In short, the project aims to enable depots to adjust their charging demand in response to conditions on the electricity grid. For example, charging output could be reduced when electricity demand is high and increased when energy from renewable sources (such as wind) is plentiful. By making this flexibility available to the electricity system, fleet operators could lower their energy costs and potentially earn additional revenue – while helping to integrate more renewable electricity into Ireland’s grid.
The project pilot covers three sites in Cork and Galway operated by postal carrier An Post and one in Dublin operated by DHL Express. Together, they encompass a fleet of 211 EVs and 181 charging points, with up to 500 kW of flexible electricity demand. The initiative also brings together VIOTAS, Mitsui Ireland, ESB Smart Energy Services, eStation, and The Mobility House Solutions. The latter two companies will supply and install charging and energy management systems, while VIOTAS will enable the depots to participate in EirGrid’s electricity flexibility markets.
According to the partners, the system used for the pilot will coordinate charging schedules around fleet operating requirements and signals from the electricity system. Vehicles must still be charged in time for their next journeys, but charging can be shifted away from periods of high grid demand or towards times when renewable electricity is more abundant.
Shane Mullarkey, business development for Mitsui Ireland, explained: “For leading logistics fleet operators like An Post and DHL, the clear focus remains on fleet decarbonisation and daily operational efficiency. However, this pilot demonstrates the additional value large commercial electric vehicle fleets can offer in supporting grid flexibility.
“Electric vehicle fleets in Ireland serve as a powerful distributed battery resource. Through smart charging and vehicle-to-grid technologies, these fleets can shift charging to periods of abundant renewable generation, reduce peak demand on the grid and provide essential flexibility and balancing services.”
