Cenex has published research showing how DC-coupled energy hubs combining solar generation, battery storage and bidirectional EV charging can reduce energy costs and overcome grid constraints for fleet operators. Delivered through the UK Government’s Innovate UK Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) Phase 2 Programme, the study assessed the 3ti Papilio3 V2X DC FastHub across depot, factory, office and leisure sites.

The study finds annual energy cost savings of approximately £2,600–£3,700 (US$3,460–US$4,920) achievable at office, leisure and depot sites on two-rate tariffs, and savings exceeding £18,000 (US$23,940) at high-demand factory sites. Peak site demand reductions of between 5 kW and 150 kW are also possible.

Cenex used its EIGER energy modelling tool to assess how DC-coupled systems manage energy use behind the meter, enabling EV charging within constrained grid connections. The DC-coupled architecture reduces conversion losses compared with AC-coupled systems and is suited to integrating solar, battery storage and bidirectional charging.

The research notes that performance varies by site, depending on vehicle charging patterns, battery sizing, solar capacity, site demand and tariff structure. The study finds that savings increase significantly under dynamic tariffs, and that smart energy hubs can remove the need for costly grid reinforcement.

Source: Cenex