The energy management landscape is receiving an innovative upgrade with the collaboration between Itron, Inc. and The Mobility House. Together, they’re launching the Fast & Flexible Interconnect (FIX) Program, a groundbreaking solution tailored to support the reliable charging of electric vehicle (EV) fleets, even in the face of distribution system constraints.
Meeting the Demand for EV Fleet Electrification
Electric vehicles are hitting the roads in droves, creating an escalating demand for robust charging infrastructure. The FIX Program emerges as an answer to the pressing need for efficient electrification, particularly with the anticipated jump in light commercial electric vehicles – a surge from the 24,000 we saw in 2021 to an expected 3.8 million by 2030. This program is specially crafted to circumvent traditional and cumbersome load assessment methods, offering a solution that is not only more affordable but also swifter to implement, directly addressing today’s urgent electrification targets.
Intelligently Integrating Technology for Improved Grid Management
The FIX Program bundles the advancements of Itron’s Grid Edge Intelligence solutions, which include their Optimizer portfolio and the prowess of distributed intelligence systems. When merged with the expertise of The Mobility House through their ChargePilot® system and advanced simulation capabilities, the FIX suite delivers state-of-the-art energy management for EV charging.
Customized Strategies for Varied Utility Needs
Utility companies and grid operators face a diverse set of challenges, which FIX addresses by offering three tailored program strategies:
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Passive Strategy:
Utilities set grid limits and utilize load forecasting to balance fleet operator needs with grid stability. This approach leverages ChargePilot’s ability to adapt charging schedules to respect grid capacity.
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Active Strategy:
This strategy combines secure, consistent electrical supply with adaptable capacity to dynamically optimize charging, all based on real-time grid data.
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Dynamic Strategy:
A more advanced option focused on real-time grid optimization for adaptive and flexible EV fleet charging, harnessing Itron’s EV Optimizer solution for immediate assessment of grid capabilities.
The FIX Program equips utilities with the ability to manage and exceed the constraints of their infrastructure within defined parameters. This adaptability empowers utilities to plan and install necessary components while flexibly responding to charging needs.
Transforming Electric Vehicles into Grid Assets
Don Reeves, Itron’s Senior Vice President of Outcomes, highlights the growing complexity that utilities and grid operators are contending with due to the widespread adoption of EV fleets. Integrating Itron’s Grid Edge Intelligence with The Mobility House’s ChargePilot, he promises, will offer a robust control at the site level that harmonizes with the existing utility infrastructure.
Your fleet’s electric vehicles can become valuable grid assets according to Greg Hintler, CEO of The Mobility House in North America. He envisions a collaborative approach to address distribution constraints, creating an environment of abundant EV infrastructure that expedites the transition to zero-emissions transportation.
Availability and Additional Information
Starting from the first quarter of 2024, the FIX Program will be accessible to North American utilities and grid operators. Interested parties can explore this avant-garde solution at Itron’s booth #2200 during the DISTRIBUTECH International event held from February 27 to 29, 2024, in Orlando, Florida. More details can be found on Itron’s exclusive EV Charging Management solution page.
