Miller Electric Company :Bridging the Gap between Tradition and Tomorrow in EV Solutions

The rise of electric vehicles (EVs) is driving a major shift in infrastructure as cities and regions transition from traditional fuel stations to EV charging stations. In North America, ambitious government goals to cut carbon emissions are accelerating this change. Charging stations are now common at malls, offices, and public spaces. The increase in EV adoption has created a need for expanded grids, upgraded utilities, and new approaches to energy generation and storage. Though the transition is complex, the push toward a cleaner, electrified future is rapidly gaining momentum.

At the forefront of this transformation is Miller Electric Company, a long-standing leader in energy and electrical infrastructure services. They focus on renewable energy integration and innovative technology to support businesses in adopting EV solutions, with a specialized public testing facility and full project management.

“Our 95 years of expertise and comprehensive in-house capabilities allow us to offer a proven end-to-end approach that accelerates our clients’ electrification journey, all while keeping the future in focus,” says Kerri Stewart, Chief Strategy Officer at Miller Electric.

A Scalable Workforce and Extensive Experience

Miller Electric Company operates as a family-owned business and an IBEW Union shop with 20 offices across the U.S. They employ over 3,500 skilled professionals—3,000 of whom are licensed electricians. This extensive team of skilled trade professionals gives the company the ability to scale quickly for large projects such as data centers, healthcare facilities, and advanced manufacturing construction. Miller Electric handles projects of all sizes in the EV charging space and focuses on serving industries where energy and technology are essential to delivering exceptional value to critical projects.

Miller Electric Company offers full lifecycle project management for EV charging infrastructure, providing support at every stage of the project journey—from consultation to design, engineering, and installation. Miller Electric’s consultative approach helps clients, from property owners to charge point operators with networks across North America, navigate the requirements of EV installations. This early involvement minimizes delays and ensures optimal outcomes. Miller Electric also manages permitting, utility coordination, regulatory compliance, equipment procurement, and ongoing maintenance to ensure the long-term success of the infrastructure they build.

Innovation through the Electric Vehicle Innovation Design Center

Miller Electric’s dedication to innovation is exemplified by their Electric Vehicle Innovation Design Center (EVIDC) in Jacksonville, Florida. This facility serves as a ‘living laboratory’ for EV infrastructure and features 7 different Level 3 DC Fast chargers and 21 level 2 chargers from various manufacturers, each with distinct software and hardware. The EVIDC collects data on charger performance, customer experiences, and energy consumption to provide invaluable feedback to manufacturers, utilities, and research institutions.

One of the key innovations being tested at the EVIDC is the integration of renewable energy into EV charging infrastructure. The facility is equipped with solar panels, battery energy storage, and backup propane generation managed by two microgrid solutions. This model addresses a critical need for customers whose sites may not have sufficient energy from the grid. In many cases, upgrading both the utility and customer side of the meter is required. The EVIDC demonstrates how distributed energy solutions can fill the gap to help customers reduce their reliance on the grid while optimizing energy use from multiple sources.

Pioneering Solutions in Energy Storage

Miller Electric’s expertise is highlighted in a recent project for a regional transit authority, which involved designing and installing charging infrastructure. Over the past 50 years, Miller Electric has worked with this transit authority at their maintenance facility to install solar panels to support their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals. While the solar array generated excess energy, local grid constraints meant that the energy couldn’t be fed back.

Years later, as the authority began deploying autonomous shuttles and converting a third of their bus fleet to electric, they needed more energy for charging. Miller Electric designed a system that captured the stranded solar energy into a battery storage system and used hydrogen as a backup to avoid expensive utility upgrades. This solution maximized the value of the existing solar investment while ensuring efficient energy management for the new electric fleet.

A Culture of Learning and Commitment

Miller Electric’s EVIDC isn’t just a hub for cutting-edge technology—it’s also a training center for employees and clients. The facility offers training on repair, maintenance, and commissioning of EV charging systems to ensure that the workforce and clients are well-equipped for the future of electrification.

“The investment in our employees is a reflection of our values. We believe in continuous learning and growth to remain at the forefront of the energy and electrical industries,” says Stewart.

Powering the Future of EV

Miller Electric Company’s dedication to advancing EV solutions, embracing technological innovations, and maximizing the total cost of ownership for clients is evident in every project they undertake. It complies with all relevant regulations from governmental authorities and also evaluates the changing energy landscape to help clients transition their facilities and fleets to electric power. The company’s focus on energy efficiency, workforce development, and sustainable infrastructure makes it a key player in driving the EV transformation for a cleaner and electrified future.