|
Tell our readers a little about you, how you got into the transportation space, and your journey to 24/7 Clean Power?
My father taught automotive and industrial arts and owned an automotive repair shop, so I was working on cars by age 13. I was part of the original NYC Fleet accountability rollout, co-managed 13 agency fleets, and ran the world’s largest For Hire Vehicle inspection facility and introduced hybrid and accessible taxis while at NYC TLC. I led the US team as a finalist for USPS Next Generation Delivery Vehicle. I've always loved looking beyond my own "local” vehicle markets, whether that's the EU, India, or China. I've made my career bringing new vehicle technologies to market.
After working on solar transportation projects with Merlin Solar for almost a decade, launching 24/7 was a natural move once I met our now partners. Their power grid and electrification expertise and my fleet background were a perfect match.
We hear a lot about solar for buildings and lessening grid dependency, but 24/7 Clean Power is focusing on fleets. What opportunities do you see?
Trucks and buses have a lot of roof real estate and spend a lot of time stationary or idling. Our solutions solve the problems that creates. They maintain battery voltage, so alternators aren't stressed, battery replacement is thought about in years not months, deliver clean, steady voltage to sensitive electronics, and support the latest voltage-hungry systems. We also cut fuel costs by reducing idling and reliance on gensets for auxiliary power, like reefers. Eventually, we believe these solar and storage vehicles can become grid assets.
The 24/7 Clean Power solar cube just appeared this week at the Empire Clean Cities Festival in NYC. What are the use cases? Special events? Emergencies?
It's now called ARES (Advanced Resilient Energy System), and it's a truck, trailer skid-mounted remote power solution, so it goes wherever the power is needed. In fact, we powered the Empire Clean Cities event in Union Square, and even charged all-electric vehicles that were on display from public and private fleets which are great examples of how it works for special events and exhibits.
It was initially designed for military and emergency management deployment, providing constant quiet power when there are no power options, including during severe weather emergencies. It's ideal for utilities and fleet depots too, as a temporary solution while site prep is underway for permanent chargers or other power. ARES is modular in design and supports Level 1, Level 2, and DC fast charging as well as 120/240V.
Grid impact is a challenge for fleet electrification. How can solar help overcome it?
Our solutions take strain off the grid, especially our Level 2 solution, which includes an auxiliary battery that could eventually serve as a mobile grid asset. A small depot of school buses, for example, can offer significant stored capacity for peak shaving when grid tied.
Can this solution offset power needs for things like surround cameras, for both safety and security?
Yes. Our maintenance charging solution keeps batteries always properly conditioned. One client told us that with the latest delivery tech, after a 15-minute stop they risk low voltage on restart unless the truck idles. We solve that. That same steady supply can keep surround cameras running for safety and security, even when parked.
Idling is costly in NYC, from fuel use to violations. How does solar help reduce those costs?
Solar with storage, our Level 2 solution with an APU battery, lets vehicles run all accessories, including HVAC, off battery power. For reefer units, our solution creates a more economical hybrid system than a typical E-TRU and reduces fuel usage by up to 40%.
Are there any misconceptions about solar you'd like to clear up?
The big one is that solar doesn't work in the Northeast, especially in winter. It does. Days are shorter, but solar panels perform more efficiently in cold temperatures, because heat is what hurts them. That helps soften the winter drop. Also, we're not trying to propel a truck with solar. Our systems handle the auxiliary loads and battery conditioning that quietly drain a vehicle all day, so even modest winter production keeps batteries healthy.
If you want to find out more about 24/7 Clean Power, stop by the EBR Safety Solutions booth at the upcoming Fleet Forward Conference in National Harbor, Maryland October 20-22.
| 
