Distributed energy resources, particularly small modular reactors (SMRs), could play a key role in meeting the growing demand to electrify heavy transport vehicles, especially in areas with limited power grid transmission interconnections.

The cost effectiveness of distributed energy resources versus centralized energy resources to provide energy for a decarbonized heavy duty vehicle fleet in the U.S. was explored by University of Michigan researchers. Simulation models were developed to analyze energy options for 219 hypothetical electric vehicle trucking stations across the U.S. These facilities would offer distributed energy resources that include solar, battery storage and SMRs, or centralized power that requires building transmission lines to tap into the electric grid.

For fleets of 100% electric heavy duty vehicles to 60% electric and 40% hydrogen vehicles, deployment of these distributed energy resources at 78% to 95% of all charging stations meets between 24% to 30% of total heavy vehicle energy demand. SMRs are more cost-effective than other distributed energy resources and can ensure that powering EV trucks doesn’t overwhelm the grid. The analysis also suggests that investments in distributed energy resource can offer annual cost savings of almost $2 billion nationwide, with annual cost savings for an individual charging station of over $100 million.