Electrification of commercial transportation: toward smart energy consumption
Crédit photo: Polara
Decarbonization ambitions in commercial transportation and the acceleration of fleet electrification are putting increased pressure on the public power grid. This surge in energy demand could lead to higher supply and infrastructure costs, resulting in more expensive electricity bills.
For this reason, it is imperative to manage the energy associated with the electrical transition more efficiently and intelligently.
Smart charging optimization
The best way to reduce the need for new energy supply is to deploy energy efficiency measures, because as one of my mentors in the energy sector would say, “the best energy is the energy we don't consume.” The second is to optimize what is already available. This is the role of a smart charging management platform like Cleo's. By automating the energy delivered to electric vehicles at charging stations, the Cleo platform can reduce the power needed to charge a fleet by up to 70 %. Advanced algorithms maximize vehicle charging efficiency and ensure smooth and reliable fleet operations while reducing electric bills. The electric vehicles are therefore ready on time to start their routes, as usual, but at a lower energy cost!
The positive effect is not limited to fleet operations. This reduction in maximum power at a charging site simultaneously relieves pressure on the public power grid.
Power demand management
Another way to manage energy efficiently involves reducing the power used by electric vehicle fleets during critical periods for the grid, which often occur during the severe cold of winter.
A smart platform can shift up to 85 % of the kWh away from times when grid power consumption is very high by advancing or delaying the charging activities of commercial vehicles without affecting operations. This load shifting away from peak events, made at the energy provider's request mostly in the morning or at the end of the day, can benefit both the resilience of the network and the fleet manager.
That's why in the winter of 2024-2025, Polara launched a pilot project with Hydro-Québec for power management during peak events. In total, around 15 sites participated in this first winter edition, with an estimated load shifting of more than 3 MW during about ten events. In return, participating customers will receive a credit on their electricity bill based on the power shifted during these peak periods, which could amount to several thousand dollars.
Other strategies for energy efficiency
Other initiatives, such as using vehicle batteries as mini power plants or installing Distributed Energy Resources (DER), can also help reduce pressure on the public power grid.
To promote energy efficiency in Canada, various strategies can be prioritized. For instance, we recommend implementing financial incentives for subscribing to a charging and power management optimization software that is compatible with the local grid. This could take the form of a subsidy for the monthly costs associated with using such software. It's a win-win situation for everyone involved, from EV fleet operators, who can monetize their transition, to public utilities, who can get a better return on their investment in the management of their power grids.
