Monta launches PowerBank

EV charging platform Monta has launched PowerBank, which detects imbalances in the grid and pauses current EV charging sessions to prevent power blackouts. 

PowerBank works by connecting multiple charge points to the grid system, allowing the firm to manage charging activities by momentarily pausing and then resuming EV charging in response to grid imbalances. 

This assist with distributing power and alleviating the strain caused by the fluctuating production and high consumption of electricity – preventing power outages and helping to stabilise the grid, it claims.

After a successful test in Denmark and Sweden with 3,600 residential charge points, Monta aggregated an average of 3 megawatts (MW) of electricity demand at night, equal to 2,250 households. Some nights saw Monta aggregate up to 10 MW.

Powerbank will be available to Monta fleet and private customers in Ireland and the UK from December 2023, with users earning Monta credits for each kWh charged. Earnings vary based on the market’s electricity price and are received after each charge.

Alok Dubey, Regional Director for Western Europe at Monta, said: “In the face of increasing volatility and unpredictability in electricity generation and consumption, we face a very real possibility of blackouts and outages.

“With PowerBank, we aim to bolster existing infrastructure, allowing charge point owners to actively safeguard their community against blackouts and contribute to the broader goal of grid stability, by linking charge points to the electrical grid system, PowerBank ingeniously pauses and restarts charging activities, detecting and adjusting to grid imbalances.”

“Predictions estimate that by 2030 there’ll be 10 million EV cars on UK roads, approximately 30% of all cars, which means we cannot afford to slow down the implementation of a robust UK charge point infrastructure, and PowerBank is a key tool in supporting and strengthening the resilience of existing infrastructure.”

Image of Dubey courtesy of Monta