Volkswagen AG unit Electrify America plans to use Tesla battery storage packs at more than 100 charging stations across the U.S.
The installations are expected to be finished in 2019. Each site will have a 210-kilowatt battery system that can hold approximately 350 kilowatt-hours of charge.
“With our chargers offering high power levels, it makes sense for us to use batteries at our most high-demand stations for peak shaving to operate more efficiently,” Giovanni Palazzo, CEO of Electrify America, said in a statement. “Tesla’s Powerpack system is a natural fit given their global expertise in both battery storage development and EV charging.”
Volkswagen’s Electrify America is a significant initiative to bring more electric charging stations to the market, as the automaker expands its electric offerings. The network aims to grow to 3,000 chargers by the middle of 2019. VW will spend $2 billion on clean car infrastructure as part of an agreement with federal regulators after admitting to diesel emissions cheating.
The deal shows that Tesla is open to working with other automakers to help electric cars gain share as quickly as possible.
See the full announcement here.