Levistor, a UK-based company, is developing flywheel technology that could revolutionize the way we charge electric vehicles (EVs). Flywheels have been around for centuries and are commonly used to smooth out power sources in reciprocating engines. However, they can also act as mechanical batteries, storing energy and releasing it quickly when required. This makes them ideal for use in conjunction with ultra-rapid chargers, which require a lot of power to operate.

The lack of a reliable public charging network is a growing concern for EV drivers. While the UK grid has enough power to cover the expansion of EVs, coping with the increase in power needed in local networks remains a challenge. Upgrading local substations is costly and time-consuming. However, flywheel systems have the advantage that they can build up a store of energy relatively slowly, drawing on existing grid power, but then release much higher levels of energy as a kind of boost once they’re ‘charged up’. This means that ultra-rapid chargers can be installed without the need for expensive upgrades to the local electricity network.

Levistor is developing flywheel technology used in Zooz’s Zoozter Kinetic Power Booster. The system is made from hardened, hot-rolled laminated steel that, along with all the materials used in the machine, are said to be 100% recyclable. According to Zooz, a typical rapid charger is expected to charge 20 EVs per day, which adds up to around 7000 cycles over a year – something that would rapidly degrade a stationary chemical battery doing the same job. In contrast, its latest flywheel system, the Zoozter 100, doesn’t degrade.

Last month, Levistor became a joint finalist for the Swedish Steel Prize for its efforts. The company is already developing long-lasting systems that could help to solve the problem of charging anxiety for EV drivers. With flywheel technology, EV drivers could have access to ultra-rapid chargers without the need for costly upgrades to the local electricity network. This could be the solution that saves us from long queues at EV rapid chargers on busy routes.