Frequently asked questions
Short answers to questions about electric trucks, grid connections, time-of-use capacity, batteries, Dutch ERE credits, the Energy Scan and training for planners.
What is the Energy Scan?
A detailed calculation, over a full year, of what electric trucks and vans, solar panels, a stationary battery and your grid connection cost and deliver together. Based on your own trips and energy use, and compared with the same trips with diesel, up to ten years ahead. More about the Energy Scan
What data do I need for an Energy Scan?
Detailed metering data of your grid connection for a year, quarter-hourly, half-hourly or hourly (from your metering company or supplier), an export of your trips from your planning system, your contracted capacity and energy contract, and the vehicles you are considering. If something is missing, we use realistic sample profiles and show where the uncertainty lies.
How many electric trucks fit on my grid connection?
It depends on the room at each moment of the day: your contracted capacity minus what your building uses at that moment, and on when your trucks are at the depot. An average says little; the busiest moments decide. Read the article with a worked example
What is time-of-use capacity and does it help with grid congestion?
Extra grid capacity at fixed times, usually at night, if your grid operator offers it. For depots where trucks charge overnight, it is often a quick way to charge more vehicles without a grid upgrade.
Does a stationary battery pay off?
Sometimes. A battery shaves peaks, stores solar power for later and can charge when electricity is cheap. Whether that outweighs the investment depends on your peaks, your contract and your charging pattern. The Energy Scan calculates it in detail, with and without a battery.
What are ERE credits?
Emission reduction units: in the Netherlands, you earn them with every kWh charged into an electric vehicle at your own depot. Grid electricity earns roughly € 0.12 to € 0.13 per kWh after commission, your own solar power about twice as much. Read the article on ERE
What does a planner learn in the Certified e-Fleet Planner programme?
Planning with charging windows and range, charging within the limits of the grid connection, and weighing the costs and CO2 of planning choices. The programme ends with a practical assignment and a certificate. More about training
What is a serious game and who is it for?
A game in which teams of planners, fleet managers and energy managers make decisions together about vehicles, charging and energy, and see each round what that costs and delivers. Suitable for training, in-company sessions and events. More about serious games
Does the Energy Scan work outside the Netherlands?
Yes. The scan uses the tariffs and taxes of the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Finland. Reports are available in English and Dutch.