Suburban Propane, ABB, and Kempower recently demonstrated a portable EV charging system designed to show how renewable propane can help support charging in locations where permanent grid infrastructure may not be available or practical.
The demonstration used renewable propane-fueled generators to charge battery energy storage systems, which then powered DC fast chargers. ABB equipment managed power delivery to Kempower DC Movable chargers, creating a mobile charging setup that could be deployed in temporary, off-grid, or high-demand environments.
According to Suburban Propane, this demonstration shows how propane and renewable propane can provide reliable, lower-carbon power for EV charging in locations where grid access is limited, temporary, or cost-prohibitive. By using renewable propane to fuel battery energy storage systems, the project created a charging approach intended to support on-demand deployment while helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions compared with traditional diesel generation.
“The country’s massive energy expansion will require a diversity of generation sources to meet growing demand,” said Chris Shigas, ABB vice president of strategic partnerships. “Suburban Propane powered generators, paired with ABB electric distribution and power protection, offer an innovative alternative with fewer emissions than traditional diesel generation.”
Suburban Propane said similar propane-powered systems are already operating across the country, while this demonstration combined renewable propane generation with mobile fast-charging technology. The project is an example of how portable energy systems can support EV charging in temporary, off-grid, and high-demand environments.
“At Suburban Propane, we believe achieving a lower-carbon energy future requires practical, scalable solutions that leverage a diverse mix of energy sources,” said Nandini Sankara, vice president of marketing and brand strategy and spokesperson for Suburban Propane. “This collaboration demonstrated how renewable propane can complement emerging technologies by providing reliable energy where and when it’s needed.”
While depot charging remains central to many fleet electrification plans, mobile and temporary charging systems can give fleets another option for early deployments, seasonal operations, power-constrained sites, and locations where charging demand exceeds available grid capacity.
