Volvo Penta is introducing mobile battery energy storage technology at IAA Transportation 2026, aimed at addressing issues related to limited grid capacity and inadequate charging infrastructure. This mobile storage can facilitate fast charging in areas where permanent infrastructure is absent or where existing grid connections cannot support peak demand.
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During the event, Volvo Penta is showcasing its battery energy storage system (BESS) along with the Hivolt 380X, a mobile BESS unit developed by Contour Advanced Systems utilizing Volvo Penta’s technology. This innovation is particularly beneficial for transport and logistics operators, as it enables faster deployment and decreases dependence on new grid connections, complex permitting processes, and civil engineering works.
Tommi Wulff, Sales and Business Development Manager at Volvo Penta, emphasized the significance of reliable power infrastructure in advancing zero-emission transportation. He noted that battery energy storage can introduce fast-charging capabilities to sites with limited grid access and where permanent facilities are not yet established.
Volvo Penta’s BESS subsystem employs Volvo Group battery technology and is designed for integration into comprehensive energy storage and charging solutions. It is intended for mobile applications, temporary sites, and high-demand scenarios where existing infrastructure is insufficient.
The BESS subsystem combines a high-energy-density battery pack with rapid charge and discharge capabilities, supported by a battery management system that enhances performance, service life, and cybersecurity. Potential use cases include temporary charging setups and events, as well as bolstering fixed installations to accommodate high-powered vehicle charging during peak times.
Volvo Penta provides the battery technology, scalable subsystems, and application expertise, while partners like Contour Advanced Systems integrate these components into comprehensive energy solutions tailored to specific operational needs. Jacco Lemmen, Business Development Manager at Contour Advanced Systems, remarked on the collaborative effort, highlighting the Hivolt 380X as a product of European design and manufacturing that embodies shared values of safety, quality, and cooperation.
Volvo Penta is exhibiting at IAA Transportation in Hannover, Germany, from September 15 to 20, 2026, in Hall 11, Stand F31.