Briefs: Partnering Up for Grids, Storage, and EV Charging

Reliable power is necessary in all ventures, from power distribution to electric vehicles to outer space ventures, and deals and collaborations often provide momentum to accomplish larger goals. In recent developments, Eaton will work with the U.S. Air Force in a $7 million deal to use quantum computing for grid security. In Australia, Landis+Gyr has partnered with two software companies to enhance its system for grid analysis and operations.

Tesla’s has contracted with two widely diverse companies, Ørsted and SpaceX, for its Megapack battery energy storage systems. Finally, ChargePoint is teaming up with Mercedes-Benz to implement solutions for electric vehicle fleet charging.

Developments in quantum computing, grid operations and security, energy storage systems, and EV charging.

US Air Force Awards Eaton $7M To Improve Grid Security With Quantum Computing

Eaton has secured a $7 million, 24-month contract from the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory to integrate quantum computing, machine learning, and advanced visualization into power grid security. The initiative aims to improve defense against both physical and cyber attacks.

The project responds to security requirements set by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC). NERC guidelines mandate that transmission systems must withstand two sequential critical component failures, or N-2 contingencies. Eaton's system involves using quantum computing to evaluate countless grid configurations and identify potential threats.

Infleqtion’s Sqale quantum computer. Image used courtesy of Infleqtion

Eaton developed the hybrid quantum-classical computational framework and quantum-enabled algorithms in partnership with quantum hardware company Infleqtion and Pennsylvania State University. The system combines analytical modeling with real-time grid visualization to automatically control the grid during major emergencies.

Landis+Gyr Teams Up With Two Software Developers To Enhance Edge Applications Platform

Landis+Gyr has partnered with software firms Future Grid and Operational Technology Solutions to expand its Australian Edge Application Ecosystem. The collaboration brings real-time edge computing software to distribution utilities, accelerating low-voltage grid processing and decision-making speed.

Future Grid integrates SaaS architecture and artificial intelligence processing to translate raw distribution node metrics into localized risk matrices for control center operators. Operational Technology Solutions deploys specialized edge sensor analytics to process high-volume operational field datasets directly at the device tier.

The Revelo grid sensor. Image used courtesy of Landis+Gyr

Software programs created through this partner program deploy natively on Landis+Gyr Revelo grid sensing hardware. The unified framework also operates alongside legacy ecosystem technologies from Sense and Mitsubishi Electric.

Tesla Deploys Megapacks for Grid Assist and SpaceX

Tesla has made deals with Ørsted and SpaceX for its Megapack storage batteries.

First, wind giant and energy developer Ørsted brought Tesla’s 250-MW/500-MWh Old 300 Storage project online in Needville, Texas, to support the ERCOT grid. The site is adjacent to Ørsted’s 430-MW solar facility, though both will operate independently. The lithium-ion battery energy storage systems will provide power for up to two hours to help stabilize grid frequencies and meet demand spikes.

Next, SpaceX has purchased a total of $242 million worth of Megapacks during the second quarter of 2026. The acquisition brings total year-to-date orders to $329 million, following $87 million recognized in the first quarter. The storage units manage extreme electrical load fluctuations and reduce reliance on diesel generators at SpaceX-owned xAI data center facilities. The deployment provides localized behind-the-meter energy storage, holding excess off-peak power to discharge during peak computing operations.

An xAI data center in Tennessee. Image used courtesy of xAI

Elon Musk is CEO and a major shareholder of both Tesla and SpaceX, though the companies operate independently.

ChargePoint Partners With Mercedes-Benz for Fleet Charging Solutions

ChargePoint will collaborate with Mercedes-Benz to deploy end-to-end electric vehicle charging infrastructure for fleet clients across the U.K. and Germany. The program provides turnkey hardware, site assessment, installation, and cloud management to lower total cost of ownership and ensure daily operational readiness.

The systems are suitable for corporate car fleets, passenger vehicles, and commercial light- and medium-duty vans. Deployments integrate AC and DC charging stations directly with ChargePoint’s energy management software.

ChargePoint fleet charging. Image used courtesy of ChargePoint

The software platform provides automated energy reporting, financial analysis, and dynamic load balancing to prevent localized site overload. The framework integrates with site-level solar photovoltaic arrays and stationary battery energy storage units. Deployments will expand into additional international markets later this year.