Cost-Effective and Efficient at Home Charging for Electric Fleet Vehicle
Home charging solutions for fleet vehicles entail a strategic approach to cost recovery and operational efficiency. Our experience collaborating with numerous councils has unveiled crucial insights: a significant portion, approximately 60%, of council staff park their vehicles at home. In light of this, understanding the dynamics of home charging becomes imperative, particularly in areas lacking adequate public charging infrastructure. Typically, home charging setups include 3kW or 7kW chargers, with the possibility of utilising standard wall plugs.
The installation process is generally straightforward, with complexity arising only in scenarios necessitating switchboard upgrades, wall penetrations, or civil works.
Benefits of home charging for fleets are multifaceted:
Reduced Dependency on Public Charging: Mitigating reliance on public charging stations.
Leveraging Off-Peak Electricity Rates: Capitalising on lower nighttime electricity costs.
Ensuring Fleet Readiness: Guaranteeing full charge for fleet vehicles each day.
Minimised Infrastructure Investment: Diminishing the need for extensive fleet facility upgrades.
However, challenges persist:
Synchronisation with Renewable Energy: Charging at night may not align with daytime renewable energy production without additional infrastructure.
Policy Considerations: Determining responsibility for installation costs and addressing personnel changes or relocations.
Cost Reimbursement Complexity: Managing reimbursements for infrastructure and electricity consumption effectively.
Effective reimbursement strategies encompass:
Infrastructure: Clear policies ensuring full reimbursement for installation costs, including labor, upgrades, and service fees.
Electricity Consumption: Tracking and reimbursing electrical expenses can be approached through various methods: a. Odometer Readings: Establishing a corporate cost per kilometer for reimbursement simplicity. b. Telematics: Utilising vehicle telematics to track energy consumption by vehicle, facilitating precise charging reports. c. Smart Charging Stations: Networked stations offer advanced features like energy usage tracking and direct reporting to company administrators. d. Digital Meter Monitoring: Employing dedicated meters or smart home systems to monitor EV-specific energy consumption accurately.
Given the prevalence of home garaged vehicles, collaboration between stakeholders such as utilities, local governments, logistics firms, and corporations becomes paramount. Exploring policy adjustments and partnerships with government agencies and charging networks can pave the way for an efficient home charging network, bolstering fleet transitions while ensuring financial viability for charging networks. EVUp stands ready to navigate these complexities and drive sustainable fleet solutions forward.