Fleet electrification is transforming the transportation industry, but success hinges on strong fleet electrification partnerships with utilities, charging providers, and OEMs. In a recent webinar, part of TRC’s State of Sustainable Fleets Charging Infrastructure Academy, industry experts from TRC, ComEd (an Exelon company), Electrada, and Sysco shared critical insights on navigating these collaborations.
Watch the Recording to Learn:
- The role of new tech (V2G, storage, managed charging)
- How to navigate utility partnerships for faster electrification
- Best practices for charging infrastructure planning
- Real-world examples from fleets like Sysco
The webinar underscores that fleet electrification partnerships are not optional—they’re a strategic necessity. By collaborating early with utilities, charging providers, and OEMs, fleets can avoid delays, secure funding, and ensure seamless operations.
Why Fleet Electrification Partnerships Matter
Fleet electrification introduces a new fuel ecosystem—electricity—requiring fleets to engage with utilities, charging infrastructure providers, and technology partners early in the process. Proactive communication with utilities is essential to secure rebates, assess grid capacity, and streamline infrastructure deployment.
Key Takeaways from the Webinar:
- Early Engagement with Utilities
- Fleets should contact utilities 2–3 years ahead of electrification plans to establish partnerships.
- Programs like ComEd’s fleet electrification assessments help fleets understand costs, timelines, and incentives—supporting effective partnerships.
- Utilities offer rebates, which can be accessed more efficiently through strategic partnerships.
- Charging Infrastructure & Technology Selection
- Richard Arndts, Electrada’s VP of Engineering, highlighted the importance of right-sizing charging infrastructure to match fleet operations—an approach that benefits from strong fleet electrification partnerships.
- Stephane Fosso, Sysco’s Director of Fleet Technology & Electrification, shared real-world challenges, including long lead times for switchgear and the need for flexible interconnection agreements, which partnerships can help overcome.
- Data & Communication Best Practices
- Fleets and utilities must align on load requirements, charging schedules, and grid capacity—clear communication is crucial for successful partnerships.
- Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) and managed charging can optimize energy use and reduce costs when coordinated through robust partnerships.
- Overcoming Implementation Delays
- Permitting and utility coordination are common bottlenecks—working with experienced EPCs (Engineering, Procurement, Construction firms) and leveraging partnerships can accelerate timelines.
- Microgrids and on-site storage help mitigate grid constraints when developed as part of integrated fleet electrification partnerships.
Missed the live session? Watch the full recording here to dive deeper into these insights or get in touch with Electrada to get started with a tailored fleet electrification strategy.
