Global electric vehicle infrastructure provider Blink Charging has announced plans to rebrand as Blink Energy, reflecting a strategic expansion into AI-driven grid-balancing software and hardware infrastructure.

Blink Charging will rebrand as Blink Energy as it expands into battery storage and AI-driven energy management

The move marks the next phase of development for the company’s UK and European operations, building on its entry into the British market following the 2022 acquisition of EV charging specialist EB Charging.

With more than 48,000 networked chargers globally, Blink will now integrate software and storage to help customers manage electricity costs, optimise available power and expand charging infrastructure.

The pivot addresses a core challenge for firms installing charge points where local grid limits and utility peak demand charges can increase operating costs and complicate expansion, particularly at DC fast-charging locations.

Blink’s strategy combines charging infrastructure with software that manages charging demand and battery storage that can reduce reliance on grid power during peak periods.

“EV charging remains at the core of our business, and our charging footprint gives us a strong foundation to address the energy challenges our customers face,” said Mike Battaglia, president and chief executive officer of Blink Charging Co.

“Customers want to add charging capacity while keeping electricity costs under control. Blink Energy reflects our strategy to bring charging, energy management and battery storage together to meet those needs – and build a broader recurring revenue business in the process.”

EnergyConnect, Blink’s AI-driven energy management platform, works alongside Blink chargers to balance charging loads in real time, manage peak demand and help sites add chargers within their existing electrical capacity. The platform is currently deployed across 52 Blink-owned DC fast-charging sites, including 26 actively using load management to control charging demand.

Early utility billing data indicates the financial potential of the tech, with active load management driving a 23% reduction in billed peak demand during its first month of implementation at an active site.

Blink plans to expand EnergyConnect’s availability across its customer base in the United States and Europe, growing software subscription revenue while helping customers make better use of their charging infrastructure and available electrical capacity.

Blink has also identified several locations, including DC fast-charging sites with high utility demand charges, where it plans to deploy battery energy storage integrated charging through its EnergyConnect platform. The company also intends to expand these energy management and storage solutions to additional sites where local conditions and electricity rates support a strong business case for technology to address peak demand and capacity constraints.