XCharge Expands GridLink Across Europe, Merging Battery Innovation with Grid Resilience
At the Intercharge Network Conference (ICNC) in Berlin, XCharge North America (XCharge NA) and XCharge Europe (XCharge EU), subsidiaries of XCHG Limited (NASDAQ: XCH), unveiled their latest breakthrough in high-power EV charging and battery-integrated solutions: GridLink. Already proven in the North American market, the system has now been fully adapted to European standards, marking a pivotal step in the continent’s transition to scalable, reliable, and safe EV charging infrastructure.
The European launch comes at a time when governments, grid operators, and charging providers are grappling with challenges such as limited grid capacity, surging EV adoption, and the push to integrate renewable energy sources. GridLink positions itself as more than a charger—it is a comprehensive energy solution designed to optimize charging performance, reduce dependence on strained grids, and unlock new commercial opportunities for site operators.
A Battery at the Heart of the System
At the core of GridLink lies XCharge’s proprietary 215 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery. This battery enables the system to deliver up to 194 kW of DC fast charging power while drawing only 44 kW of AC input from the grid. In practical terms, this means locations with limited grid capacity or costly infrastructure upgrade requirements can still deploy ultra-fast charging without facing prohibitive investment hurdles.
The system is designed with scalability in mind. Operators can double the capacity to 430 kWh, enabling multiple charging sessions without taxing the grid. During blackouts or grid interruptions, GridLink can run independently, ensuring that EV drivers and site operators enjoy uninterrupted charging services.
Adding to its functional appeal, GridLink features a 55-inch integrated display, serving not only as a sleek user interface but also as a platform for dynamic advertisements. This screen transforms a utility into a revenue-generating asset, allowing site operators to monetize user engagement while providing charging services.
Addressing Industry Pain Points with Integrated Features
EV adoption in Europe is accelerating rapidly, but several persistent challenges threaten the pace of deployment:
- Limited grid capacity in urban and rural areas
- High costs associated with grid infrastructure upgrades
- Increasing adoption of solar energy with limited avenues for storage or direct usage
- Safety concerns tied to high-power charging and large-scale energy storage systems
GridLink directly addresses these hurdles. By integrating a robust LFP battery with photovoltaic (PV) compatibility, the system allows site operators to channel solar power directly into EV charging. Instead of exporting solar energy back to the grid—often yielding minimal financial returns—operators can capture, store, and utilize energy onsite, converting clean energy into real economic value.
Albina Iljasov, Head of Europe at XCharge, emphasized the broader vision:
GridLink empowers operators to generate new revenue streams, enhance grid resilience, and ensure multi-layered safety across operations. We’re proud to bring this technology to Europe at a time when the market is calling for more efficient and future-ready charging solutions.”
Raising the Bar on EV Charging Safety
One of GridLink’s most significant contributions is its industry-leading safety architecture. High-power charging and large-scale battery storage often raise concerns about overheating, fire hazards, and long-term stability. GridLink has been engineered to mitigate these risks through multi-layered safety systems:
- Advanced Liquid Cooling System – GridLink’s cooling design provides 2.38 times more heat dissipation surface compared to standard systems. This ensures the battery operates at a stable 37 °C, even during heavy loads or under extreme environmental conditions.
- Comprehensive Sensor Network – Each battery pack integrates four sensors for continuous hazard monitoring. This early detection system offers operators peace of mind by identifying issues before they escalate.
- Automated Ventilation – In scenarios where flammable gases are detected, GridLink’s ventilation system activates to disperse them safely, preventing buildup to critical levels.
- Built-in Fire Suppression Fluid Tank – In a global first, GridLink includes an integrated fire suppression system at the pack level. If a thermal event occurs, the suppression fluid minimizes damage and protects surrounding equipment, while also allowing for quick and cost-effective battery pack replacement.
These safety innovations reflect a proactive approach: not only preventing hazards but also ensuring that, if they occur, operators can recover quickly with minimal downtime and expense.
Designed for Easy Maintenance and Future Connectivity
GridLink isn’t just about performance—it’s about ease of operation. The system has been designed so that two technicians are sufficient to handle routine servicing, significantly reducing maintenance costs and complexity.
From a software and connectivity perspective, GridLink is future-ready. It supports modern communication standards including OCPP 1.6J and 2.0.1, ensuring compatibility with existing charging networks and management platforms. The system can connect via GSM, LTE, or LAN, offering flexible deployment options depending on site requirements.
Unlocking Revenue Opportunities for Solar Operators
One of the most compelling aspects of GridLink is its ability to transform solar sites into high-value charging hubs. For many solar operators, selling excess power back to the grid delivers only modest returns. GridLink changes the equation by enabling operators to:
- Directly feed solar energy into EV charging, maximizing utilization of clean power.
- Store excess solar energy for use during peak demand or grid outages.
- Leverage the 55-inch display for advertising partnerships, adding a secondary revenue stream.
This synergy between renewable energy generation and EV charging infrastructure creates a compelling economic model that benefits operators, EV drivers, and the broader energy ecosystem.
Europe’s EV Market and the Role of GridLink
The European Union has committed to phasing out internal combustion engine vehicles by 2035, with many member states setting even earlier deadlines. This shift has triggered unprecedented demand for high-power charging stations, particularly in regions where grid upgrades lag behind EV adoption.
GridLink’s battery-buffered architecture offers an immediate solution to accelerate deployment. By alleviating dependence on grid upgrades, it allows operators to deploy fast chargers today rather than waiting years for utility infrastructure to catch up.
Furthermore, its emphasis on safety, solar integration, and operational flexibility res
