Friday, November 22, 2024
Infrastructure and TechnologyLatestNews

Fleet charging challenge addressed in new guide

EV charging infrastructure firm Mer has released a new guide to assist those with transitioning their fleets to electric vehicles and the associated charging issues.

The firm has created the guide after working with businesses and discovering a conflict between the ambitious electrification goals and the challenge of charging all of their new fleet vehicles.

The guide will help last mile logistics managers understand the process and ensure that their fleet electrification plans don’t get stuck in a bottleneck. It covers the importance of including depot energy capacity when setting fleet electrification targets – and how to calculate power availability and the solutions to overcoming grid limitations. Other steps covered include identifying whether fast or rapid chargers suit a last mile operator’s needs; the procurement process; installation; and minimising charger downtime.

Natasha Fry, Head of Strategic Accounts at Mer and co-author of the guide, said: “Delivery fleet managers are very data-driven when it comes to identifying which vehicles can be electrified and the best way to optimise those assets. However, they need to start taking the same analytical approach to the charging infrastructure and planning for how vehicles will be charged, how much power it’ll require and establishing where that power comes from.

“Final mile fleets are among those driving electrification and many have set ambitious goals to go even further. But without a true understanding of the power availability at each depot, and the cost implications of upgrading those grid connections, their roll-outs of EVs risk being delayed while budgets are revised upwards.”

“Upgrading your grid connection comes at a price and takes time. But understanding that in the early stages means you go into it with your eyes open. Some last mile logistics operators will be prepared to increase budgets to meet existing targets, while others might prefer to take a more phased approach.

“To run an effective last mile logistics business, data is king. Being armed with the right information on EV charging will ensure you make evidence-based decisions on electrification, rather than make costly mistakes.”

Image courtesy of Mer

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