New Report: DC-Coupled Energy Hubs Reduce Costs and Overcome Grid Constraints for EV Fleets

Cenex has published research detailing how DC-coupled smart energy hubs can help organizations accelerate fleet electrification while reducing costs and overcoming grid constraints.

What Happened

The report explores the performance of the 3ti Papilio3 V2X DC FastHub across commercial and public-sector use cases, including fleet depots, factories, offices and leisure destinations. Using Cenex's EIGER energy modelling tool, the study assessed how DC-coupled energy systems can optimize energy use behind the meter. The research found that peak site demand can be reduced by between 5 kW and 150 kW depending on the site and operational profile. Cenex also found that using a DC-coupled architecture reduces energy conversion losses, improving overall system efficiency and renewable energy utilization.

Why It Matters

For fleet operators looking to electrify their vehicles, grid capacity constraints often present a significant barrier. The report demonstrates that battery storage integrated with on-site generation can reduce peak demand without requiring costly grid upgrades. Annual energy cost savings of £2,600–£3,700 could be achieved at office, leisure and depot sites operating on two-rate tariffs, while high-demand factory sites could see annual savings of up to £18,000. These figures represent tangible economic benefits for organizations seeking to transition fleets while managing operational costs.

The Bottom Line

"Cenex modelling demonstrated how smart DC microgrids integrating solar, storage and bidirectional EV charging can significantly reduce energy costs, lower peak demand and support fleet electrification," said Steve Carroll, Cenex's Head of Research and Technical Services. The research makes a value case for bidirectional charging hubs in fleet depots, factories and sites with limited grid capacity.