Duke Energy(DUK) Prnewswire·2024-11-21 16:56Core Insights - Duke Energy has launched the Duke Energy + Electrada Fleet Mobility Microgrid, a pioneering electrification center for commercial and public electric fleet vehicles, providing a zero-emission, carbon-free microgrid option for fleet charging [1][4]. Company Overview - Duke Energy is a major energy holding company serving 8.4 million customers across several states and has a total energy capacity of 54,800 megawatts [9][10]. - The company is committed to a clean energy transition, aiming for net-zero carbon emissions from electricity generation by 2050 and net-zero methane emissions from its natural gas business by 2030 [10]. Project Details - The microgrid serves as both a model for reliable fleet electrification and an active charging site for various electric fleet vehicles, including light-, medium-, and heavy-duty trucks [2][4]. - It features six fleet charging stations with capacities ranging from 120 to 300 kilowatts (kW) and two Level 2 chargers, designed specifically for medium- and heavy-duty trucking [4]. Collaboration and Support - Electrada provides capital and performance contracts to fleet owners, facilitating reliable charging and reducing the complexity of transitioning to electric fuel [3][4]. - Daimler Truck North America LLC is a founding participant in the fleet EV charging program, leveraging the proximity of its manufacturing facility to the microgrid for demonstration purposes [6][7]. Industry Impact - Fleet electrification is expected to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, particularly in medium- and heavy-duty trucking, with the U.S. seeing a record high of approximately 9% in new EV car sales [8]. - Energy consumption is projected to grow at an average annual rate of nearly 2% over the next 26 years, with 35% of that growth attributed to increased EV adoption [9].