What Types of Batteries Are Used in Energy-Storage Charging Stations?

As EV charging infrastructure continues to evolve, energy storage systems (ESS) are becoming a critical component in enabling fast, stable, and cost-efficient charging. One of the most important parts of an ESS is the battery, and understanding the differences between various battery chemistries can help operators make smarter investment decisions.

This article explains how battery technologies for charging stations have developed, compares the advantages and disadvantages of the main battery types, and highlights how FES Power integrates the best solutions into our energy-supported EV charging systems.

🔎 How Have Batteries Used in ESS for Charging Stations Evolved?

Early EV charging stations relied solely on grid power. However, with the rise of high-power chargers (120–720 kW), the grid alone became insufficient due to:

🔸High peak load fees

🔸Grid connection limitations

🔸Voltage instability in certain regions

🔸Increased demand for rapid, large-scale EV charging

To address these challenges, battery-based energy storage was introduced. Over the past decade, ESS batteries have evolved through several stages:

🔷Lead-acid batteries → outdated due to low efficiency and weight

🔷LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) becomes mainstream due to safety

🔷NCM/NCA (Ternary Lithium) used for high-power applications

🔷Sodium-ion batteries emerging for cold regions and low-cost projects

🔷Solid-state batteries appear as future high-energy-density solutions

Today, most charging-station ESS systems use LFP, NCM, or Sodium-ion depending on safety requirements, cost considerations, and performance needs.

❓ What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Each Battery Type?

Below is a detailed technical comparison commonly referenced for EV charging-station ESS design.

1. LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) – Why Is It So Widely Used?

Advantages:

🔥 High thermal safety; low risk of fire

📉 Long lifespan (4,000–8,000 cycles)

🌡 Strong high-temperature performance

💰 Lower cost compared to ternary lithium

🛠 Easy to maintain

Disadvantages:

⚡ Lower energy density → requires more physical space

❄ Reduced performance in cold climates

Best applications:

✔ Public fast-charging stations

✔ Logistics fleet charging hubs

✔ Industrial or commercial charging depots

2. Ternary Lithium (NCM/NCA) – Why Do Ultra-Fast Chargers Prefer It?

Advantages:

⚡ Very high energy density

🔋 Strong high-rate charge/discharge capability

❄ Better low-temperature performance

Disadvantages:

🔥 Lower safety than LFP, requires strict BMS management

💸 Higher cost

🌡 Sensitive to overheating

Best applications:

✔ Ultra-fast charging stations (350–720 kW)

✔ Space-limited ESS installations

✔ Heavy-duty truck charging centers

3. Sodium-Ion Batteries – A New Choice for Cold Regions?

Advantages:

❄ Very strong low-temperature performance

💰 Extremely low material cost

🔥 High safety

🌍 No resource scarcity issues (sodium is abundant)

Disadvantages:

⚡ Lower energy density

🧪 Technology still developing

📦 Limited mass-production scale (as of today)

Best applications:

✔ Northern cold regions

✔ Cost-sensitive infrastructure projects

✔ Large-capacity charging hubs

4. Solid-State Batteries – Are They the Future of ESS?

Advantages:

🔥 Almost no thermal runaway risk

⚡ Extremely high theoretical energy density

🔁 Long cycle life

🌡 Strong stability under extreme temperatures

Disadvantages:

💸 Very high cost

🧪 Not yet widely commercialized

🏭 Manufacturing process is complex

Best applications:

✔ High-end demonstrative charging stations

✔ Future ultra-fast charging hubs

✔ Technology showcases or pilot projects

⚡ How Does FES Power Select Batteries for Different Charging Scenarios?

At FES Power, we design ESS-enhanced EV charging solutions based on safety, cost efficiency, environmental conditions, and required charging power.

Our ESS Portfolio:

🔋 Containerized Energy Storage System (500 kWh – 2 MWh)

Supports LFP and Sodium-ion

Ideal for large public charging hubs

🔋 Cabinet-Type ESS (100 – 300 kWh)

Supports LFP and Ternary Lithium

Suitable for small or space-restricted fast-charging sites

⚡ Boost-Buffer Energy System (for 180–720 kW DC Chargers)

High-rate battery configurations (LFP or NCM)

Enables ultra-fast charging even under weak grid conditions

🧠 EMS & Energy Optimization System

🔸Works with all battery chemistries

🔸Reduces peak demand charges

🔸Maximizes charging-station ROI

By selecting optimal battery technologies, FES Power helps charging operators achieve:

🔸Lower operating costs

🔸Greater charging stability

🔸Higher power output

🔸Safer and more reliable station operation

📌 Conclusion: Which Battery Is Best for ESS-Supported Charging Stations?

There is no universal “best” battery type — it depends on the application scenario:

🔸Choose LFP for safety, long lifespan, and general fast-charging sites

🔸Choose NCM for ultra-fast charging or space-limited installations

🔸Choose Sodium-ion for cold regions and cost-sensitive projects

🔸Watch Solid-State as the next-generation high-performance option

With the right ESS configuration, charging stations can deliver more stable power, lower costs, and better user experience, accelerating the global adoption of electric vehicles.