VEV solves power supply constraint for EV charging with solar carport and battery storage microgrid for Dawsongroup

  • Dawsongroup vans’ largest depot in Milton Keynes now boasts a clean energy microgrid with a 262kWp solar system, 300kWh battery units and 34 22kW EV chargers.
  • The microgrid solves the issue of restricted power supply at the site – ~120kVA– by generating solar power and storing it in on-site batteries ready to charge the vehicles.
  • The depot provides service and maintenance for hire vehicles and the microgrid now provides clean energy charging for the EV fleet.
  • The state-of-the-art facility is a key element of Dawsongroup vans’ sustainability strategy, and the business is forecasting carbon emission savings of 65 tonnes per year.
  • Dawsongroup vans supports customers in their transition to electric fleets and can now demonstrate the cost and operational benefits of switching to an electric fleet.
  • VEV’s proprietary digital platform, VEV-IQ, provides Dawsongroup vans with smart charging management, intelligently load balancing on- and off-grid power usage to maximise cost-efficiency for the business.

 

London, UK 18th March, 2025 – VEV, the e-fleet solutions provider backed by Vitol – a world-leader in the energy sector – together with UK commercial van rental business, Dawsongroup vans, are proud to unveil a flagship clean energy fleet electrification facility at Dawson Road, Milton Keynes.

VEV provided a full turnkey solution from planning and design to power connection, procurement,  project management and build of the clean energy microgrid comprising solar power, battery storage and 34 EV chargers. The Dawson Road site in Milton Keynes is the largest hub for Dawsongroup vans’ vehicles and fleet maintenance operations.

The state-of-the-art microgrid features a powerful 262kWp solar energy system with two double cantilever carports. The 300kWh battery units store energy generated from the solar panels and then charge vehicles, reducing demand on the national grid. Electric vehicles supplied to customers from Milton Keynes will have been charged using renewable energy.

As part of the five-year full-service package, the microgrid and charging ecosystem is managed through VEV’s proprietary data platform, VEV-IQ. This integrated charger and energy management system operates the charging infrastructure and uses intelligent load balancing to optimise energy usage across all sources – the grid, solar power and battery storage.  It provides invaluable insights to the fleet manager to maximise operational and cost efficiency.

Dawsongroup vans is forecasting carbon emissions savings from the project of 65 tonnes per year.  The business will showcase the new clean energy ecosystem as part of the work its ‘Team Target Zero’ advisors do to assist customers and suppliers with their carbon reduction plans. The sophisticated ecosystem at Dawson Road plays a crucial role in reinforcing the cost and efficiency benefits of switching to electric fleets.

With a nationwide fleet of 13,000 vehicles and a fast-growing EV estate, Dawsongroup vans is at the forefront of innovation and electrified solutions in commercial vehicle hire. The group’s Smarter Asset Strategy solutions provide businesses with the flexibility to adapt to new technologies and a changing world by utilising usership over ownership. They support customers transitioning to net zero through advice on alternative fuel and power sources, streamlining processes, and improving efficiencies to save energy and money. Read more about the Smarter Asset Strategy here.

Mike Nakrani, CEO of VEV said:

“We are delighted to work with a nationwide service provider that’s on a mission to inspire more fleets to make the switch to electric. It was fantastic to see the microgrid and EV infrastructure become a reality at Dawson Road in December after breaking ground in Spring 2024. We are looking forward to continuing to work closely with the team there as our experts in energy and operations leverage VEV-IQ to optimise the clean energy ecosystem and deliver cost-efficiencies for Dawsongroup vans.”

Stephen Miller, CEO of Dawsongroup said:

“As a leading player in the UK’s commercial vehicle hire sector, Dawsongroup has a desire to help lead the way in decarbonising fleets. We chose to leverage VEV’s expertise in delivering end-to-end electrification solutions for our Vans business and can now show our customers how they can thrive in the electric age and meet emissions-reduction obligations. We’re delighted with our new clean energy microgrid at Dawson Road and are  exploring how to bring electrification further into our business.”

For media inquiries or further information, please contact Media@vev.com. VEV’s media kit is available here.

About VEV

VEV helps organisations deliver on their carbon reduction ambitions with an end-to-end fleet electrification solution that integrates across vehicles, charging infrastructure and power. VEV is owned by Vitol, a world leader in energy, which to date has committed circa $2 billion to sustainable energy initiatives worldwide.

VEV navigates the complexities of EV transformation to design and implement cost-effective EV fleets optimised for specific fleet requirements. It supports EV fleet operations to guarantee resilience and keep mission-critical fleets running at scale. Bespoke, scalable business solutions are designed around the customer’s own fleet data analysed by a powerful assessment tool, VEV-IQ, and VEV’s experts in energy and sustainable e-mobility. VEV sets businesses up for success in an electrified future.

More information at VEV.com

About Dawsongroup vans

Dawsongroup vans is a leader in the commercial vehicle rental and leasing industry, dedicated to providing innovative solutions and exceptional service to its clients. With a commitment to sustainability and technological advancement, Dawsongroup vans is at the forefront of industry developments.

If clients are seeking flexibility to adapt to business fluctuations or aiming to future-proof their fleet with a long-term management solution, Dawsongroup vans is there to provide the right vehicles with the appropriate agreements for their needs. For more information, please visit Dawsongroupvans.co.uk.

Dawsongroup encourages businesses to rethink their asset procurement, demonstrating a competitive edge with its Smarter Asset Strategy.

Visit Dawsongroup.co.uk to explore our diverse assets and how they can support your business’s processes.