Kansas City, Kansas –In a bold move to address the infrastructure bottlenecks slowing down electric fleet adoption, Orange EV, a leading U.S. manufacturer of Class 8 electric trucks, has launched OptiGrid, a new company focused on delivering battery-integrated fast charging solutions tailored for fleet operators.
OptiGrid aims to solve one of the biggest hurdles in fleet electrification — the long wait times and high costs associated with grid upgrades. The company’s innovative solution integrates battery storage and ultrafast EV charging into a single, drop-in unit that can be deployed without extensive site work or reliance on utility timelines.
Purpose-Built for Fleet Electrification
Designed specifically for commercial fleets, OptiGrid’s solution enables:
- Rapid deployment in days or weeks,
- Reduced capital and operational costs, and
- High uptime with low maintenance.
The system includes a 180-kWh battery, which charges slowly from the grid or renewable sources while enabling ultrafast charging when needed. This battery-buffered model avoids demand charges and peak energy costs, making it one of the most cost-efficient charging solutions on the market.
Strategic Evolution from FreeWire Technology
The technology behind OptiGrid builds on pioneering work by FreeWire Technologies, which initially introduced the concept of battery-buffered fast charging. However, FreeWire struggled with manufacturing scale and serviceability. Trucking industry veteran Wayne Hoovestol acquired FreeWire’s assets and teamed up with Orange EV founders Kurt Neutgens and Wayne Mathisen to launch OptiGrid with a renewed focus on reliability, affordability, and performance.
Orange EV: First Strategic Partner and Launch Customer
Orange EV is OptiGrid’s first commercial partner and will use the technology to offer end-to-end electrification solutions for industrial fleets. According to Orange EV President Kurt Neutgens, “OptiGrid gives us a turnkey, fleet-ready system with low cost of ownership and the flexibility of optional leasing to reduce capital barriers.”
Leadership and Expansion
OptiGrid CEO Tyler Phillipi, who brings experience from FlexCharging, Halo Automotive, and several tech startups, joined the company in April 2025. Under his leadership, OptiGrid is preparing for a full commercial rollout later this year with a team of over 50 employees across California, Colorado, and Kansas.
Key Features and Benefits of OptiGrid:
- Fast deployment without grid delays
- Minimal CapEx and flexible OpEx financing
- Battery storage avoids demand charges
- Relocatable infrastructure
- Vehicle compatibility with CCS and NACS
- Smart management via OptiGrid’s AMP (Asset Management Platform)
The system is currently undergoing field testing through Orange EV’s fleet network and is expected to be a game-changer for fleet operators seeking scalable, grid-independent charging options.
