Skip to main content

By U.S. Energy

Education Center / Volt Vault™ Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs

Category: Electric Charging

Volt Vault™ Frequently Asked Questions

Looking for an EV charging solution but don’t know where to start? Here’s everything you need to know about our Volt Vault charging units.

Volt Vault Unit Specifics

What is a Volt Vault?
Volt Vault is a patent-pending natural gas supplied, redeployable EV charger. Its on-site, on demand power generation provides Level 2 and/or Level 3 charging for fleets waiting on electrical infrastructure, needing additional charging capacity, or operating in a remote location.

How does a Volt Vault work?
The Volt Vault contains a natural-gas powered generator that supplies power to onboard Level 2 and/or Level 3 charging ports.

Can a Volt Vault charge any vehicle type?
Yes. Each Volt Vault is equipped with Level 2 and/or Level 3 chargers to best meet your operational needs. Additionally, the chargers can be tailored to ensure the charging ports are compatible with your fleet’s requirements.

What are the fueling options?
Each Volt Vault is designed to accept both high- and low-pressure natural gas (either conventional, compressed, or renewable).

How many vehicles can I charge at once?
This will vary between our Level 2, Level 3, and Flex models.

  • Level 2: 16 vehicles at 9.6kW each
  • Level 3: Two; you can charge at up to 175kW per port or split between the two
  • Flex (Level 2 + Level 3 Charging): Six to eight vehicles at 9.6kW each with the Level 2 chargers and two vehicles at 24kW – 30kW with the Level 3 chargers

Does Volt Vault have a warranty?
Each Volt Vault comes with a one-year warranty, which includes remote monitoring by U.S. Energy, giving you peace of mind with your purchase. Additionally, our remote monitoring service can be extended if desired.

What maintenance is needed?
The Volt Vault requires standard generator maintenance to keep it running smoothly. Regular maintenance to include tasks like checking and replacing filters, inspecting spark plugs, and ensuring proper engine fluid levels to ensure optimal performance and reliability.

Is Volt Vault “Build America, Buy America” compliant?
Yes. Our Volt Vault units are proudly made in America and meet all compliance requirements for the program.

Is Volt Vault weather resistant?
Volt Vault is designed to endure tough weather conditions. It can operate in the rain and snow, and it is equipped with AMCA-certified intake louvers. Additionally, it has the below operating temperatures:

  • Fully Off-Grid: 0°F to 113°F ambient temperature range
  • Supported by Low-Voltage Connection: 0°F to 120°F

What add-ons are available for a Volt Vault?
You can add on a disaster response kit to your unit, allowing for ease of deployment in extreme weather occurrences.

Volt Vault Site + Setup Requirements

What are the site preparation requirements?
You’ll need a flat surface, approximately 40’ x 8’, to place the Volt Vault. Surface conditions must meet the following general requirements:

  • Flatness: +/– 1/4” across 10’ increments
  • Pitch: +/– 1” every 10’
  • Material: Compacted gravel or paved surfaces
  • Grounding: Volt Vault must always be grounded
  • Exhaust Clearance: Exhaust opening must be 15 feet from permanent structures in all directions

Is it a mobile solution?
Yes, all our Volt Vault units are designed to be moveable, allowing you to adapt to shifting operational needs. You can either place the unit directly on your property or purchase a unit on a trailer.

Can I use the same natural gas pipeline I use for my business?
Yes, the Volt Vault can connect to your current natural gas pipeline, provided it meets specific requirements of 3,000,000 BTU/H (or 3,000 SCFH) at 2 – 5 PSI. Our team will work with you to ensure compatibility.

What if I don’t have access to a natural gas pipeline?
Not a problem! The Volt Vault can receive gas supply through a mobile compressed natural gas (CNG) system.

Do I need my utility to help with setup?
It depends. If you will be connecting the Volt Vault to your natural gas pipeline, we have a dedicated Volt Vault National Account Manager to help navigate utility requirements and streamline the process.

Volt Vault Pricing

Is Volt Vault subject to grid rates?
No. Since Volt Vault operates independently from the electrical grid, you’ll avoid peak electricity pricing and demand charges as well as the impact of rolling grid blackouts.

What can I expect to pay for a Volt Vault?
The price for a Volt Vault unit typically ranges from $475,000-$550,000 depending on factors such as charging level, the number of ports, and the type of fuel source.

What does the OPEX and payback period look like?
Using Volt Vault’s onboard, on demand electricity production, fleets can expect to pay ~$0.14/kWh. In some cases,
customers can hit break even in less than three years.

Are financing options available?
Yes, we offer financing solutions. Contact our team to discuss the options that best fit your needs.

Is Volt Vault eligible for funding?
Our team will assist in researching available funding opportunities and connect you with eligible options as funding is location dependent.

Are there options for renting or leasing and volume discounts?
We provide both short term rentals and long-term leasing options, as well as volume discounts. Connect with our team to understand your options.

Still Have Questions?

We’re here to help. Reach out to Jerry Miller, our director of business development, at [email protected] to learn more or take the next steps in customizing your unit, today.