Prototype power system for EV chargers in remote areas

This project aims to develop a sustainable, modular power solution for electric vehicle (EV) charging in remote areas with limited grid capacity. It integrates battery energy storage systems (BESS), photovoltaic (PV) arrays, and power electronics to create a standalone charging solution that operates with minimal reliance on the grid and enables high-powered charging. The system primarily charges the BESS using on-site solar generation, with controlled, low-impact support from a constrained grid.

By combining renewable energy with intelligent energy management software, the project provides an economically and environmentally sustainable path to EV adoption in underserved regions.

Edith Cowan University will provide the research expertise and test and measurement infrastructure for this project, with Magellan Power contributing key proprietary technologies.

Participants

• Magellan Power
  
• Edith Cowan University

Project background

Australia is experiencing a rapid increase in the uptake of EVs, reflecting a national shift toward cleaner and more sustainable transportation. However, the country’s expansive and sparsely populated geography presents a significant challenge to widespread EV adoption, particularly in remote and regional areas where charging infrastructure is often capacity-constrained, weak, unstable, or absent.

This lack of accessible, high-speed, and reliable charging infrastructure contributes to range anxiety, limited travel flexibility, and reduced confidence in using EVs for regional and long-distance trips. It also hinders the growth of regional tourism, disrupts logistics for commercial fleets, impedes equitable access to clean transport, and discourages investment in sustainable mobility solutions across remote and underserved communities.

The demand for EV charging stations in remote areas of Australia presents significant market opportunities, driven by a growing EV uptake, government support, and the unique needs of a vast and often isolated landscape. A reliable and well-distributed charging network is crucial to enable longer journeys and open up regional tourism.

This project will be executed by leveraging Magellan’s existing technologies—including the Modular 100 kVA to 1 MVA Energy Storage Inverter, the Standalone Solar DC Power System, and the Energy Management System (EMS) software—all of which are protected under existing copyrights. These components, along with hardware and software designed specifically for this project, will be integrated into a novel solution capable of meeting the EV charging requirements of regional areas facing grid limitations.

Development will be undertaken in partnership with the Edith Cowan University School of Engineering’s Centre for Green and Smart Energy Systems, whose research expertise will support rapid prototype development. This project aims to combine demonstrated technologies with academic research expertise to extend the capability of existing prototype systems and develop a modularised prototype solution.

This will advance the system from Technology Readiness Level 5 (TRL 5) to TRL 8, resulting in a field-tested, commercially viable product. The solution will offer an immediate and cost-effective alternative to major grid upgrades, especially in fast-growing regional communities.

Project objectives

This project aims to develop and demonstrate a prototype modular power system that supports high-speed EV charging stations in remote locations with constrained or limited grid access. The proposed system will deliver high-power EV charging with minimal reliance on the grid by integrating a BESS, PV arrays, and advanced power electronics.

The solution features a modular, containerised, transportable unit design that incorporates Magellan Power’s 100 kVA bi-directional inverter, a scalable 200 kWh battery system, and advanced control and communication technologies. The intention is to enable the easy deployment of multiple, connectable units based on the specific charging requirements of each location.

The system will be fully compatible with selected commercially available EV chargers and capable of operating on renewable energy alone, with optional support from constrained grid connections when available. Custom-designed software will manage site power and schedule charging operations efficiently.

Please note …

This page will be a living record of this project. As it matures, hits milestones, etc., we’ll continue to add information, links, images, interviews and more. Watch this space!