously without exceeding the grid draw
What are the benefits of peak shaving for charging infrastructure operators?
For charging infrastructure operators, peak shaving can generate direct economic value by reducing peak loads and making more efficient use of existing grid connections. This results in the following benefits in particular:
- lower capacity-based grid fees
- Avoiding costly grid connection expansions
- a higher number of charging points that can be operated simultaneously on the existing connection
- Predictable, controlled load curve
For which companies is peak shaving worthwhile?
Peak shaving is particularly relevant for operators of public charging fleets —from fast-charging stations to charging points at retail and restaurant locations—as well as fleet locations with many simultaneous charging processes, as well as logistics depots with defined downtime periods, where peak loads would otherwise have a significant impact.
What role does a battery storage system play in peak shaving?
An integrated pre-charge storage system can further help smooth out peak loads by providing energy for short periods without placing a greater strain on the grid connection. This allows more vehicles to be charged simultaneously and makes better use of the available connection capacity without increasing the grid connection capacity.
Distinction from related terms
Not to be confused with:
- Peak Shaving: generally addresses the same basic technical principle for commercial and industrial facilities. This article applies it specifically to the load profiles of charging fleets and charging infrastructure—the content is related, but it has a distinct target audience (charging infrastructure operators rather than general commercial customers).
- Peak load reduction: the German-language equivalent of the general “peak shaving” concept used in the context of grid tariffs; peak shaving for charging parks can encompass both traditional peak load reduction and atypical grid usage, depending on the site’s load profile
- Dynamic charging management: continuous power distribution, which is often used as the basis for implementing peak shaving in charging parks
- Atypical grid usage: a pricing mechanism that can benefit from targeted power curtailment during peak-load time windows
In a nutshell: Why peak shaving makes charging stations more cost-effective
Peak shaving for charging parks is a key strategy for reducing the operating costs of charging infrastructure while simultaneously operating more charging points on the existing grid connection. By combining dynamic charging management, fair load distribution, and optional integrated pre-charge storage, peak loads can be specifically avoided without significantly increasing charging times in many use cases.
Note on the Custom Design of Charging Stations: This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not replace individualized legal, technical, or financial advice.
