Blink Charging and Chakratec to Receive Grant from BIRD Energy Program

Blink Charging has announced the approval of BIRD Energy Program’s match-funding for the Blink and Chakratec project for DC fast-charging solutions

Blink Charging has announced the approval of the Israel-US Binational Industrial Research and Development (BIRD) Energy Program’s match-funding for the Blink and Chakratec project for affordable, everyday DC fast-charging solutions, “Boosting EV Charging through Energy Storage System.”

The BIRD Energy Program is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy and Israel’s Ministry of Energy together with the Israel Innovation Authority. Blink Charging, founded in 2009, is partnering with Chakratec, an Israeli eMobility company, to bring a robust DC fast charging solution to the United States which can be deployed virtually anywhere, regardless of the location’s existing power grid capabilities.

At present, DC Fast Chargers (50kW, 175kW, 350kW, and higher) provide the fastest electric vehicle (EV) charging speeds, making these high-power charging solutions only attainable in locations with sufficient grid power. Upgrading grid infrastructure is extremely costly. Even for cities that can afford the upgrade, the process can be sluggish, with an arduous approval process, with various regulatory and bureaucratic procedures. Accordingly, most roads in the United States are unable to take advantage of DC fast charging technology, which can heighten EV driver range anxiety for long-distance travel.

The Blink and Chakratec project is expected to introduce cutting-edge DC fast charging technology to the United States that utilises a kinetic energy storage system. This will enable high-power charging, serving many EVs daily without straining the grid, and avoiding increased “high demand” charges from utility companies.

“We are excited to begin the Blink-Chakratec project. The Chakratec technology has the unique capability of absorbing and storing peak loads in the power grid and utilizing the kinetically stored energy to enable DC Fast Charging anytime, anywhere. Additionally, this technology has the benefit of being entirely mechanical, not requiring the use of batteries, giving the charger a much longer life and ensuring it has minimal to no impact on our environment; we expect this project to make DC fast charging on the Blink Network a fast, economical, and easy way to charge wherever the road may take you,” shared Michael D. Farkas, Chairman and CEO of Blink Charging.

The proprietary technology is chemical-free, environmentally friendly, and able to complete a full charging cycle within just twenty minutes. The project facilitates the deployment of DC Fast Chargers nationwide, regardless of the location’s current grid status, without the need for costly upgrades. All of the DC Chargers will be connected to the Blink Network, which provides a comprehensive and easy-to-use service experience for drivers. The technology will enable Blink to offer a practical, inexpensive DC fast charging solution to the US market, making fast EV charging available anywhere and anytime. The build-out of this fast DC charging solution will further encourage the widespread adoption of electric vehicles.