Bidirectional charging technology set to transform fleet management

The integration of bidirectional charging technology into the logistics of fleet management is poised to revolutionise the power dynamics within businesses, particularly concerning electric vehicle (EV) fleets. This innovative technology allows EVs to convert their stored direct current (DC) energy into alternating current (AC) electricity, lending itself to a dual functionality where vehicles can both consume and supply power. As highlighted by CNET, this could transform how fleet operators manage energy resources, enabling them to not only maintain operations during outages but also provide electricity back to the grid.

An illustrative example of this technology in action is a UPS warehouse in Tennessee. Omer Onar, a research and development staff member at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, elaborated on the partnership with UPS that implemented a bidirectional charging system. “We partnered with UPS [and] we did a bidirectional charging wireless power transfer system for one of the UPS trucks,” said Onar, noting that this system allows for wireless charging while also feeding power back to the grid. He underscored the strategic nature of UPS’s investments in microgrid technology, which aims to mitigate the impact of natural disasters, such as hurricanes, on operational continuity.

The investment by UPS includes on-site energy generation through solar panels and energy storage systems, enhancing flexibility and resilience. Onar remarked, “They are investing a lot in on-site generation… and having a number of [EV] trucks provides a lot of flexibility in their microgrid operations.” This adaptation not only safeguards UPS operations during emergencies but also positions the company to capitalise on potential cost savings by optimising energy use.

Moreover, the possibility of extending bidirectional charging technology to other types of fleets—such as school buses, rental car services, and public transit—is significant. These vehicles often operate on predictable schedules, offering an efficient model for vehicle-to-grid (V2G) implementations. Onar explained that fleets can significantly contribute back to the grid: “The idea is that when these trucks get back to the facility with 30% state of charge, they can provide power back to the grid.” The timing of these operations is crucial, as they could offset power demand during peak hours, while the vehicles are expected to charge when electricity costs are lower.

As highlighted by Thomas Martin, director of sales engineering at Swtch, the practical application of this technology may hinge on the establishment of adequate incentives. In discussing the potential benefits, Martin stated, “You can do a lot with that kind of capacity multiplied by a fleet’s size.” He pointed out that incentives could take various forms, such as financial rewards for energy contributions during high demand or reduced rates for electricity consumption.

However, the regulatory landscape accompanying V2G technology is multifaceted, with substantial variation in legislation across different states. Challenges include the existence of net metering agreements that compensate customers for surplus energy generated from sources like solar panels and variations in stipulations on energy arbitrage. Despite these hurdles, CNET notes that 2025 could be a pivotal year for embracing bidirectional charging on a wider scale for both consumers and fleet operators.

The convergence of these technological advancements in bidirectional charging with supportive regulatory frameworks may well redefine the operational capabilities of fleet owners in the future, leveraging electric vehicles not just as transport solutions but also as critical components in energy management.

Source: Noah Wire Services