At ACT Expo 2023, I participated in a panel discussion exploring how software and microgrid strategies enable fleet electrification when traditional utility infrastructure falls short. The session addressed a critical challenge facing fleet operators: how to proceed with electrification when utility circuit installations are delayed by months or years.
Grid Integration Challenges
Fleet electrification often outpaces utility infrastructure capacity. Operators face:
- Long lead times for utility circuit upgrades (often 12-24 months)
- Demand charges that can dramatically inflate electricity costs
- Peak load periods that strain both facility and grid capacity
- Limited visibility into real-time energy consumption patterns
These constraints force operators to choose between delaying electrification initiatives or finding alternative approaches to energy management.
Software-Enabled Solutions
My contribution to the panel focused on how InControl's energy management capabilities address these challenges:
Intelligent Load Management: Dynamic charging schedules that optimize power distribution across vehicles based on departure times, grid conditions, and energy pricing, reducing demand charges and enabling operation within existing electrical infrastructure constraints.
Microgrid Integration: Software that coordinates between grid power, on-site solar generation, and battery storage to maximize use of lower-cost energy sources while maintaining charging reliability.
Utility Constraint Workarounds: Strategies for maximizing charging capacity within existing utility service limits, buying time for infrastructure upgrades while maintaining operational requirements.
Cost Optimization: Real-time energy management that responds to time-of-use pricing, demand response events, and grid signals to minimize electricity expenses.
The Panel Discussion
The panel brought together experts in charging infrastructure, energy management, and fleet operations to discuss practical approaches for accelerating electrification despite utility constraints. We fielded questions from fleet managers grappling with these challenges in real-world deployments, discussing specific implementation strategies, ROI calculations, and lessons learned from early adopters.
Presentation Materials
View the full presentation (PDF)
For more information on InControl's energy management and smart charging capabilities, see the InControl project page.