Your Chargers deserve a side hustle

"We connect private charging stations in logistics depots with electric trucks. Depot operators can generate additional revenue, while vehicle owners gain access to a nationwide charging network," says Vrakos Grid CEO Joshua Enahoro. Some list their charging stations on the digital platform, while others can conveniently book charging times on the go and pay for the electricity. Vrakos DepotCharge increases the utilization of private charging stations. It reduces vehicle downtime, as trucks can charge at the station next to the depot hall in logistics hubs while the trailer is being loaded and not moving. Through the depot charging stations, trucks can become energy storage units, provide grid services, and generate additional revenue. The revenue generated from charging and unloading mostly remains with the depot owner, rather than going to external energy providers. Additionally, there is a societal benefit. Private depots as a charging network avoid the need to build new charging stations, reduce the risk of grid bottlenecks, and prevent the sealing of additional land.

The numbers the team has calculated support the potential. A total of 75 percent of the charging demand for electric trucks must be covered by private depots and hubs. Depot operators who rent out just one of their charging stations for one hour a day can earn more than 10,000 euros per year. Electric truck owners save up to 15 percent of their annual electricity costs by charging in private depots and can additionally earn at least 3,000 euros per truck per year by providing grid services.

The idea just needs to hit the road. "After validation by experts from industry and research, we've made our idea even more robust. Now we need to convince users to sign up for our platform," explains Sinah-Nikola Käfferlein, CTO at Vrakos Grid. The market is still small. Vrakos DepotCharge is a calculated bet on the future. "We could have started with cars. However, our position is better with truck charging because it’s still an emerging market," says Vahid Ghaiurane, COO of Vrakos Grid. They are among the first players in the field. The platform will certainly be needed, as the future of mobility in transportation will also be electric. Vrakos Grid provides an important solution for all stakeholders. This includes vehicle manufacturers, who, like their customers, depend on extensive charging networks, as well as charging infrastructure manufacturers who can offer depot operators a refinancing option through Vrakos Grid. That’s why the founding team is also working with companies across the entire supply chain. "Collaboration is more important to us than competition. This has allowed us to tailor our platform to the interests of all stakeholders," explains Joshua Enahoro.

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