Utilities Need to Prepare the Power Grid for Electric Truck Fleets

Electric trucks are gaining popularity, especially in categories like delivery vans and transit/school buses. While this is beneficial for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, it poses a challenge for the electric grid. Charging fleets of trucks requires significant power, equivalent to the needs of a large factory, and local infrastructure may need upgrades to handle these loads. A new white paper by ACEEE emphasizes the urgent need for more grid planning and highlights leading initiatives that could serve as models. Fleet electrification planning is crucial, especially in locations where utilities are still considering fleet loads. States like California, Massachusetts, and New York are leading in programs and processes to address grid planning for electric fleets. Longer-term planning (10-20 years) is recommended, and utilities and regulators should regularly update plans to adapt to changing conditions.

“A handful of states and utilities have programs to assist fleets with planning and installing chargers. Many of these states have begun efforts to plan for providing power for these loads. California utilities are leaders in programs for fleets, and Massachusetts and New York State have promising processes underway to proactively address grid planning. For example, Massachusetts utilities are undertaking initial fleet assistance programs and have recently begun a grid modernization process overseen by a new Grid Modernization Council. Earlier this month, utilities filed their grid plans for review by the Council and ultimately for approval by the state regulatory commission.”

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