Small batteries offer a workaround for city grid constraints

New York City’s permitting and regulatory hurdles have slowed large energy storage projects, creating an opening for startups using smaller batteries in devices and businesses already operating across the city. The approach aims to deliver immediate benefits such as lower power costs, cleaner air and backup power while building a pool of distributed capacity that could support the grid.

PopWheels operates a battery-swapping network for e-bike delivery drivers, with about 50 cabinets across New York City and about 2,500 batteries in circulation. The company has begun supplying food cart operators, helping them replace gas generators. About four of its batteries can supply five kilowatt-hours of electricity, enough to cover roughly a day of operation for many carts.

Other companies are embedding or installing batteries in homes and businesses. Copper builds induction stoves with integrated batteries, Every Electric provides batteries designed to plug into air-conditioning units, and David Energy serves businesses including laundromats, parking garages and gyms. Because these systems are small or integrated into existing equipment, they can often avoid grid upgrades and lengthy permitting, though large-scale storage remains important for supporting wind and solar as electricity demand grows.