Portsmouth International Port now has the capability to fast-charge electric vehicles in the daytime using power supplied overnight, thanks to GS Yuasa.

The company’s engineers have installed specialist racking, custom built equipment, 240 Yuasa ENL batteries and a lithium-ion energy storage cabinet into a containerised 20-foot weatherproof shelter located at the front of the port’s freight entrance.

The first-of-its-kind battery system which is being piloted at the port is able to supply 100kW of power.

Once fully operational, it will be able to provide power for electric vehicle charging and localised grid support. This means electric vehicles can be fast charged during the day from electricity supplied overnight at a lower tariff.

The lead acid batteries are manufactured at GS Yuasa’s Ebbw Vale factory. The system’s lithium batteries come from Japan.

Mark Greer, General Sales Manager – Reserve & Renewable Power Division at GS Yuasa Battery Sales UK said: “We are delighted that the installation of our lead acid and Lithium-ion batteries was a success. Ever since we were chosen to support Portsmouth International Port, we have been working hard to ensure our energy storage system is at the forefront of technology and the very best available in the market.”

PESO is a two-year project co-funded by Innovate UK. The aim of the project is to contribute to plans set out by Portsmouth City Council in what is being praised as the ‘city’s greenest ever budget.’ There are three main areas of innovation to the project, the first being the construction of the dual chemical battery system.

To find out more, visit www.yuasa.com