What is the Orange Juicer Unveiled by Orange EV and OptiGrid at IANA Expo?

The Orange Juicer is a groundbreaking battery-integrated DC fast charger unveiled by Orange EV and OptiGrid, tackling critical challenges in fleet electrification such as utility upgrade delays and high infrastructure costs. This innovative solution was introduced at the IANA Intermodal EXPO 2025 in Long Beach, California, on 15 September 2025.

Last updated: 15 September 2025 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• The Orange Juicer is a battery-integrated DC fast charger that optimises existing electrical infrastructure.
• It uses a "garden hose in, fire hose out" principle for efficient energy conversion.
• This technology can support nearly 10 times more trucks with the same power supply.
• It addresses the common grid issues faced in fleet electrification, allowing for rapid expansion.
• The charger was launched during the IANA Intermodal EXPO 2025, highlighting its relevance in the logistics sector.

The Need for Efficient Charging Solutions

As the logistics and transportation sectors rapidly transition to electric fleets, the demand for efficient and cost-effective charging solutions has never been greater. Traditional charging infrastructure often faces significant barriers, including lengthy utility upgrade timelines and high installation costs. The introduction of the Orange Juicer aims to alleviate these obstacles, making it easier for fleets to adopt electric vehicles (EVs).

Understanding the Orange Juicer's Technology

The Orange Juicer features an innovative design that allows it to function effectively with various AC power formats. According to Tyler Phillipi, CEO of OptiGrid, the system operates on a “garden hose in, fire hose out” principle. This essentially means that it takes available AC power, stores it in its integrated battery, and then provides high-capacity DC charging as needed.

Advantages of Battery-Integrated Charging

This approach has several advantages over traditional charging systems:

• Optimised Power Usage: By eliminating the need for multiple AC-to-DC conversions, the Orange Juicer reduces power loss, making it more efficient.
• Increased Charging Capacity: As noted by Kurt Neutgens, CEO of Orange EV, the same power supply can now support nearly ten times more trucks, significantly enhancing fleet operations.
• Reduced Infrastructure Impact: The design allows for smaller footprints compared to conventional charging setups, addressing grid capacity challenges.

The Impact on Fleet Electrification

The Orange Juicer represents a significant leap forward in addressing the challenges faced by fleet operators transitioning to electric vehicles. As Neutgens explained, the existing grid issues can pose serious obstacles to growth. However, with the Orange Juicer, fleets can expand without the same level of dependency on grid enhancements.

Why Infrastructure Upgrades Matter

Utility upgrades are often a time-consuming process that can delay the deployment of electric fleets. By providing a solution that operates with the current electrical infrastructure, the Orange Juicer enables quicker and more efficient electrification of logistics operations. This is crucial as businesses strive to meet sustainability targets and reduce carbon emissions.

What’s Next for Fleet Operators?

The introduction of the Orange Juicer could signal a shift in how fleets approach electrification. Operators now have a viable option that minimises both costs and dependency on lengthy grid upgrades. As electric vehicles become more prevalent in the logistics sector, solutions like the Orange Juicer may become standard.

Potential Challenges Ahead

While the Orange Juicer offers numerous advantages, there are still challenges that fleet operators must consider. For instance, the initial investment in the charging infrastructure can still be significant, even with the efficiencies gained. Additionally, the long-term reliability of battery-integrated systems will need to be evaluated as they are deployed across various environments.

Conclusion

The launch of the Orange Juicer is a promising development in the realm of fleet electrification. By addressing common hurdles such as utility delays and infrastructure costs, it paves the way for increased adoption of electric vehicles in logistics. As the industry moves forward, innovations like these will be vital in shaping sustainable transportation solutions.

What other innovations do you think will emerge to support electric fleet electrification in the coming years? #ElectricVehicles #SustainableLogistics #FleetElectrification

FAQs

What is the Orange Juicer?

The Orange Juicer is a battery-integrated DC fast charger designed to optimise charging for electric vehicle fleets, addressing utility upgrade delays and infrastructure costs.

How does the Orange Juicer work?

The charger uses a “garden hose in, fire hose out” principle, storing available AC power in a battery and providing high-capacity DC charging on demand.

What are the benefits of using the Orange Juicer?

Its benefits include optimised power usage, increased charging capacity, and reduced impact on electrical infrastructure, enabling faster fleet electrification.

How does this technology address grid challenges?

By minimising dependency on substantial grid upgrades, the Orange Juicer allows fleet operators to expand their electric vehicle usage without facing significant grid issues.

What is the significance of the launch venue?

The Orange Juicer was unveiled at the IANA Intermodal EXPO 2025, highlighting its importance and relevance to the logistics and transportation sectors.