lifecell, part of the DVL group of companies, was the first in Ukraine to use an electric vehicle as an autonomous power source for base stations. This solution has significant advantages over traditional generators due to its increased efficiency and cost-effectiveness. The pilot project is currently being tested by the company’s engineers in Vinnytsia.
Using an electric vehicle
An electric vehicle equipped with a battery with a capacity of 87 kWh and a connection power of up to 7 kW can provide autonomous operation of the base station for up to 40 hours. Tests have shown that under a load of 3.5-7 kW, its continuous operation time is 17-20 hours. Using an electric vehicle to power base stations can reduce electricity generation costs by 70-75% compared to gasoline generators. In addition, unlike them, an electric vehicle requires minimal maintenance.
This solution also has significant advantages over stationary lithium batteries, which are usually used for backup power. The main ones include mobility, extended battery life, and ease of connection – the electric vehicle can be quickly connected to almost any base station.
A convenient solution
This solution is especially convenient for cities: the electric vehicle is quiet, making it ideal for use at night, even in densely populated areas. Moreover, it is a more environmentally friendly option than traditional generators, as the air is not polluted by exhaust gases.
“The use of electric vehicles brings us closer to an effective model for ensuring communication during long power outages. As of today, we have conducted three tests at two base stations,” says Konstantin Sotnikov, Head of the lifecell mobile network operation department.
In his opinion, the solution looks promising but still requires further testing and calculations, given the high cost of electric vehicles. Therefore, the company is currently analyzing the feasibility of creating a fleet of electric vehicles to charge base stations.
