How Tide Bus Monetizes Their Depot Chargers

Tide Bus, a Norwegian bus company, has decided to open its extensive charging depot in Aalborg, Denmark, to other companies with electric heavy-duty fleets. The charging depot features 130 rapid chargers that are used overnight to charge Tide Bus’s own electric buses. However, to optimize the use of the charging facilities and generate additional revenue and faster return on investment, Tide Bus now offers access to their chargers to external companies during daytime hours for a charging fee. This initiative not only benefits Tide Bus financially but also supports the transition to electric transportation for others.

The initiative is developed in close collaboration with Spirii. By using Spirii’s EV charging management platform, Spirii Connect, Tide Bus is able to easily manage and control the availability of chargers, user access, and pricing all by themselves.

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Optimizing Tide Bus’s chargers

Tide Bus has integrated Spirii Connect to manage and optimise its extensive network of rapid charging stations. This ensures the chargers are not merely power dispensers but intelligent systems capable of delivering advanced services.  

Spirii Connect enables Tide Bus to monitor and manage each charging station remotely, providing data analytics and insights that aid decision-making and operational efficiency.  

With Spirii Connect, Tide Bus can control and optimise the charging of their electric buses. The platform provides a comprehensive overview of all chargers, enabling real-time monitoring and quick error response, ensuring seamless and efficient operations for the fleet.  

The Autocharge feature provided by Spirii Connect simplifies the charging process for Tide Bus's fleet, distinguishing it from other fleets using the chargers. This feature eliminates the need for manual intervention, automatically recognizing and charging Tide Bus's buses when needed. Additionally, buses can be easily charged on-the-go using a charge key or the Spirii Go app.

Unlocking new revenue streams

With Spirii Connect, Tide Bus can unlock additional revenue streams that improve their return on investment while benefiting other companies with EV fleets and society. By participating in a grid balancing program and opening their chargers to other fleet companies, Tide Bus can take advantage of these new revenue opportunities. This approach enhances financial returns and supports business and sustainability goals.

Utilizing Spirii Connect as a charge point management system enables Tide Bus to tap into new revenue streams from grid balancing services. Spirii’s grid services provide a technological solution for optimizing power grid balance by dynamically adjusting electricity consumption during peak periods. As a result, companies like Tide Bus can receive compensation from suppliers, grid operators, and government agencies.

Now, let's explore how Tide Bus has opened their charging depot to other fleet companies and the advantages they have gained from this approach.

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Opening chargers for selected companies

Fundamental to opening the chargers to other fleets is ensuring that the charging of Tide Bus’s own buses remains undisturbed and fully optimised. Tide Bus maintains full control over the usage by other fleets, upholding a reliable and efficient charging experience for all users.

Getting companies onboard

In collaboration with Spirii, Tide Bus has developed a comprehensive communication package and onboarding process that includes invitations, guidance, and rules. This ensures that the selected companies are fully informed on how to use the chargers correctly, optimising the system's efficiency and effectiveness.

Guidance for drivers on location

Together with Spirii, Tide Bus has developed clear signage and lane markings to guide drivers to the available chargers. This initiative minimizes the risks of accidents and disturbances, ensuring a smooth and safe experience for all users.

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Easy charging for selected companies

Fleet drivers can use the Spirii Go app to charge at Tide Bus’s chargers. The app’s virtual charge key feature functions as a payment card, eliminating out-of-pocket expenses. Additionally, drivers can charge at other chargers within Spirii’s roaming network.

Control over opening hours

Using Spirii Connect, Tide Bus can adjust the opening hours of their chargers to align with their schedule and needs. For example, during nighttime, the chargers are reserved exclusively for Tide Bus’ own buses to charge, ensuring they are always ready for service. During the daytime, selected chargers are open to chosen companies, allowing them to utilize Tide Bus's hub.

Pricing

Tide Bus can decide how much to charge chosen companies for using their charging network. They can also differentiate charging prices for various partners using the voucher functionality. Prices and fees can be fully controlled via the Spirii Connect platform, enabling full pricing flexibility for Tide Bus.

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Unlocking charger access benefits Tide Bus, fleet companies, and society at large

Tide Bus  

Opening up chargers to other fleets unlocks many benefits to Tide Bus. It generates additional revenue streams, ensures a faster return on investment and boosts their image by showing their commitment to innovation and sustainability. Moreover, it facilitates collaboration with important partners in the effort to electrify the transportation sector, reinforcing Tide Bus’s leadership in sustainable transportation solutions.

External fleet companies

Selected companies gain access to convenient and efficient charging for their heavy transport vehicles without the need for significant investments or the hassle of deploying chargers themselves, simplifying the transition to an electric fleet.

Society

By opening the charging stations to external fleet companies with heavy vehicle fleet, Tide Bus contributes to the expansion of a robust and efficient charging infrastructure for heavy vehicles in Denmark. This initiative supports the adoption of heavy-duty electric vehicles, reducing carbon emissions and fostering a greener environment. The availability of rapid charging stations enhances the feasibility of long-distance electric transport, benefiting logistics and public transportation sectors.

Conclusion

Partnering with Spirii means enhanced control and flexibility, and additional revenue streams for Tide Bus. This strategic use of charging software technology ensures that Tide Bus maintains a competitive edge while supporting sustainable transportation solutions. The collaboration between Tide Bus and Spirii marks a significant advancement in the management and utilization of EV charging infrastructure. By transforming basic charging stations into intelligent chargers, Tide Bus not only enhances its operational capabilities but also contributes positively to the wider community. Moreover, by taking advantage of the growing electrification of transportation, Tide Bus ensures it is future-ready and well-positioned to lead in sustainable transport initiatives.

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