Eaton and ChargePoint Unveil Advanced Ultrafast EV Charging Solutions

On September 9, 2023, at the RE+ trade show, Eaton and ChargePoint launched an innovative ultrafast charging architecture designed for public charging and fleet applications. This new infrastructure is aimed at accelerating the transition to electric vehicles (EVs) by offering a vehicle-to-everything (V2X) solution capable of delivering up to 600 kW of power for passenger EVs and megawatt charging for heavy-duty commercial vehicles.

The ChargePoint Express Grid, powered by Eaton, represents a significant advancement in EV charging technology. This modular and DC grid design can be deployed with 30% lower capital expenditure and occupies a 30% smaller footprint while achieving a similar reduction in ongoing operational costs compared to existing solutions. Such efficiency is critical as the demand for EV charging infrastructure continues to grow.

Groundbreaking Features and Benefits

The collaboration between Eaton and ChargePoint integrates ChargePoint’s Express chargers with Eaton’s comprehensive electrical solutions. This combination effectively addresses grid constraints and offers a cost-effective means to scale charging capabilities for the increasing number of EVs in service. By utilizing Eaton’s Everything as a Grid approach and integrated V2X capabilities, the system can synchronize onsite renewable energy sources, energy storage, and vehicle batteries with local energy markets. This not only helps fleets reduce fueling costs but also contributes to balancing the electric grid when deployed at scale with participating utilities.

“Accelerating electrification at scale hinges on industry-changing technology from trusted manufacturers that can be deployed faster while achieving new levels of reliability and efficiency at a significantly lower cost,” said Paul Ryan, Vice President and General Manager of Energy Transition at Eaton.

Ryan emphasized that the partnership with ChargePoint is poised to drive innovation in electrification, making the transition to electric vehicles a financially viable option. In a similar vein, Rick Wilmer, CEO of ChargePoint, noted that the new ChargePoint Express architecture, particularly the Express Grid variant, offers unprecedented performance and cost efficiency.

Future Developments and Availability

Eaton plans to custom engineer each Express configuration, ensuring that it is site-ready and includes the option of a skid-mounted solution. This approach is intended to expedite installation, reduce equipment needs, and facilitate simpler connections to the grid and distributed energy resources (DERs). Additionally, Eaton aims to commercialize solid-state transformer technology within the year, following its acquisition of Resilient Power Systems Inc., to support DC applications in the EV market and beyond.

The ChargePoint Express Grid will be showcased at the RE+ trade show, where Eaton will also highlight its broader capabilities in advancing electrification and energy transition. Furthermore, Luiz Huet de Bacellar, Eaton’s Vice President of Engineering and Technology, will discuss the benefits of DC microgrids and the company’s efforts to enhance safety standards for DC technologies during the conference.

Starting in the first quarter of 2026, Express solutions will be available for select customers in North America and Europe, with deliveries expected to commence in the latter half of that year.

This collaboration marks a significant step forward in the EV industry, as both companies continue to develop comprehensive solutions that not only facilitate the adoption of electric vehicles but also promote a more sustainable future.

For more information, visit the ChargePoint pressroom or Eaton’s official website.