The EV transition is reshaping the automotive industry. As electric vehicle sales continue to rise, dealerships are being asked to do more than showcase new models. They must also support reliable, accessible EV charging on-site. This shift requires stronger energy planning, more resilient power infrastructure, and smarter ways to manage electricity costs.
At the same time, utilities across the U.S. are facing strain from increased EV charging demand, making dealership-level energy resiliency more important than ever. That’s where battery energy storage systems (BESS) come in. Forward-thinking dealerships are pairing solar + battery storage to:
- Reduce operating expenses
- Support reliable EV charging
- Protect revenue during outages
- Strengthen sustainability commitments
What Is a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)?
A Battery Energy Storage System stores electricity for use when you need it most. When paired with solar, a BESS enables a dealership to:
- Capture excess solar energy during the day
- Use that energy at night (when EVs are often charging)
- Avoid costly utility peak-demand charges
- Stay online during grid outages
Instead of relying solely on the utility grid or installing oversized transformers for new EV chargers, dealerships can store and manage their own power on-site.
Why Dealerships Are Investing in Energy Storage
1. Lower Energy Costs & Demand Charges
EV charging can dramatically increase a dealership’s peak electricity usage. Utilities charge extra for these demand spikes, especially when charging happens during business hours. With a BESS, dealerships can:
- Charge the battery during off-peak periods (when electricity is cheaper)
- Discharge stored energy during high-demand charging times
- Reduce or eliminate costly peak-demand charges
This is especially impactful for DC fast charging, which often requires 480V service upgrades. Battery storage allows businesses to add fast charging without expensive transformer upgrades or surprise utility bills.
2. Reliable EV Charging & Backup Power
Service centers, showrooms, and charging stations can’t afford downtime. With solar + storage, dealerships gain:
- On-site power resilience
- Continued service revenue during outages
- Consistent EV charging availability
- Improved customer experience and confidence
As more OEMs require EV readiness, dealerships with resilient energy systems will be better positioned to meet certification requirements.
3. Meet Sustainability & ESG Goals
Pairing storage with solar reduces reliance on fossil-fuel power and helps dealerships:
- Lower carbon emissions
- Support regional clean energy goals
- Demonstrate leadership in EV transition
- Strengthen alignment with OEM brand sustainability commitments
For many dealership groups, clean energy is now both a strategic business investment and a public-facing brand value.
eSpire Mini: Scalable Energy Storage Built for Dealerships
The Fortress Power eSpire Mini is a fully integrated, turnkey commercial energy storage system engineered for large residential and light commercial sites — including automotive dealerships.
Key Features
| 81–266 kWh per unit (scalable) | Right-size your system based on charging needs |
| AC & DC Coupling | Works with new or existing solar systems |
| Indoor & Outdoor Installation Options | Flexible placement for new builds or retrofits |
| 3-Phase 208/480V Support | Ideal for EV fast charging and commercial operations |
| Microgrid-ready | Maintain power during outage and grid disruptions |
Smart Control with Keystone EMS
The integrated Keystone Energy Management System provides:
- Automated scheduling & optimization
- Unified controls for solar, batteries, EV chargers & generators
- Real-time monitoring and alarms
- Portfolio-wide management for dealer groups
This makes energy simple, centralized, and predictable, no matter the site size.
Real Dealerships Leading the Charge
Yonkers Honda – Yonkers, NY
Our eSpire Mini now powers Yonkers Honda’s managed microgrid, keeping EV charging and service operations running—even during grid outages. The system not only ensures uptime, but protects service revenue.
Team Toyota – Glen Mills, PA
An 820 kWh eSpire system paired with 700 kW of solar now powers Team Toyota’s on-site microgrid, helping the dealership stabilize EV charging load and control energy costs. The system is designed to reduce utility spend, support reliable charging, and strengthen sustainability— all while keeping service operations running without interruption.
The Bottom Line
Automotive dealerships are entering a new energy era. As EV adoption continues to accelerate, energy stability, charging reliability, and cost control will be defining business advantages.The combination of solar + energy storage enables dealerships to:
- Support EV charging demands
- Reduce operational costs
- Ensure uptime during outages
- Meet sustainability expectations
- Prepare for future OEM electrification requirements
Fortress Power provides scalable, U.S.-based, dealership-ready energy storage solutions—built to grow with your EV business.
Build a Smarter, More Reliable Energy System
As EV adoption accelerates, the dealerships that invest in resilient, efficient energy systems will be the ones who lead. With scalable storage, integrated microgrid controls, and proven dealership deployments, Fortress Power helps you support EV charging, stabilize utility costs, and maintain uptime—no matter what the grid is doing.
Ready to plan your dealership’s energy roadmap? Contact our C&I team for a customized quote today.
