Allye Energy Launches 400 kW EV Charger Using Used Batteries to Avoid Grid Upgrades
The mobile unit requires only a 16-ampere grid connection and was deployed at a Glasgow depot to bypass a $400,000 upgrade quote.
Allye Energy has introduced a new mobile DC fast charger that utilizes repurposed electric vehicle batteries to deliver high-power charging without requiring extensive electrical grid upgrades.
What Happened
The UK-based company’s new MEV charger is billed as the world’s first dedicated EV charger with built-in battery storage made from second-life EV packs. The unit can deliver up to 400 kilowatts of power to two electric vehicles simultaneously through integrated cables or supply multiple charging satellites. It relies on repurposed batteries from various manufacturers and ages, offering either 155 or 232 kilowatt-hours of storage capacity. The system is designed to operate on a modest three-phase 16-ampere grid connection, with support for up to 125 amperes, allowing it to go online within hours rather than months.
Why It Matters
Traditional high-power charging stations often face significant delays and costs due to the need for major grid connection upgrades and permitting processes. By using battery buffers, the MEV charger can draw minimal power from the grid to recharge its internal storage when idle, then discharge that stored energy rapidly when vehicles are connected. This approach is particularly relevant for depots and locations with existing industrial electrical connections. For instance, at J&M Murdoch’s refuse depot in Glasgow, a standard grid upgrade was quoted at £300,000 ($400,000). Instead, the depot deployed the battery-backed charger, which was operational within a day and currently supplies approximately 200 kilowatt-hours of energy daily. The charger’s mobility also allows it to be relocated if a lease expires or operational needs change.
The Bottom Line
Allye Energy’s MEV charger offers a flexible, lower-infrastructure-cost alternative for deploying fast charging, particularly in industrial settings where grid upgrades are prohibitively expensive or slow. The unit supports both 800-volt and 400-volt EVs and incorporates safety features such as pyro fuses, off-gas detection, and anti-theft measures.
