By Tom McCalmont, CEO, Paired Power
April 9, 2025
The EVs of today have rapidly transformed from being a novelty to standing toe-to-toe with their internal combustion engine (ICE) counterparts in performance, reliability, and ease of use.
Consumers have largely accepted that EVs can fit into their lives, whether it be for personal or business use. The problem now, however, is can the grid handle the demand? For many potential users, the answer is increasingly no.
Throughout the U.S., grid operators have reported challenges caused by the expansion of EV use. Distribution systems, which aren’t as closely monitored as transmission systems, have struggled with meeting EV charging demand. Even one neighborhood or business that makes the switch to EVs can create so-called hot spots that can quickly overload local distribution grids.
Surveys have shown that most developers of EV charging infrastructure have had trouble securing electricity for their projects in recent years. The wait for grid upgrades for charging hubs can take years and can be prohibitively costly.
The limitations within existing grid constraints have made the need for alternatives increasingly important, and microgrid-supported charging is a key piece of the solution. This approach combines EV charging with battery storage and microgrid technology to circumvent utility grid limitations. Adding the ability to produce and store energy in its own system, off-grid or microgrid charging solutions can operate in concert with the grid or even independently from it when needed.
Microgrid charging allows EV fleet operators to bypass years of work and bureaucratic hurdles needed to upgrade grid capacity and equipment upgrades by working within existing parameters. This method also ensures that operators won’t be hit with unexpected demand charges, and that charging is accessible when it is needed most, like during blackouts or emergencies.
The American grid is facing an unprecedented surge in demand that efficiencies will not be able to offset anytime soon. This surge is taking place at a time when today’s EVs have come along far enough to be on par in capabilities and cost with ICE vehicles.
Significant investment into expanding EV charging infrastructure is needed to spur the mass adoption of EVs in the United States. Grid limitations are a major bottleneck in this goal, and microgrid charging is the best solution to circumvent these challenges. Policymakers, industry leaders, and forward-thinking consumers must recognize and champion this crucial technology to ensure a smooth and successful transition to an electric vehicle future.
About the author
Tom McCalmont is CEO and cofounder of Paired Power, and has over 25 years of solar, storage, and EV charging experience. Prior to Paired Power, he cofounded the respected solar engineering firm, McCalmont Engineering, which has designed over 15 gigawatts (GW) of solar projects in 40 U.S. states (and today designs over 10% of the country’s total solar project capacity each year). Prior to that Tom was CEO and cofounder of Regrid Power, one of California’s earliest and most successful solar installation companies.
Tom has a demonstrated track record of creatively applying new technology to solving real world customer problems. He earned his MS degree in electrical engineering from Stanford University and both Sc.D. and BS degrees from Muskingum University. Tom holds 18 U.S. patents and is a licensed Professional Engineer, a charter NABCEP-certified Solar PV Installer, and an EVITP-certified licensed electrical/solar contractor in California.
