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Top Five Insights from ACT Expo 2024

Top Five Insights from ACT Expo 2024

The Fermata Energy team recently attended the Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo, a premier event showcasing the latest advancements in transportation technology and sustainability. The event highlighted several key trends and developments in the industry, particularly around the electrification of medium- and heavy-duty vehicles, advancements in EV charging infrastructure and the large-scale deployment of electric vehicle fleets. Here are our top takeaways:

  1. Medium- and Heavy-Duty Vehicles are Going Electric

    One of the most prominent themes at ACT Expo was the significant shift towards electric powertrains in medium- and heavy-duty vehicles. This transition is gaining momentum, with school buses leading the way as early adopters. Now, the wave of electrification is extending to trucks used in distribution, refuse collection and yard operations. The drive towards electric trucks is not only motivated by environmental concerns, but also by the long-term cost savings, driver satisfaction and efficiency improvements they offer.

  2. School Buses are Pioneers in Electrification & Expanding to Other Sectors

    School buses have been at the forefront of this movement, setting a precedent for other segments to follow. Their early adoption has demonstrated the feasibility and benefits of electric powertrains, paving the way for broader acceptance and implementation in other vehicle categories. The United States has more than 1,200 electric school buses on the road and nearly 6,000 committed (awarded funding to purchase or have made a formal agreement for a purchase with a dealer or manufacturer) according to the World Resources Institute (WRI). Following the successful deployment of electric school buses, the industry is now witnessing a surge in the electrification of trucks. Distribution, refuse and yard trucks are transitioning to electric powertrains, driven by advancements in battery technology, decreasing costs, and a growing commitment to sustainability.

  3. Advanced EV Charging Solutions are on the Rise

    The evolution of EV charging technology was another major highlight at the expo. EV chargers are becoming increasingly sophisticated, offering a wider range of capabilities to meet the diverse needs of electric fleets. This includes Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) bidirectional charging capabilities that enable Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G), Vehicle-to-Building (V2B) and Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) solutions. Bidirectional charging, which allows stored energy to flow both to and from a parked vehicle’s battery, is one of the most exciting developments. This capability not only enables vehicles to charge their batteries, but also to return power to the grid or to buildings, providing a valuable source of energy during peak demand or outages.

  4. Enhancing Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) with Multiple Couplers and Power Management

    Modern EV chargers are now equipped with multiple couplers and advanced power management capabilities. This allows them to efficiently manage the charging of multiple vehicles simultaneously, optimizing energy use and reducing downtime for fleet operators. The reduced footprint of this solution also helps fleets with parking considerations.

  5. Increasing Large-Scale Fleet Deployments with DER Integration

    The deployment of electric vehicle fleets is reaching new heights, often through integration with local Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) such as batteries and solar panels. By pairing fleet deployments with local DERs, operators can bypass the often lengthy process of utility upgrades, ensuring a more resilient and reliable energy supply. This integration not only supports the immediate energy needs of electric fleets, but also contributes to broader sustainability goals. Parked EV batteries can serve as energy for use during peak times or outages, reducing dependence on the grid and lowering overall carbon emissions. This approach offers several advantages, including avoiding utility delays, enhancing the reliability of the energy supply, and reducing carbon intensity, making fleet operations more efficient and eco-friendly.

Conclusion

The ACT Expo underscored the rapid advancements and growing momentum in the electrification of medium- and heavy-duty vehicles. From the pioneering efforts in school buses to the expanding electrification of trucks, the transition to electric powertrains is well underway. Coupled with sophisticated EV charging solutions and the strategic integration of local DERs, the industry is poised for a sustainable and efficient future. Fermata Energy is excited to be part of this transformative journey, contributing to the development and deployment of cutting-edge energy solutions that support the electrification of transportation and the transition to a renewable energy ecosystem.

Interested in learning more about V2X bidirectional charging solutions? Our experienced team is ready to support your electrification goals. Connect with us here!

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