September 10th, 2024 marked a significant milestone for electric vehicle (EV) owners in Fort Collins. XCharge, in collaboration with Colorado State University’s (CSU) Powerhouse Energy Campus, Out of Spec Studios, and Winn-Marion, has successfully installed a new state-of-the-art DC Fast Charger—the fastest charger Fort Collins has seen.
XCharge is a proud member of Drive Clean Colorado’s Workplace Charging initiative, Watts@Work (W@W). W@W helps workplaces lower barriers to electric vehicle (EV) adoption by expanding workplace charging access for employees. The new charger at the Powerhouse Energy Campus addresses the growing demand for efficient workplace charging in a region that is becoming increasingly committed to sustainable transportation solutions.
The Powerhouse is a major hub for energy research, innovation, and education and serves as the headquarters for the CSU Energy Institute. It houses a variety of facilities dedicated to advancing sustainable energy solutions. Historically, workplace charging at the Powerhouse was limited to one dual-port Level 2 charging station, which allowed vehicles to charge for a maximum of three hours, serving about six vehicles over the course of a typical workday. The installation of the new DC Fast Charger offers significantly greater flexibility, enabling drivers to fully charge their EVs in a much shorter time frame. Initially, this station will be available exclusively to students and staff at the Powerhouse, providing a vital workplace charging solution that opens up more opportunities for current EV drivers and makes EV ownership more accessible to those without home charging options.
This project was performed in coordination with Out of Spec Studios, a popular automotive content creation group based in Fort Collins. They focus on producing in-depth and honest reviews, comparisons, and discussions about EVs on the market. As part of XCharge’s Net Zero Series, this unit is a battery-integrated fast charger with bidirectional capabilities, representing the latest in EV charging technology. By storing electricity when it’s cheapest and discharging it during peak demand, the charger not only reduces energy costs but also minimizes the load on the grid dynamically adjusting to the site’s needs. This innovative feature demonstrates how modern workplace charging solutions can contribute to a more sustainable energy future.
The installation of this DC Fast Charging station marks a significant step forward for workplace charging and highlights how such infrastructure can play a crucial role in facilitating broader EV adoption in Fort Collins and beyond. By investing in workplace charging solutions, organizations like XCharge and the CSU Powerhouse are setting a powerful example for other workplaces looking to embrace sustainable practices.
As a follow-up to our site discussion, this Net Zero Series (NZS) charger is now functioning at up to 180 kW in total output (depending on vehicle type and state of charge). Originally installed using a 19 kW grid connection, the team recalculated the electrical requirements, allowing for a 30 kW grid connection, adjusted without any electrical work and adjusted directly on the unit. This upgrade enables faster battery recharge times and higher throughput for vehicles. During charging, 150 kW output comes through the DC/DC modules from the battery energy storage system to the charger, while 30 kW comes from the grid connection.
