Electra’s Role in Smarter Charging, Smarter Fleets
Electra is proud to play a key role in the UK’s first megawatt V2G charger, developed by Project EV in partnership with Islington Council, with funding from the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero and Innovate UK. This ground-breaking technology is redefining how businesses and councils manage their electric fleets, delivering clear financial, operational, and environmental benefits.
Although Electra joined the project after initial plans faced setbacks, our trucks quickly proved to be the ideal solution for this ambitious trial. Designed for compatibility with advanced charging systems, Electra vehicles offer the reliability, efficiency, and durability required to lead the way in innovative fleet solutions.
What this means for businesses and councils:
1. Cost Efficiency and Revenue Generation: The V2G charger enables fleets to charge during off-peak hours, when energy is cheaper, and sell unused energy back to the grid during peak demand. This significantly reduces operating costs while generating revenue, transforming fleets into valuable energy assets.
2. Intelligent Battery Management: While Electra trucks are not yet capable of charging at 1 MW, they are fully compatible with the V2G system. Customers typically use around 50% of their battery capacity daily, leaving a surplus to participate in V2G without compromising operational readiness.
A key element of maintaining battery health is periodic calibration, recommended by our battery supplier. This involves allowing the battery to discharge to around 20% before recharging. Here’s the science behind it:
Modern lithium-ion batteries consist of numerous cells, each with its own voltage level. Over time, slight discrepancies can occur between these cells due to variations in charging and discharging cycles. Periodically bringing the battery to a 20% state of charge allows the battery management system (BMS) to realign and balance the cells, ensuring consistent performance across the entire battery pack. This process, known as cell balancing, improves overall efficiency, enhances long-term durability, and prevents premature wear or capacity loss.
While this calibration doesn’t need to happen often, it’s a simple yet effective step to optimise battery health and performance – making it easier for businesses to maximise their investment in Electra vehicles.
3. Environmental Benefits: Feeding surplus energy back to the grid supports renewable energy use, reduces dependency on fossil fuels, and helps stabilise grid demand. This initiative is a significant step toward decarbonising both transportation and energy systems, advancing sustainability goals for businesses and councils alike.
Funded by the V2X Innovation Programme, this project highlights the power of innovation and collaboration to overcome challenges and create smarter solutions. Electra is proud to help businesses and councils harness the full potential of their electric fleets while supporting a sustainable future.
Discover how Electra and V2G technology can transform your fleet operations
