Is there enough grid capacity for electric trucks?

As the industry transitions to electric trucks, a lot of questions are being raised about public power grids and their ability to handle the extra capacity. But how big a challenge is this – and is it likely to hinder electrification?

Electric vehicles, particularly passenger cars, have proliferated over the past decade, and all projections indicate that this will continue. This is already raising concerns in the media about grid capacity. Since electric trucks demand so much more power, it raises the question: where will the extra capacity come from?

How do grid capacity limitations affect public charging?

Since public charging stations require a higher concentration of power to accommodate multiple vehicles, grid constraints could prove to be a barrier in locations with limited grid infrastructure. However, in the short term, the bigger challenge is how to better utilise the public charging stations that have already been built.

“The first step is to start using the charging capacity that already exists today,” says Henrik Engdahl, Business Development Director, Volvo Trucks “If we fill the present networks this will signal the need for investment in additional grid. But if we use present limitations as a reason not to push for electrification today, then there will be no reason to invest in additional grid capacity tomorrow.”

Can grid capacity impact depot charging?

Getting a grid connection and securing capacity is typically done on a first-come, first-served basis. This can mean that in markets where demand is high, grid constraints can delay deployment plans for any company wanting to go electric. 

“Once you have secured a grid connection and got the chargers in place, the real work starts,” says Henrik. “Figuring out when each vehicle is to be charged and to what extent will be one of the fundamental skills needed by future carriers. This optimisation is not only more cost-effective for the owner but also reduces the burden on the public grid since lower grid utilization means lower costs.”  

Another advantage with onsite depot charging is the possibility of selling unused capacity back to the public. “If you have a good location for other vehicles, you could offer charging to other companies and spread out the investment costs by delivering more kWh. Especially if you can install solar power panels on your premises and access cost-effective renewable energy. In many ways, grid connections are the new square miles – it’s all about capitalising on your location.”

When grid capacity is a limiting factor, what can you do about it?

In such cases, limited grid capacity does not automatically end the possibility of going electric. 

“One option is to look around your area and your frequent routes and see if any public charging stations are accessible,” says Henrik. “The cost of charging may seem high for many businesses, but you do not always need to accept the listed price. Talk to the charge point operator, and you can probably agree to better financial terms.”

Another possibility is collaborating with customers and transport buyers, particularly those interested in purchasing low-emissions transportation services. 

“We are seeing a growing number of transport buyers take an interest in charging – companies whose core business is something other than providing truck charging. But they can see an opportunity to use their premises and grid capacity to offer charging to their suppliers.”

This is why grid constraints will not hinder electrification

Initially, electromobility is expected to grow faster in areas where there is already a well-established grid. This will increase the population of electric trucks, which in turn should prompt investments in grid capacity in other areas where it is lacking. But the general expectation is that electrification will evolve in a stepwise process, which will allow the time and space for grid infrastructure to adapt and keep up with demand.  

“The notion that grid capacity will make electrification impossible is a misconception,” says Henrik Engdahl. “It adds another factor to take into account – but as we know, those in our industry are masters at finding new solutions.”

If you would like to learn more about some of the challenges around electric trucks and how to solve them, you might be interested in reading:

• How to get the optimal charging solution for your electric truck
• How can you make an electric truck more affordable?
• What is MCS charging and what does it mean for electric trucking?
• Why we should worry less about range anxiety for electric trucks