TPS’s Nigel Jakeman to deliver Keynote to the UK’s most influential fleet leaders. 

Ahead of next month’s UK Charging Infrastructure Symposium Nigel Jakeman, Engineering and Business Development director at TPS shares insights on how innovations like DC microgrids, V2X technology, and the forthcoming Megawatt Charging Standard (MCS) are unlocking the potential of EV fleet charging.  Symposium organiser Mankirat Kaur picks up the story.

Powering change across sectors
TPS has a rich history, having served industries ranging from rail and aerospace to industrial power systems. According to Jakeman, the company’s core expertise lies in power electronics and electric machines, including motors and generators. This extensive experience in demanding sectors has positioned TPS as a leader in providing solutions to the evolving energy market.

“More recently, we’ve transitioned into the energy market, helping electricity network operators realise solutions for maximising distribution grid capacity and addressing the challenges of electrifying fleets and infrastructure,” Jakeman explained. As the demand for electric vehicles rises, so does the need to deliver power where it’s needed most, particularly in urban areas where grid capacity can be limited and capacity upgrades very expensive. This is where Turbo Power Systems is applying its expertise in power electronics to develop solutions for EV charging.

Understanding DC microgrids, V2X, and MCS
Jakeman broke down the concepts of DC microgrids, V2X, and MCS. Explaining DC microgrids, Jakeman says: “A DC microgrid is essentially a localised network that addresses the challenge of electrifying fleet vehicles, particularly in grid constrained urban environments.” The concept allows fleets to manage their power needs more efficiently by using local power sources like solar panels and batteries to store and distribute energy, but without necessarily interfacing with the grid itself. This reduces the load on the main electricity grid and associated complexities of connection whilst also enabling fleet operators to optimize energy costs by buying electricity when it’s cheaper and storing it for later use.

“V2X (Vehicle-to-Everything) technology expands on the basic concept of vehicle charging by enabling energy to flow in both directions – from the grid to the vehicle (G2V) and from the vehicle back to the grid or another energy source (V2X),” he said. “Imagine having a fleet of fully charged vehicles that aren’t in use. With V2X, you can pull energy from those vehicles to power your office or other equipment during times when grid electricity is more expensive,” Jakeman explained. This capability provides fleet operators with an efficient way to cut costs, especially during peak electricity pricing.

“Megawatt Charging System (MCS) represents a huge opportunity as fleet operators look to electrify larger vehicles like trucks, therefore the need for faster, high-power charging becomes essential. The current charging standards – CHAdeMO, CCS, and NACS – can only practically deliver up to 500 kilowatts of power. “Megawatt Charging System (MCS), however, promises to deliver up to 3.75 megawatts, cutting charging times dramatically. “With MCS, we’re talking about charging a truck in 15 to 20 minutes, which is a game-changer for logistics operations that currently face much longer charging times,” Jakeman said.

Overcoming challenges in fleet electrification
While these technologies offer significant advantages, the path to mass adoption is not without its challenges. One of the most pressing issues for fleet operators is the speed and cost of charging.
Jakeman highlighted that “the quicker you need to charge a fleet, the more power you require. For large fleet operators with hundreds or thousands of vehicles, this becomes a huge challenge. The cost to upgrade grid infrastructure to handle that amount of power can be astronomical, often running into millions of pounds.”

This is where DC microgrids can provide a solution. By creating localised networks, fleet operators can best utilise any locally available micro generation whilst also storing energy from the grid when demand is low, reducing their dependency on costly grid upgrades. “It’s a much more efficient way of managing energy, especially when the alternative is either paying for a massive grid upgrade or moving your entire business to a location with better grid capacity – which nobody wants to do,” Jakeman noted.

Future-proofing investments in charging technology
With MCS on the horizon, businesses are understandably cautious about investing in current charging infrastructure that could become obsolete. Jakeman reassures that there are ways to prepare for the future without starting from scratch. “At Turbo Power Systems, we’re developing power electronic charging modules that are 1,250-volt capable. This means that when MCS is finalised, you won’t need to replace your entire charging system – just upgrade the dispenser and make a few adjustments,” he explained.

Additionally, the integration of V2X technology will allow fleet operators to tap into the energy stored in their vehicles, further optimizing their energy use and reducing costs. “To best utilise MCS-ready equipment, it is required to be bidirectional. If your current system can only handle one-way charging, you won’t be able to take full advantage of V2X in the future,” he emphasised.

The road ahead: how soon will we see these innovations?
According to Jakeman, we are only a few years away from seeing widespread adoption of these technologies. “We’ve already developed all the components for DC microgrids, and we’re working with customers who are eager to deploy these solutions in their depots,” he revealed. Fleet operators are beginning to see the value of not just investing in a few chargers but creating comprehensive systems that include generation, storage, and charging all tied together in one microgrid.

As for MCS, Jakeman believes that we will soon see charging stations capable of delivering multi-megawatt power. This will drastically reduce charging times for large vehicles, making EVs more practical for logistics and transportation companies.

Sustainability and energy efficiency
Integrating DC microgrids and V2X technology into fleet operations isn’t just about cost savings – it’s also about sustainability. “In some cases, you could save as much as 6% in energy losses just by reducing the number of conversions from AC to DC, when, for example, considering storing power generated on site for charging of vehicles at a later time ,” Jakeman pointed out.

The ability to store energy when it’s cheap and use it when it’s more expensive also contributes to sustainability. When combined with onsite generation from renewable sources like solar, the savings – both in terms of energy and costs – can be substantial.

As the EV market continues to grow, fleet operators must adapt to new technologies like DC microgrids, V2X, and MCS to remain competitive and sustainable. Turbo Power Systems, with its extensive experience in power conversion, is playing a crucial role in helping businesses navigate these challenges. With innovative solutions that address both the technical and financial barriers to fleet electrification, TPS is unlocking the full potential of EV charging, paving the way for a greener, more efficient future.

If you would like to talk to us about how our unique solutions can give you all the power you need while delivering real ROI back to you, please Contact Us | Find Out How We Can Help | Turbo Power Systems

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