HGV operators have a lucrative opportunity to generate extra income by using their existing charging infrastructure as a revenue source.
- The rise in Electric Vehicle (EV) chargers is increasing the load on the electricity grid, necessitating innovative solutions.
- Connected Energy, an energy storage firm, suggests monetising chargers through schemes like the Demand Flexibility Service (DFS).
- By integrating Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) with chargers, operators can participate in energy reduction schemes during peak times.
- Potential earnings from such setups could reach up to £15,000 annually per depot, transforming an expense into a profit source.
The transition to electric vehicles is posing a significant challenge to the electricity grid as more high-capacity chargers are being deployed, particularly to serve Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs). As demand escalates, finding ways to alleviate pressure on the grid has become crucial. This has prompted Connected Energy to propose that operators could tap into National Grid incentives designed to reduce consumption during busy periods.
By engaging in the DFS, a programme initiated to balance spikes in electricity demand, companies can gain financial benefits. The DFS operates primarily in winter, requesting participants to reduce their energy uptake from the grid at designated times, known as events. These events can last from 30 minutes to 4 hours, with compensation provided based on participation duration and reduced energy use.
Incorporating a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) with their charging setups allows companies to draw less energy from the grid while still powering their EVs. This integration not only supports the transition to greener transport solutions but also offers a new revenue stream, estimated to potentially add up to £15,000 annually to a depot’s earnings, according to modelling by Connected Energy.
Nigel Dent, head of sales at Connected Energy, highlights this approach as a potential ‘game-changer’ for fleets, allowing the necessary infrastructure upgrades for electric vans and HGVs to yield financial returns rather than being a mere expense. By leveraging these systems, fleet operators and truck dealerships can effectively transform their high-capacity charging stations into profitable assets.
Utilising charging infrastructure smartly presents a promising avenue for operators to mitigate costs and gain substantial financial returns.
