Microgrids, explained: A cost-effective, sustainable option for your EV fleet

Microgrids, explained: A cost-effective, sustainable option for your EV fleet

New models of electric vehicles are hitting the market at a rapid pace as efforts to combat climate change kick into high gear. While electric vehicles (EVs) eliminate gas emissions directly correlated with vehicle exhaust, in many cases, fossil fuels are still used to produce the electricity to charge them.

Microgrids provide an alternative to traditional power sources for EV charging. The most common microgrid solutions incorporate a renewable energy source – such as solar, wind or renewable natural gas (RNG) – paired with battery energy storage. This type of charging solution can provide a host of benefits to a company looking to add EVs to its fleet, including:

  • Cost savings – Microgrids provide cost savings in several ways. Multiple energy production and use scenarios can be considered using energy modeling software, including a schedule that shifts energy use from high-peak hours to off-peak times. This shift in use time can reduce energy usage costs by as much as 75 percent.
  • Resilience – Some people are concerned about grid power outages affecting their electric vehicle charging. This is not nearly as concerning when using renewable microgrid technology with battery storage to charge EVs. The system can continue to meet fleet charging demands for extended periods based on the type of distributed energy resources (DERs) implemented.
  • Sustainability – One major motivation for transitioning to an EV fleet is to decrease the use of fossil fuels. While EVs are one way to cut back on fossil fuel usage, the environmental benefits are even greater if the electricity you’re charging that fleet with comes from a clean power source like wind or solar.
  • Scalability – As EVs become more prevalent or even required in some regions, your EV charging needs will likely increase. Microgrids are scalable for your needs today and in the future.

The right time to implement a microgrid is different for everyone. If you have EV fleets that run multiple shifts, if your utility experiences power limitations and/or if your company is committed to sustainability goals, a microgrid may be a great solution to support your EV charging requirements.

You May Also Like

Scania speeds up autonomous transport pilot program

Equipped with Plus, Scania has been testing its trucks in Sweden since 2021 — now it plans to expand operations throughout Europe, this year.

SCANIA-Logo-vector

Scania is expanding development of autonomous hub-to-hub transport solutions, with the launch of an Autonomous Commercial Pilot Program. As part of Traton Group, Scania will also be involved in a new partnership with U.S.-based Plus, which will integrate its Level 4, fully autonomous SuperDrive technology stack into Scania and Traton Group vehicles. The company says the Scania Autonomous Commercial Pilot Program is part of an increased focus on establishing customer-driven testing to demonstrate hub-to-hub technology, and creating scalable operational concepts that deliver real value in customers’ operations.  

IRS clarifies: RNG cleaning and conditioning equipment eligible for tax credit

RNG Coalition notes a correction to an investment tax credit proposal regarding RNG cleaning and conditioning equipment.

RNG-Coalition-logo-ITC-technical-correction
Stellantis and UFOFleet form partnership

Stellantis says it chose UFOFleet for its proven customer experience, flexible technology and deployments with leading global brands.

UFO-Fleet-Stellantis
SKF helps Maverick Transportation keep wheels attached

Having a wheel fly off while driving can be catastrophic, and SKF says TraX and Road Ready help catch issues early.

SKF-Road-Ready-TraX-wheel-telematics-Maverick-Transportation
FieldRoutes announces ServiceTitan Fleet Pro integration

The company says this integration helps customers to eliminate side jobs, prevent unsafe driving, maximize billable hours and more.

service-maintenance-data-generic-1400

Other Posts

The price is right, but is the part?

Dodge heavy-duty dilemmas, delays and downtime by making sure your online order is right the first time.

Fleet-Uptime-FleetPride-online-ordering
Work Truck Week 2024 recap: Here’s what we saw at the show

This week, On the Road is living up to its name as we report from the road at the Work Truck Show.

How are natural gas truck engines different this time?

Cummins talks us through launch of the X15N engine and what fleets are saying about natural gas powertrains.

FE-Unscripted-Cummins-1400
Goodyear unveils two RangeMax tires deisgned for regional work

Goodyear says the new tire models balance traction, range and mileage for work vehicles running on electricity, gas or diesel.

Goodyear-rangemax tires-group-logo