EDF Renewables to ramp up large-scale EV infrastructure deployment through PowerFlex

EDF Renewables North America, a subsidiary of EDF Renewables, has acquired PowerFlex Systems, a California-based managed electric vehicle (EV) charging technology provider, for an undisclosed amount.

The transaction will enable EDF Renewables to continue its strategic growth in the distributed energy market.

PowerFlex Systems has deployed some of the largest single-site EV charging facilities worldwide using its patented technology.

Adaptive Charging Network (ACN) technology will allow site hosts to maximize electricity delivery to EVs while reducing or eliminating the costly utility upgrades by managing charging based on driver’s demand, building load, onsite generation, and other variables.

EDF acquires Powerflex Systems – PowerFlex Systems’ Adaptive Charging Network will enable a single ecosystem for distributed energy- integrating EV smart charging, solar, storage and facility load. Photo courtesy of Business Wire.

In reference to California’s Duck Curve, George Lee – CEO, PowerFlex said: “For California to meet the 2030 goal of 60% renewable energy and five million EVs, we need to deploy hundreds of thousands of low-cost workplace charging stations that promote daytime charging to prevent curtailment of solar.

“Orchestrating the seamless coordination of variable production from solar with the flexible load from EV charging will be critical to the long-term health of our grid. PowerFlex provides the solution to do exactly that.”

EDF Renewables Distributed Solutions group originates, develops, builds, and operates renewable energy projects.

Raphael Declercq – executive vice president, Distributed Solutions & Strategy, EDF Renewables said: “Our commercial and industrial clients are realizing how important it is to provide cost-effective electric vehicle charging to retain their employees and their customers.

“By incorporating the PowerFlex technology alongside our existing solar, storage, and energy management offering, we are now able to provide building owners and facility managers with a single energy ecosystem where all assets work in concert to deliver clean, reliable, and affordable carbon-free power when and where it is needed.”

The portfolio of EDF Renewables North America comprises 16GW of developed projects and 10GW under service contracts.

Founded by technologists with entrepreneurial experiences, PowerFlex Systems is a California Institute of Technology (Caltech) startup that develops, deploys and manages large-scale EV charging systems based on advanced algorithmic research at Caltech.