### Energy Management Will Be Crucial for Electrified Vehicle Fleets
The electrification of vehicle fleets is not just a distant dream but an increasingly tangible reality. Despite some recent skepticism, electric vehicle (EV) sales are on the rise, although at a more gradual rate than previously expected. This upward trend is also seen in the commercial vehicle industry, with fleet operators progressively integrating EVs. According to Cox Automotive, 87% of fleet operators intend to incorporate EVs into their fleets within the next five years, and over half are contemplating purchases within the current year. Nevertheless, this shift poses a significant challenge: effectively managing energy to accommodate the charging demands of these fleets.
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### The Growing Charging Infrastructure
A primary concern for fleet operators revolves around the optimal timing and locations for charging their EVs. While the charging infrastructure is on the rise, the speed of expansion can often feel lethargic. The $7.5 billion designated under the Inflation Reduction Act for EV charging infrastructure is a hopeful advancement, but the allocation of these funds requires processing through state departments of transportation, which can cause delays. Yet, despite these hurdles, advancement is apparent. The Joint Office of Energy and Transportation reports that the total number of public charging plugs has doubled since 2020, featuring over 144,000 Level 2 plugs and nearly 49,000 DC fast chargers currently in place.
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### Obstacles in Establishing Charging Stations
The development of charging stations, particularly those tailored for large fleets, is a multifaceted endeavor that often encounters potential setbacks. Funding is a crucial element, especially when sourced from grants like the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program. Such grants necessitate states to develop funding proposals, call for submissions, and approve projects prior to commencing construction.
Permitting and power supply add layers of complexity. Amber Putignano, Market Development Leader at ABB Electrification, points out the difficulty of supplying adequate power to charging locations. “The rollout for EVs is phased, which does provide some opportunity,” she notes. However, establishing sufficient power to a site can be a lengthy process, particularly for expansive projects.
For example, ABB is partnering with Greenlane, a $650 million collaborative effort among Daimler Truck North America, NextEra Energy Resources, and BlackRock. This initiative aims to construct charging corridors along freight routes, commencing with a 280-mile segment of I-15 between Los Angeles and Las Vegas. Even with funding in place, the utility provider could only supply 4 MW of the 8–10 MW required for the project in its initial phase.
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### Future-Proofing Charging Infrastructure
To overcome these challenges, companies are implementing innovative strategies to secure their charging infrastructure for the future. For instance, Greenlane is designing microgrids that can scale up from 4 MW to 12 MW as further power becomes accessible. This strategy aims to reduce disruptions by streamlining construction phases and making sure the site is equipped to handle future needs.
Putignano underscores the need for planning with staged, scalable solutions in mind. “You want one construction phase, and you want that site to accommodate future demand,” she clarifies. This approach is particularly vital for large charging installations, where delays in utility power availability are frequent.
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### The Importance of Energy Management Solutions
For fleet operators establishing private charging infrastructures, energy management solutions are equally essential. Microgrids, battery storage, and battery-buffered chargers can optimize energy utilization and minimize dependence on the grid during peak demand intervals. However, not every energy management system is compatible with all chargers, which can present challenges if a charger manufacturer ceases operations.
The downfall of companies such as Juicebox and Tritium serves as a warning. Fleet operators need to thoroughly assess the long-term sustainability of their energy management solutions to prevent being locked into proprietary systems that could become outdated.
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### The Path Forward
As the electrification of vehicle fleets progresses, effective energy management will be instrumental in facilitating a seamless transition. From enhancing charging infrastructure to implementing scalable, future-ready solutions, fleet operators must maneuver through a complex array of challenges and possibilities. While the journey ahead may be filled with obstacles, the increasing dedication to EV adoption and progress in energy management technology provide an encouraging outlook.
