Summary
- Charging trucks is the main priority for designing and implementing electric truck charging microgrids
- Side benefits to the site should not dictate design decisions
- Focus should be on delivering energy to trucks efficiently, not on potential local or hypothetical value propositions
- Avoid distractions from non-charging value propositions to ensure successful deployment of charging solutions
- Stick to proven technologies and strategies to simplify the program and ensure reliable and cost-effective truck charging
Article
The focus on designing and implementing electric truck charging microgrids should prioritize charging trucks as the main goal, without being distracted by potential side benefits or value propositions. The primary concern should be providing adequate charging infrastructure to trucks efficiently, rather than adding complexity and trade-offs with additional benefits.
While some benefits of microgrids may naturally accrue, they must be secondary to the main goal of charging trucks. The challenges of deploying megawatt-scale charging solutions to accelerate truck electrification include avoiding distractions from non-charging value propositions and sticking to the core objective of charging electric freight trucks effectively.
Microgrids can offer cost-saving benefits by reducing reliance on peak-hour electricity, optimizing energy use, and providing resiliency in case of grid disruptions. However, these benefits should not overshadow the primary focus on charging trucks, especially in the initial phases of deployment.
The importance of avoiding distractions from extraneous value propositions such as grid security, energy poverty, and technological innovation is emphasized. The main priority should be to ensure reliable and cost-effective charging of trucks, rather than getting side-tracked by peripheral issues.
When engaging with engineering, procurement, and construction firms to design and build charging microgrids, it is crucial to communicate the importance of prioritizing truck charging as the top priority. Secondary benefits should not dictate design decisions, and larger value propositions should be restricted to what is automatically delivered by the presence of a microgrid.
Authors Rish Ghatikar and Michael Barnard emphasize the need for a strong focus on getting trucks charged to simplify the program and avoid potential pitfalls related to interconnection, revenue streams, cybersecurity, and resiliency measurement. By aligning efforts with the core objective of charging electric trucks efficiently, the deployment of charging microgrids can be streamlined for maximum effectiveness.
Read the full article here
