From the US to Europe: XCharge brings GridLink to Berlin

GridLink combines fast charging with a buffer storage, allowing high charging power even at sites with weak grid connections, explains Albina Iljasov, Head of Europe at XCharge. “The concept of chargers with buffer storage is not new. But with GridLink, we offer a solution that is flexible and tailored to our target groups,” says Iljasov.

The concept is not new in two ways: firstly, because other manufacturers and XCharge itself already offer DC chargers with buffer storage. And secondly, because GridLink has been available on the North American market since October 2024.

“GridLink is not a completely new product, but an established system from North America that we have now CE-certified. This allows us to deploy it in Europe,” says Iljasov. In the US, battery storage certification standards are traditionally stricter. The European version benefits from this: “Our product is significantly more advanced in terms of safety features than current European regulations require. For North America, we had to complete fire safety tests, among others. This makes GridLink particularly robust,” explains XCharge’s European head.

The units for the North American market are produced in the US, while the European variant will be manufactured in China.

European market launch

The technical data differs slightly from what European customers will receive, but the system behind it is the same. Each GridLink unit has two charging points. In Europe, the charger delivers up to 194 kW. A maximum of 44 kW is drawn from the grid, with the rest coming from the integrated 215 kWh battery storage. This makes the system particularly suitable for locations without high-capacity grid connections.

XCharge developed the battery technology in-house, distinguishing the DC charger from XCharge’s Net Zero Series, which is already available in Europe but uses batteries from the Chinese manufacturer BYD.

The buffer storage consists of 15 individually replaceable battery packs. Each pack contains two modules, each made up of eight cells. If a module fails, the rest continues to operate. “This avoids long downtimes and reduces service costs,” Iljasov explains. Each module weighs around 100 kg and can be replaced “relatively quickly” by two technicians, she adds.

The thermal management system has also been upgraded: the batteries are now cooled at pack level rather than as a whole. “We introduced a new cooling concept that extends battery life and directs heat away efficiently. This includes liquid-cooled plates,” says Iljasov. These plates are positioned on the right, left, and centre of each module, increasing cooling surface and enabling rapid temperature reduction. XCharge keeps the temperature below 37°C, which helps prolong battery life.

This is complemented by a total of 60 sensors (four per battery pack), monitoring gas formation and temperature to detect potential risks early. In addition, the charger has a 35-litre water tank that can flood the system in an emergency, preventing or extinguishing fires.

Target groups from logistics to petrol stations

Installation is flexible. Beyond traditional foundations and grid connections, GridLink can also be connected via an industrial socket. Weighing around three tonnes, the station still requires a stable foundation. Yet its footprint is smaller than the Net Zero Series, allowing deployment at more constrained sites.

The system has diverse applications. Logistics companies are among the first users, needing to electrify their fleets. “Many cannot afford ten 400 kW chargers with a dedicated transformer. Grid expansion and grid connections often take 18 months or more. GridLink offers a bridging solution,” Iljasov explains.

Corporate fleets and dealerships also benefit. They need to charge vehicles quickly for work or test drives, but often lack high-capacity connections. GridLink is also attractive to petrol stations that don’t want to lose customers to dedicated charging parks. “Fuel retailers often have the best locations. With GridLink, they can offer charging infrastructure without giving up their core business,” says Iljasov.

XCharge also sees potential in semi-urban and rural areas with limited grid capacity. “Many people want to charge while on the go—even outside major cities. GridLink makes this possible without months of grid expansion,” explains Iljasov.

Strategy and outlook

GridLink significantly expands XCharge’s portfolio, even creating internal competition. “We see GridLink as the next step. The Net Zero Series will remain for several years, but GridLink will replace it in the long term,” says Iljasov.

The manufacturer emphasises that the new charger is part of a broader strategy. XCharge aims not only to provide charging infrastructure but a complete energy ecosystem, including battery storage, PV integration, and future services. “Our vision is a unified system for a wide range of customers. We want to make charging infrastructure simpler, more flexible, and more sustainable,” says Iljasov.

XCharge expects strong industry feedback from GridLink’s European premiere at the icnc from 2–4 September. “We want to show that e-mobility is not just about large charging hubs with megawatt connections. With GridLink, we bring fast charging wherever it is needed,” concludes Iljasov.