No costly grid expansion
In many cases the existing grid connection is sufficient – a new transformer or medium-voltage connection is unnecessary or much smaller.
Charging infrastructure · Storage + fast charging
Battery-buffered fast chargers (DC/DC)
Fast charging where the grid can't keep up: an integrated battery storage buffers the charging power – making high-power charging possible even at sites with a limited grid connection, without costly grid expansion.
The concept
The storage charges slowly – your vehicle fast
Conventional DC fast chargers draw their entire charging power from the grid the moment a vehicle charges. That is exactly the problem at many sites: the grid connection can't supply the peak power, and expanding it up to a dedicated transformer costs time and a lot of money.
Battery-buffered fast chargers solve this dilemma: an integrated battery storage charges continuously at low power from the existing grid connection – or from your photovoltaic system. When a vehicle arrives, the storage releases the energy again as high-power DC fast charging. Grid draw and charging power are decoupled.
- Consistently low grid draw instead of costly load peaks
- High DC charging power at the vehicle – despite a small connection
- DC/DC: solar power and stored energy flow efficiently into the vehicle battery without multiple conversions
How it works
1. Buffer: The storage charges at the power the grid connection can supply anyway – around the clock, including at night or from PV surplus.
2. Release: During charging, the storage delivers the buffered energy at high power directly as direct current to the vehicle.
3. Recharge: After the charging break, the storage automatically fills up again – ready for the next vehicle.
Your benefits
Fast charging without grid expansion
Peak shaving
The storage smooths the power draw (peak shaving). This lowers demand charges and protects against costly load peaks in the commercial tariff.
PV integration
Solar power from your own roof or solar carport charges the storage directly – your vehicles fuel up on renewable energy from the site.
Fast installation
Without lengthy grid connection procedures, the system is ready for use much faster – compact units can be set up and connected quickly.
Partner ecosystem
A strong partner ecosystem for maximum project security
From 1 January 2027, EEFA will be the exclusive distributor for the products of ZhongDe, the manufacturer of the ELLI Flexpole. In addition, Volkswagen is transferring to us all customers who have already purchased an ELLI Flexpole.
Exclusive distributor from 2027
From 1 January 2027 we will exclusively distribute the products of ELLI Flexpole manufacturer ZhongDe – and look after all existing ELLI Flexpole customers.
More than 1,800 customers from 2027
With this partnership we will serve more than 1,800 customers from 2027, making us the market leader in battery-buffered charging infrastructure.
Established technology partners
Partnerships with leading technology and hardware providers such as Alpitronic and ELMI ensure top component quality, long-term spare-part availability and maximum reliability.
In comparison
Conventional DC charger or battery-buffered?
Which solution fits depends above all on your grid connection – and how quickly you want to start.
| Conventional DC fast charger | Battery-buffered fast charger (DC/DC) | |
|---|---|---|
| Grid connection | High connection capacity required, often transformer/medium voltage | Existing connection is often sufficient – storage buffers the peak load |
| Grid expansion | Complex and cost-intensive depending on the site | Usually unnecessary or much smaller |
| Implementation time | Depends on the grid connection procedure | Short – compact systems, fast commissioning |
| Load peaks | Full charging power is drawn directly from the grid | Smoothed grid draw, peak shaving included |
| PV coupling | Possible, via the grid or on the AC side | Direct: PV charges the storage, storage charges the vehicle (DC/DC) |
| Ideal for | Sites with a strong grid connection and high charging frequency | Sites with a limited connection, a PV system or time pressure |
Does your site have sufficient connection capacity? Then you'll find everything important on our fast chargers (DC) page.
Application scenarios
Typical sites for battery-buffered fast charging
Businesses with an existing connection
Car dealerships, workshops, logistics and trade businesses whose grid connection is insufficient for conventional fast chargers – but which need fast charging right away.
Rural and peripheral locations
Sites away from strong grids – for example on country roads, in commercial estates or in rural areas, where grid expansion would be disproportionately expensive.
PV sites
Businesses with their own photovoltaic system or solar carport that want to upgrade their solar power into charging electricity and maximise self-consumption.
For battery storage we rely on strong partners such as Käfer Batteriesysteme GmbH, which develops and manufactures powerful, modular energy storage solutions for industry, commerce and real estate.
Not enough grid connection for your charging plans?
We'll check whether a battery-buffered fast charger can make your site fast-charge-capable without grid expansion – get in touch with us.