• Niall Riddell, CEO & Co-founder at Paua & co-host Chris Sass talk to Tad Glauthier, VP eMobility at Stem Inc. about 'How is AI innovating adoption of EVs at scale'.
• Link in blog to full episode

Smart energy storage and AI technology in supporting businesses with their transition to electric vehicles

Stem, a company that specialises in smart energy storage, is using AI technology to support businesses in the transition to electric vehicles.

Their software platform called Athena helps companies save money on electricity bills, supports the grid with more clean energy, and enables the use of renewable energy sources more effectively. Stem recognises the need for battery storage in the EV charging ecosystem, as the electrification of transportation is increasing the load on the grid.

With their AI engine, Athena collects and analyses data from various sources to optimise EV charging and manage the complex energy system. As the number of electric vehicles on the road increases, public charging patterns will become more predictable and similar to regular traffic patterns. The use of AI in the energy industry allows for better prediction of load shapes and helps in reducing peak loads.

Different algorithms are used based on the industry and specific variables are weighted differently in the forecasting process. Carbon intensity on the grid can be considered in the charging process, with some companies aiming to match their renewable energy usage with load demand. The company has recently announced a project with Cisco to electrify a fleet charging hub.

‍Stem's Athena platform and the collaboration with Sysco

Sysco is taking a leadership position in making their food delivery fleet more sustainable by electrifying a third of their class eight trucks by 2030.

They are also building a charging hub with solar panels and battery storage to power the trucks. They are using Stem's Athena platform to manage the power flows and prioritise the use of clean energy. Predictable delivery routes make it easier to implement this system, but AI is used to optimise the use of renewable energy. The project is a collaboration with charging network providers like Chargepoint and In-Charge Energy.

The complexity of the system increases as the range of electric vehicles grows, and decisions on where and when to charge the trucks depend on factors like the availability of renewable energy on the grid.

‍Stem University

‍Stem University is a website created by Stem to support the solar and battery storage industry. It offers video classes and resources for professionals looking to learn about battery projects and install batteries.

Stem plans to do the same for the EV charging industry, partnering with developers and providing expertise. They focus on working with fleets and larger vehicles due to the scale of their projects. The NEVI funds, a federal incentive, aims to address the lack of fast charging infrastructure for electric vehicles on highways. Each NEVI-funded site must have a minimum of four fast chargers, creating a significant load on the grid.

Stem sees an opportunity to bring in renewables and battery storage to manage this load. The question of bi-directional charging, where electric vehicles can provide power back to the grid, is raised, especially for buses and trucks. It is mentioned that for companies like Sysco, which focuses on delivering food, energy management may not be their core competence.

‍Fleet operator priorities and a look to the future

‍Many fleet operators prioritise consistent operation when electrifying their vehicles. They face challenges such as driver training, operational changes, and managing charging to ensure reliability.

Cost management becomes a secondary consideration, with software used to reduce electricity bills. The potential for vehicle-to-grid applications is still a few years away due to limited utility programs. Lithium iron phosphate batteries are commonly used for stationary storage projects due to their safety properties.

Athena works with partners such as charge management companies to integrate systems and optimise power flows without forcing actions. The goal is to create an optimal charging profile based on factors such as cost and carbon emissions, with customer input.

It is imperative that businesses tackle the issue of prioritisation in managing a problem and don't underestimate the complexity of EV fleet operations. There is however a clear acceleration in electric truck adoption, with increasing options in the EV market, and a general excitement over technological advancements including a range of customisation.W

Listen to the Full Insiders Guide to Energy episode here.