Smart Energy Management for Q8’s EV Charging Network

The Challenge

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As Q8 grows its EV charging network, the company faced the challenge of ensuring fast, reliable charging without straining the grid. High-power demand risks triggering costly peaks and penalties, while inefficient energy use could slow expansion and compromise the customer experience.

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The Solution

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Q8 is deploying HARMON-E, FLEXECHARGE’s Energy Management System (EMS), to dynamically balance site loads in real time, keeping charging efficient while maintaining full performance for drivers.

Through HARMON-E, Q8 ensures each site operates at peak efficiency, automatically coordinating between chargers, buildings, and the grid to prevent overloads and minimize energy costs.

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Integrating battery energy storage systems (BESS)

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To further strengthen site performance and flexibility, Q8 is adding Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) across its network, starting with the first installation at Harderwijk in November.

At this site, the existing grid connection supports four fast chargers. However, by integrating a stationary battery through HARMON-E, Q8 can now install two additional charging plugs, effectively expanding capacity without increasing grid demand.

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The BESS integration delivers multiple benefits:

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• DNO curtailment: Automatically adjust site consumption when requested by the grid operator (DNO)
• Peak Shaving & Load Management: Smooths energy demand, avoiding costly peaks.
• Energy Arbitrage (Next Phase): Stores energy when prices are low for use during high-demand periods.
• Future Ancillary Services: Prepares sites for participation in grid-support programs.

You can read more about our Value Stacking solution here.

This setup (illustrated below) ensures seamless communication between all site components through the GATEAWAY, using open standards such as OCPP 1.6J, Modbus TCP, and MQTT.

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By integrating smart EMS control with on-site energy storage, Q8 not only ensures grid independence and cost savings but also maintains its core promise: fast, reliable, customer-centric charging.

Expected Impact

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• No disruptive demand peaks or grid penalties
• A network ready to expand with growing EV adoption
• Lower operational costs and new revenue from energy markets
• A seamless, always-on charging experience for Q8 customers

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Additional benefits from BESS integration

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• Power boosting for additional fast chargers even with limited grid capacity
• Peak shaving and dynamic load management to optimize site performance
• Energy storage for load balancing and cost-efficient operation
• Prepared for future energy arbitrage and ancillary market participation
• Improved grid independence and site resilience
  
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