Q8 enters partnership with Intercel for ‘accelerated rollout of charging infrastructure in Benelux’

Q8 electric is entering into a strategic partnership with Intercel Group to install battery storage systems at its fast-charging stations. In this way, it aims to use sites more efficiently, handle peak loads and continue to grow despite grid constraints.

The rapid growth of electric mobility is putting increasing pressure on the power grid. Higher charging capacities, simultaneous charging sessions and grid congestion mean that conventional fast-charging setups are no longer sufficient, and so interventions are needed. By integrating Flexecharge’s energy management system (EMS) and Intercel’s Cellpower BESS, Q8 aims to address this.

Indeed, with these technologies, Q8 Electric fast charging sites are actively managed at site level. Energy is dynamically distributed among the charging stations and batteries, peak power is absorbed locally and exceeding contracted grid power is avoided. Thus, a charging station becomes energy infrastructure, in which charging, storage and grid constraints are aligned.

“We don’t build charging stations alone; we build energy infrastructure for electric mobility,” says Geert De Mil of Q8 Electric. “By combining battery storage with smart control via energy management systems, we can expand our charging network, including in locations where grid capacity is scarce. That is essential for scalable growth.”

Price fluctuations

Fluctuations in energy prices and the growth of renewable energy are also accommodated with these types of battery systems. They make it possible to store energy when it is cheap or abundantly available, and use it later during peak times. Thus, Q8 electric has lower operating costs and more efficient use of renewable energy sources.

“Intercel Group sees EV charging as a strategic growth market within Europe. With the deployment of our battery solutions from the Dutch Cellpower brand, we want to support charging operators in maximising the performance of their sites, also in a future where grid capacity remains scarce,” said Intercel Group ceo Jeroen Pietryga.

Ten locations are planned for 2026. With this cooperation, both parties underline their ambition to accelerate the energy transition. By combining smart energy storage with charging infrastructure, they not only want to facilitate the growth of electric mobility, but also contribute to solving structural bottlenecks in the European energy grid.

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