The Orange Juicer™: A Game-Changer in Fleet Electrification
In a significant advancement for the electrification of commercial fleets, Orange EV, a leading U.S. manufacturer of electric yard trucks, and OptiGrid, an innovative charging technology firm, have launched the Orange Juicer™, a unique DC fast charger that integrates a battery to address the typical barriers associated with fleet electrification.
Overcoming Infrastructure Challenges
Fleet electrification is often delayed by the need for costly utility upgrades, which can take years. Companies looking to transition to electric vehicles (EVs) frequently find themselves mired in long waiting times for new power services, as well as expenses that can run into the six or seven figures for necessary infrastructure. The Orange Juicer™ seeks to eliminate these challenges, significantly speeding up timelines and reducing costs associated with charging infrastructure.
Features of the Orange Juicer™
Utilizing an onboard 180-kWh battery, the Orange Juicer™ draws energy from existing on-site power supply and delivers fast charging on demand. With its innovative design, it promises full charging performance while using up to 85% less grid input power. This not only enhances the efficiency of operations but also allows fleet operators to start electrifying their trucks almost immediately.
As noted by Kurt Neutgens, the co-founder and president of Orange EV, “As more customers accelerate adoption of Orange EV trucks and electrify other site equipment, we've seen infrastructure upgrades cause serious holdups. The Orange Juicer solves that challenge, giving fleets a fast, scalable, and cost-effective charging platform that utilizes existing on-site power.”
Key Benefits for Fleet Operators
- - Rapid Deployment: With the ability to deploy the charger in a matter of weeks, fleet operators can bypass lengthy utility delays and start using electric trucks without the prolonged wait.
- - Cost Reduction: The Orange Juicer™ significantly reduces infrastructure costs by eliminating the need for expensive utility upgrades, trenching, and construction activities by leveraging existing power sources.
- - High Performance: Fleet managers can benefit from advanced charging capabilities without compromising uptime or speed, facilitating seamless operations.
- - Scalable Design: The modular architecture of the Orange Juicer™ allows it to adapt and expand with the growth of a fleet, enhancing its longevity and value.
- - Brand Compatibility: The charger is compatible with Orange EV trucks and can be adapted for other fleet equipment, making it versatile for various operational needs.
Tyler Phillipi, CEO of OptiGrid, remarked, “Fleet operators are tired of waiting on infrastructure that doesn’t match their electrification schedule. The Orange Juicer gives them the power to deploy today, with charging performance that rivals high-capacity systems but requires just a fraction of the grid input.”
Proven Technology
The Orange Juicer™ is the fourth generation of a charging platform developed by OptiGrid, which has been built on nearly a decade of engineering expertise. Originating from technology initially developed at FreeWire, the system has refined its capabilities and is already set for deployment with numerous fleet operators in the United States.
With Orange EV trucks already achieving an average of $60,000 in annual diesel savings per vehicle, the introduction of the Orange Juicer™ represents an even swifter path towards cost-effective fleet electrification.
Availability
The Orange Juicer™, powered by OptiGrid, is anticipated to be commercially available in the fourth quarter of 2025. Fleet operators and interested parties can explore the offering at the IANA Intermodal EXPO 2025 in Long Beach, California, from September 15 to 17, in the Orange EV booth (#1122).
About the Companies
Orange EV: Established as the leading manufacturer of fully electric terminal trucks in the U.S., Orange EV is headquartered in Kansas City and provides comprehensive solutions, including electric trucks and charging infrastructure. Their trucks have been deployed in over 40 states, Canada, and the Caribbean, boasting a record of reliability and efficiency.
OptiGrid: This U.S.-based company focuses on advancing EV infrastructure and is dedicated to developing innovative battery-integrated fast-charging systems tailored for commercial fleet deployment. For more information, visit
OptiGrid's official website.
The launch of the Orange Juicer™ heralds a new era for fleet electrification, overcoming key obstacles and paving the way for efficient, sustainable logistics.