Fast Charging Service (FCS) Business Model¶
Overview¶
The Fast Charging Service (FCS) model represents a high-power DC fast charging infrastructure operator focused on rapid battery charging services. This model is designed for future integration as charging infrastructure expands beyond swap-based systems to include direct fast-charging capabilities.
Business Context¶
Central Question: "How can we efficiently deploy fast charging infrastructure to complement battery circulation services?"
Design Principle: High-power charging infrastructure for scenarios where rapid charging (15-30 minutes) is preferred over battery circulationping.
Status¶
⏳ This model is under development
The FCS model will be implemented in future phases as the ecosystem evolves to include: - High-Power DC Fast Charging: 50kW-150kW charging stations for rapid battery replenishment - Demand Charge Management: Optimizing electricity demand to minimize utility charges - Queue Management: Modeling wait times and service levels for charging bays - Grid Integration: Peak/off-peak pricing and load balancing strategies - Hybrid Service Model: Integration with battery circulation services for flexible operations
Relationship to Current DIRAC-ABS Models¶
The FCS model complements the existing ecosystem:
| Model | Current Role | FCS Integration |
|---|---|---|
| BSS (Battery Circulation Service) | Battery asset management & swap operations | FCS provides alternative rapid charging option |
| SNS (Swap Network Service) | Swap station operations with slow charging | FCS offers high-power fast charging infrastructure |
| EPS (Electric Power Service) | Energy supply & generation | FCS manages high-power demand loads |
| VRS (Vehicle Rental Service) | Rider/fleet operations | FCS provides fast charging as service option |
Key Differentiators: FCS vs SNS¶
SNS (Swap Network Service) - Slow Charging + Swapping¶
- Charging Power: 2kW slow charging (compatible with battery circulationping)
- Service Time: Batteries charge over 1-2 hours while in swap station inventory
- Use Case: Swap network operations where batteries charge between swaps
- Infrastructure: Integrated with battery circulation stations
- Target: Battery Fleet operators managing swap inventory
FCS (Fast Charging Service) - Direct Fast Charging¶
- Charging Power: 50kW-150kW DC fast charging
- Service Time: 15-30 minutes direct vehicle charging
- Use Case: Riders who prefer rapid charging over battery circulationping
- Infrastructure: Standalone DC fast charging stations
- Target: Individual riders or fleet vehicles with fixed batteries
Future Model Components¶
When implemented, the FCS model will include:
Critical Modeling Methodology: Integer Unit Constraints¶
Charging Station = Modular Charger Units - 1 Unit = 1 DC fast charger (50kW, 100kW, or 150kW) - Modular Expansion: Capacity grows in discrete charger increments - Cannot deploy partial chargers: 1, 2, 3... chargers only
Two-Layer Economic Model: - Infrastructure Layer: Installed chargers (integer-constrained) - Operational Layer: Active charging sessions (demand-driven) - Utilization Rate: Active sessions / Installed capacity - Economic Impact: Oversizing penalty when demand < capacity
Financial Model Structure¶
CapEx Analysis: - DC fast charger hardware costs (50kW-150kW units) - Installation and grid connection costs - Power electronics and cooling systems - Site preparation and civil works
OpEx Structure: - Demand Charges: Utility charges based on peak power draw - Energy Costs: kWh consumption with charging efficiency losses - Maintenance: Power electronics servicing and repairs - Labor: Station attendants and customer support - Property: Site rental or ownership costs
Revenue Model: - Charging Service Fee: USD/kWh delivered to vehicle - Time-Based Fees: Idle fees for overstay prevention - Subscription Options: Membership plans for frequent users - Demand-Based Pricing: Peak vs off-peak pricing strategies
Operational Metrics: - Utilization Rate: % of time chargers are in active use - Charging Efficiency: Grid-to-battery energy retention (85-92%) - Queue Time: Average wait time for available charger - Session Duration: Average charging time per vehicle - Peak Demand: Maximum kW draw (impacts utility demand charges)
Integration with Existing Models¶
From BSS (Battery Circulation Service): - Battery capacity specifications (kWh per battery) - Charging power requirements - Service level expectations
From EPS (Electric Power Service): - Wholesale electricity pricing - Peak sun hours for solar integration - Grid availability and reliability
From VRS (Vehicle Rental Service): - Daily distance requirements - Rider charging behavior patterns - Willingness to pay for fast charging premium
To SNS (Swap Network Service): - Comparative economics vs swap model - Hybrid station design possibilities - Service level trade-offs
Design Considerations¶
When to Deploy FCS vs SNS:
✅ FCS (Fast Charging) Advantages: - No battery inventory investment required - Suitable for fixed-battery vehicle designs - Lower operational complexity (no swap mechanics) - Scalable for private vehicle market
⚠️ FCS Challenges: - High demand charges from utility companies - Requires 15-30 min rider wait time - Grid infrastructure may need upgrades - Peak load management complexity
✅ SNS (Swap Network) Advantages: - Near-instant service (2-3 minutes) - Better control over charging schedules - Can optimize for off-peak electricity rates - Predictable power demand profile
⚠️ SNS Challenges: - Requires battery inventory investment - Standardized battery design needed - More complex station operations - Higher CapEx per station
Version History¶
| Version | Date | Changes | Author |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.2 | 2025-11-20 | Expanded to Fast Charging Service with detailed methodology and DIRAC-ABS alignment | OVES Team |
| 0.1 | 2025-11-20 | Initial placeholder created | OVES Team |