Zenobē opens centre to accelerate fleet electrification

Clean energy firm Zenobē has formally opened a new innovation centre in Portsmouth, which aims to accelerate the move towards zero carbon fleet electrification.

The new centre, opened by local MP Penny Mourdant, will see the fleet and battery storage specialist create a facility to “break down barriers for fleet operators” before firms begin their transition to EVs.

Zenobē will test charging solutions with an aim to identifying the most cost effective and optimal charging solutions for fleet operators – as well as driving innovation.

The Centre can simulate the intricacies of depot charging with the ability to charge multiple buses and electric cars at one time while connected to a Powerskid, a 100kW battery storage asset made from second-life batteries.

Testing

The Powerskid, a clean and portable temporary power source made from refurbished EV batteries, will enable Zenobē to assess how innovations such as V2G charging and grid enhancement services to support the additional power required for EV charging can be scaled up and implemented for the fleet operator. 

The Innovation Centre will also trial and interface different models of charger and electric vehicles to provide valuable insight into the relationship between the charger and vehicle.

Zenobē has also integrated its fleet charging software into the testing, taking into account real-world, site-specific challenges such as grid limitations and battery degradation, and how these can be managed. 

Evolution

Speaking about the centre, founding director of Zenobē, Steven Meersman, said: “The Innovation Centre is an evolution of our service offering and will ensure we give even better service to our customers in two ways – by testing components, chargers and other equipment continuously and by enabling us to commission and integrate equipment before anything arrives on site ensuring a smooth customer experience during this important but sometimes overwhelming transition to zero emission fleets.”

Penny Mordaunt, MP for Portsmouth North, said: “Zenobē’s new Innovation Centre facility and its commitment to continuously testing and researching new technology that supports the sustainable transition of the UK’s bus, truck and van fleets to electric will ensure that we meet our ambitious commitment to our net zero goals.”

Zenobē is now inviting operators interested in electrifying their fleet to book in a visit to see the real time benefits of integrating smart charging technology into their fleet. Fleet operators will also get the opportunity to meet with Zenobē’s fleet experts and discuss how they can take the first step towards fleet electrification and achieving zero carbon and clean air targets. 

Image from Zenobe

Sign up for our essential
newsletter service.

Enter your details here.