Charging Ahead: How Microgrids Bridge the EV Infrastructure Gap

Microgrids are an essential cog in the U.S. energy wheel, according to Pat Sentlingar, product line manager for ELM MicroGrid. Sentlingar recently sat down with Rod Walton, managing editor of Microgrid Knowledge, to discuss how microgrids can support electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure while alleviating interconnection challenges and grid pressure.

Microgrids deliver a faster path to EV readiness

During the interview, Sentlingar identified two major challenges for organizations installing EV chargers.

“One, the grid capacity that is at their place of business is generally not capable of handling the additional power needs. And two...they start to see a big increase in demand charges on their electric bill,” he said.

In some regions, utilities estimate three to seven years for capacity upgrades or deny the request altogether, Sentingar said. For those that do have the necessary capacity, peak demand charges can cause electricity bills to spike by 30% to 40%, he added.

Both factors have left fleet operators, truck stops, multifamily properties and municipalities scrambling for alternatives.

Microgrids address both issues, with deployments in as little as six to eight months and integrated energy management systems that reduce demand charges through strategies like peak shaving.

Beyond EVs, microgrids improve uptime and ROI

Walton and Sentlingar also discussed the additional benefits that microgrid and charging integrations offer beyond just supporting EVs.

Microgrids can provide backup power during grid outages, helping businesses maintain operations, whether that’s keeping fleet chargers online or powering critical systems.

“We are able to provide resiliency for the business in case of a grid outage,” Sentlingar said. “They can use it to back up their entire load panel or critical load panel...and continue business operations.”

At multifamily properties, microgrids can serve community needs, offering power for refrigeration, HVAC and medical storage during extended outages.

On the financial side, available state tax incentives, grants and strategies like energy arbitrage – charging batteries when electricity is cheapest and discharging when rates are highest – help maximize return on investment and improve long-term energy resilience.

Microgrids provide grid support

Microgrids can also provide critical support to the grid, especially when they include battery storage.

“The amount of energy demand in the United States is increasing exponentially faster than utilities are able to bring on new generation capabilities,” Sentlingar said. By intelligently distributing energy stored within microgrids, operators can help bridge this growing gap and enhance overall grid reliability.