How BEST Trucks turns grid congestion into a business model

BEST Trucks is a leading DAF dealer with locations in Barendrecht and Oude Tonge. As part of the transition to sustainable transport, the company recognized the growing need for charging infrastructure for electric trucks - not only for their own electric inventory, but also for the transport industry in the region.

The challenge was multifaceted. Two locations with different energy needs, different grid connections, and different available assets such as solar panels and charging stations. The demand for available energy increased due to the growing need for charging capacity for electric trucks.

Additionally, BEST Trucks wanted to retain its own energy and be able to charge trucks at the same speed as refueling with diesel.

Expanding the grid connection was not an option: it would take too long and be too costly. A smarter solution was needed that optimally utilizes available energy and is future-proof.

iwell installed a smart battery system at both locations tailored precisely to the specific needs. In Oude Tonge, a system with 460 kW power and 1,075 kWh capacity. In Barendrecht, a larger system: 1,380 kW power with 3,225 kWh capacity.

The grid connection was physically expanded without increasing the contracted capacity. Through smart software, energy flows are optimized, keeping average consumption below the maximum contracted capacity.

The heart of the solution is iwell's Energy Management System (EMS). This software acts as a conductor of all energy flows on site. The system continuously communicates with solar panels, charging stations, and battery systems to ensure energy is always available at the right time, without overloading the local electricity grid.

The battery systems serve a dual function:

• Primarily, they provide the charging areas with sufficient charging capacity, making optimal use of self-generated solar energy.
• Additionally, the available capacity is used for trading on energy markets. This helps both stabilize the national power grid and generate additional revenue.

The charging infrastructure is publicly accessible. Surrounding transport companies and passing trucks can also use the charging areas. This way, the project directly contributes to expanding the national charging infrastructure for electric transport.

Through the collaboration between DAF, BEST Trucks, and iwell, a scalable solution has been created for one of the biggest challenges in the electrification of freight transport: sufficient charging capacity without straining the electricity grid.

The project demonstrates that the transition to electric transport is feasible, even in sectors with high energy demand such as heavy freight transport. Through smart technology, battery storage, and energy optimization, companies can invest in electrification of their fleet without running into grid limitations.