On February 21, 2023, Duke Energy announced that it will build a fleet electrification center at its Mount Holly Technology and Innovation Center in North Carolina to help develop, test, and deploy zero-emissions light-, medium-, and heavy-duty commercial electric vehicle (EV) fleets.[1] According to the press release, the fleet electrification center will provide a “commercial-grade charging experience for fleet customers evaluating or launching electrification strategies.” The depot is expected to be operational by the end of 2023. Duke’s center will be able to be connected either to the utility’s grid or powered by 100% carbon-free resources through the microgrid located onsite. It is the first electric fleet depot to offer a microgrid charging option.

Duke will partner with Electrada, an electronic fuel solutions company, to develop the fleet charging center. Electrada will invest all required capital behind the meter on behalf of fleet owners and deliver reliable charging to fleet EVs through a performance contract. Daimler Truck North America (DTNA), the largest heavy-duty truck manufacturer in North America and a producer of electric trucks, will be a founding participant in the fleet EV charging program. One of DTNA’s largest East Coast manufacturing facilities is located directly adjacent to the center.

[1] https://news.duke-energy.com/releases/duke-energy-to-mobilize-first-of-its-kind-microgrid-integrated-fleet-electrification-center