InCharge Energy, a provider of electrified fleet services, has launched an exciting new range of vehicle-to-everything (V2X) bidirectional chargers. These chargers not only optimize fleet operations but also contribute to bolstering the energy available to local grids.
InCharge Energy, located in Southern California, specializes in developing zero-emission solutions for commercial fleets. Their comprehensive offerings include hardware, software, and specific services designed to assist customers in transitioning to electric vehicles and managing them efficiently.
In March 2022, InCharge Energy played a pivotal role in supporting one of California’s largest deployments of all-electric school buses. They installed 43 ABB TERRA DC fast chargers to power up the new electric vehicle fleet.
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While InCharge Energy has been known for equipping fleet managers with top-tier charging hardware from leading brands, they have now introduced their own line of bidirectional chargers that boast impressive capabilities.
Today, InCharge Energy unveiled their suite of V2X bidirectional chargers, providing various levels of charging performance tailored to serve commercial fleets. These chargers also possess the potential to qualify for electric vehicle grants, thanks to their vehicle-to-grid (V2G) capabilities.
Bidirectional charging, currently being implemented in certain passenger electric vehicles such as the Hyundai IONIQ 5 and Ford F-150 Lightning, faces challenges due to regulatory requirements and infrastructure limitations. However, when it comes to commercial fleets like electric last-mile delivery vans and school buses, the possibilities are different.
Commercial electric vehicles, which typically spend a significant amount of time in depots, particularly during evening hours when demand peaks, can serve as valuable energy sources. They can feed power back into the grid when needed. Recognizing this potential, InCharge Energy has introduced three new bidirectional DC fast chargers specifically designed for this purpose. Nikolas Runge, the Vice President of Product and Services, explains:
“With the introduction of these chargers, we are making V2G technology a reality, improving grid sustainability by aligning charging and discharging activities with energy demand. Every fleet has unique charging infrastructure requirements during the electrification process. However, to enable seamless charging, all fleets need a reliable, scalable, and durable charging solution. InCharge Energy ensures that our V2X chargers excel in each of these aspects, while also qualifying for certain funding opportunities.”
The names of the three new bidirectional chargers correspond to their charging rates. For instance, the ICE-22 V2X charger delivers up to 22kW of power, while the ICE-66 V2X charger can expand up to 66kW. InCharge Energy’s new portfolio is supported by their proprietary charging management system called InControl. This platform allows fleet customers to digitally monitor and manage their charging infrastructure, while also leveraging vehicle telematics to optimize charge scheduling and maintenance. Cliff Fietzek, the CTO of InCharge Energy, adds:
“At InCharge Energy, we continuously innovate tech-forward EV charging solutions. Our industry-first V2X chargers, combined with our enhanced InControl charging management software, provide a turnkey bidirectional solution. This not only helps our fleet customers achieve their emissions reduction goals but also contributes to the sustainability of local communities. Moreover, our V2X portfolio aligns with proposed California legislation that aims to establish bidirectional charging goals in the state. This legislation would require new EVs sold in California starting from 2027 to have bidirectional charging capability.”
