If you’ve driven an electric vehicle from point A to point B on the East Coast, you’ve probably planned your route marking the charging depots you’ll need for your journey. At ETHERO, our truck drivers do the same when planning their routes in a battery or hydrogen-electric truck. However, most public electric vehicle charging stations out there are made for personal vehicles and are not properly equipped for medium-duty or heavy-duty trucks, which is why there is a crucial need for interoperable charging depots.
One of the ways we’ve been addressing this challenge at ETHERO is through the use of mobile charging trailers. As customizable units, these trailers are multipurpose: facilitating customer demos, bridging the gap during grid upgrades, and ensuring companies can deploy electric trucks into their fleets without delays.
Customer-centric Innovation
ETHERO has primarily used these chargers for customer demos, private and public Ride and Drive events, trade shows, and extended charging at customer sites, providing on-site charging capabilities where traditional infrastructure may be lacking. This technology has enabled customers across the country to experience driving or riding in an electric truck for the first time. Customers exploring EV adoption but facing logistical hurdles, such as inadequate charging facilities, have found mobile charging to be a particularly beneficial option. The mobile chargers also function as a temporary solution during grid upgrades that may require lengthy lead times. By deploying these mobile chargers, fleet operators are able to meet state regulation deadlines and business goals without waiting months and relying on utility companies to complete necessary electrical upgrades.
Technology and Deployment
The mobile chargers utilize DC fast-charging technology, which significantly reduces charging times compared to traditional methods. This capability is crucial for fleets with demanding schedules, ensuring vehicles remain operational with minimal downtime.
Recognizing the diversity of customer needs, ETHERO is exploring further innovations, including skid-mounted chargers and battery-integrated systems. These advancements aim to enhance flexibility and accessibility in charging infrastructure across various geographical and operational contexts.
Market Impact
In a landscape in which regulatory pressures and environmental considerations are reshaping the transportation sector, ETHERO’s approach not only addresses immediate infrastructure gaps but also supports broader industry transitions. We’re committed to customer-specific solutions and taking a proactive stance in finding unique solutions when facilitating the transition to electric and zero-emissions vehicles.
As ETHERO continues to expand its product and energy offerings, the role of mobile charger trailers in facilitating EV adoption is set to grow. Like all progress, the road to EV trucking will not be perfect. But this is one tool in our arsenal in bridging infrastructure gaps and supporting regulatory compliance. We predict that mobile charging trailers will continue to be a key player in the evolving landscape of clean transportation solutions.
Interested in seeing a mobile charging trailer in person? Explore our energy infrastructure options or schedule a Ride and Drive today.
