Electric vehicle (EV) charging loads for medium- and heavy-duty vehicles can result in a significant power draw and even strain the grid if left unchecked during times of peak energy demand. To address this, utilities have been implementing solutions such as switching out demand charges with time-of-use rates and offering off-peak charging incentives, which can help reduce EV charging loads from fleets during peak times, when the grid is more strained. This topic brief explores utility rate designs and incentive programs that are designed to shift charging for medium- and heavy-duty EVs from on-peak to off-peak hours, as well as the impact of these solutions on actual fleet charging.
