• The future of electric fleets
• What is an EV fleet?
• What is fleet EV charging?
• How do EV fleets charge?
• How to implement fleet EV charging?
• What to consider when deciding upon a charging EV fleet solution
• The challenges of charging an electric fleet
• The benefits of an EV fleet
• Fleet EV Charging Statistics
• How to install fleet EV charging

 

There’s a lot that goes into fleet EV (electric vehicle) charging and it can often be a minefield for businesses looking to go electric with their fleet. That’s why we’ve put together the complete guide to fleet EV charging so that you have access to all the necessary information about the benefits, costs and considerations to make when implementing EV charging for fleets. Whatever type or size of business, we’ll help to future-proof your fleet.

 

The future of electric fleets

The future of fleets is electric. The rise of electric vehicles is on and demand for EV charging stations is high. The sale of EVs increased by +200% in the last year, fuelled by the UK government banning the sale and production of new gasoline vehicles from 2030 in a bid to be net-zero by 2050, combined with the decrease in EV batteries and the advancement of technology, making EVs more affordable. 

Many businesses are now realising how EVs will be integrated into our future and are putting in the groundwork now, to make the switch to electric as smooth as possible. Research shows that in the UK, approximately 70% of new plug-in vehicles were registered to businesses and fleets. A survey consisting of 500 fleet decision-makers also found that 7 out of 10 fleet managers are considering the purchase or leasing of an EV within the next two years. 

Every business is unique and therefore a tailored approach is needed when it comes to EV fleet solutions. Each business is also at a different stage of electrifying its fleet, but what they all need to consider is how they will charge their vehicles. Installing EV charge points specifically for fleet use is an obvious way in which you can manage your fleet, as well as ensure that each vehicle has access to a charge point. 

 

 

What is an EV fleet?

An EV fleet is a collection of vehicles owned or leased by a company or organisation, that are completely powered by electricity via a rechargeable battery. EV fleets can take many forms and serve various purposes based on the purpose of the business. For example, engineer vans carrying out certain services, or transportation vehicles delivering stock and produce to retailers. 

What is fleet EV charging?

Fleet EV charging is the charge points and related infrastructure that is responsible for charging a company’s electric fleet of vehicles. This system of EV charge points can range in size, depending on the size of the fleet, and can consist of dedicated site chargers, perhaps where fleet vehicles reside overnight such as in a warehouse, or at the homes of the fleet drivers. A combination of on-site and at-home EV charge points are also commonly used within fleet charging, especially for fleet drivers that use their vehicle as their main mode of transport in and out of work. 

It’s important to note that no two EV fleet charge point systems will be the same, due to every business being different and operating differently. That’s why it can be beneficial to discuss your fleet’s needs with a professional EV solutions provider, who has experience in fleet EV installation and management.

 

 

How do EV fleets charge?

You’re interested in switching to an electric fleet, but where will your employees charge their vehicles? Well, it may take a little more planning than popping into a petrol station, but there are many options available and takes just a little more logistical thinking. When underway, charging EV fleets is a doddle. 

Home

If your fleet drivers keep their vehicle at their home overnight, or use it as their main mode of transport, in and out of working hours, then you may consider installing EV charge points at their homes. This means that they can charge their vehicles overnight and at home with ease, not worrying about finding a public charging station within their area and near their home. 

The only thing to consider is that the fleet driver must own their property, or have written permission from their landlord. In addition, they must also have their own off-street parking. 

You can find out more about home EV charging with eFaraday and the options available here.

Workplace

Workplace charging is ideal for company fleets that are regularly at an office or main workplace site but will return home at the end of the day. Having EV charge points installed on the workplace premises allows for effective and convenient charging of your fleet during the day and in between journeys. This is especially useful for those who have to make long-distance journeys to the office each day. In addition, workplace charging can be beneficial for any visitors who are EV drivers!

Depot

If your company has a depot, whereby your fleet resides overnight, then it is advised to have EV charge points installed in order to allow your electric fleet to charge out-of-hours. This is ideal for EV fleet drivers who carry out shift work, and those that have varying journeys and ranges day-to-day. 

On the Road (Public)

At some point, EV fleet drivers are likely to make use of a public charging point. Whether that be due to a long-distance journey, or running out of battery, it is a charging option your fleet are likely to encounter. 

Rapid 

Rapid EV charging is just that… rapid. When using a rapid EV charging station, your fleet drivers will be able to charge their vehicles much more quickly than with a standard EV charger. This is not always necessary, but they are becoming more readily available, especially at most public charging points. If your fleet driver needs to charge their vehicle fast whilst on the job, a rapid charger would be the way to go. 

There are therefore various types of opportunities available when it comes to charging EV fleets. When working out your EV fleet strategy, especially in terms of where, when and how drivers will be charging their vehicles, it is, therefore, important to consider how your fleet is likely to operate.

 

 

How to implement fleet EV charging

It can be hard to know where to start when thinking about implementing fleet EV charging in your business. The first step to a successful transition to electric is to identify which vehicles are the most straightforward to switch in the coming years, and which will need to wait until the EV market has further developed. 

Making decisions surrounding your company’s fleet replacement cycle or contract renewal is also important. A good start is to only buy or lease electric vehicles going forward. This sets your business up for a solid transition strategy and roadmap to switch to EVs.

When it comes to deciding how you will charge these vehicles, we recommend starting with those that return to an on-site base each night, or those that are taken to the driver’s home. Just to note, when looking to install EV chargers at fleet driver homes, they will need private off-street parking. 

 

What to consider when deciding upon a charging EV fleet solution

Understand the fleet needs

When we think about charging EV fleets, the first factor to consider is the overall needs of your fleet and how they operate. 

For example, if your fleet vehicles are kept in a depot overnight, it’s likely not necessary to have EV charge points installed at your fleet driver’s homes, as the vehicle is unlikely to ever be located there. 

A great way to understand where and how each vehicle is likely to charge is to map out a typical day for the driver. Where do they begin or end their day? How many miles do they drive? Do they drive locally to their home or workplace, or are distances further afield? 

Where will fleet vehicles mainly reside?

We’ve mentioned this above, but thinking where each EV will reside overnight or out of hours is a key way to identify where charge points should be located. Overnight is an ideal time to charge an electric fleet vehicle, not only for efficiency but also to make use of cheaper electricity rates. 

Consider all the costs involved

Like when making any big business decision, considering all the costs involved in charging EV fleets is key. From EV charge point installation, electricity tariff costs, public charge point usage rates and charge point system management and maintenance, there are various costs to be aware of when figuring out charging EV fleets. 

Factors that can influence cost include how many charge points you want to install, the make and model of charge point equipment you choose, the infrastructure work needed for each site, as well as if you choose any maintenance or monitoring contract to take care of your charge points after their installation. 

There are also several government grants that can help financially with the upfront costs of charge point installation, both on-site and at driver’s homes.

At eFaraday, we understand the upfront cost of EV charge points might not be doable for all companies. That’s why we have leasing options for businesses that are ideal for transitioning electric fleets. Pay for your charge point equipment and installation via monthly instalments and at the end of the lease, choose to keep or upgrade your equipment. 

For an accurate cost of your entire EV fleet charging system, we recommend speaking to the team. They’ll help you with your strategy, make recommendations and calculate all the associated costs, giving you a free, no-obligation quotation.

 

 

Investing in charge point infrastructure & equipment

Depending on the business, some EV fleets may be able to rely solely on public charge points. If they’re readily available in your area or near to the homes of your fleet drivers, great! However, they can end up being more expensive than using your own EV charge point infrastructure, especially if they charge a usage fee on top of the cost of electricity. 

That’s why it is worth investigating whether installing your own charge point equipment at the key charging opportunities you’ve identified within your EV fleet strategy, is a more cost-efficient and effective way of charging your electric fleet.

Discover the eFaraday solution to EV fleet charging here.

Assess Which Charger Products Are Best for Fleet Charging

There are now numerous charge points on the market, however, some are more tailored towards the needs of fleets, due to their charging capabilities and speeds. 

At eFaraday, we work with the most established EV charge point manufacturers in the market and can advise you on the best products for your bespoke charge point solution. 

Because we are not contracted to just one manufacturer, we can utilise multiple charge point brands and create a system that works for your budget, needs and requirements. For example, your on-site charge points may differ from the charge points you install at the homes of your fleet drivers. 

How Many EV Charge Points? 

Choosing how many charge points you want to initially install is also an important factor to consider, especially for on-site installations. Although you may only have a few EVs within your fleet to begin with, it is likely to grow over time, meaning you will need the necessary infrastructure installed to allow you to expand and scale in the future. 

Make use of grants & incentives 

When making the decisions surrounding charging EV fleets, it’s also worth making sure you’re aware of all the available grants and incentives that could help you with the initial investment of charge point equipment. 

In the UK, the OZEV has a Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS) in place that can save you up to £14,000 on charge points and their installation! It’s a great scheme and one that can really help with the upfront costs of transitioning to an EV fleet. 

You can find out more about the OZEV WCS and how to apply for it here.

 

 

What are the challenges of charging an EV fleet?

When first looking into charging for EV fleets, there are some challenges that arise. However, many charge point providers and management companies have done that hard work for you (like us), and come up with innovative solutions to solve the challenges associated with electric fleets. The main issue that comes up time and time again is… how do we separate electricity costs for personal and work use? 

Separating electricity costs for work and personal use

With many companies installing EV charge points at their fleet drivers’ homes, this is a big challenge to overcome. It’s not like they can show a receipt for petrol! Instead, electricity will be charged monthly on their household tariff, meaning businesses will find it hard to know what is for business or personal use. Plus, fleet drivers won’t want to be paying for electricity they’ve used for work purposes out of their own pocket. 

At eFaraday, we’ve teamed up with Mina to provide our fleet customers with an innovative, yet simple solution to fleet charging costs. Mina will provide your company with just one, accurate invoice each month, no matter where the fleet vehicles have been charging; at home, work or on the road. Your fleet drivers won’t pay anything, eliminating the need for them to claim expenses, as Mina pays their energy providers directly. 

If you want to find out more about how we work with Mina and how their technology will radicalise your EV fleet, get in touch with us today.

 

What are the benefits of an EV fleet?

Although an initial investment, EV fleets have an abundance of benefits that will have long-term positive impacts on your company and the planet. Some major benefits include:

• Reduce vehicle emissions & your carbon footprint
• Reduce vehicle maintenance costs & upkeep
• Cost-effective
• Extinguish fuel costs
• Financial aid via government grants
• Improve employee wellbeing
• Improve company brand image
• Become a sustainable leader in your industry

 

 

Fleet EV Charging Statistics

• Global EVs currently represent around 1.5% of the global fleet.
• Its expected to be 77 million passenger vehicles in the global electric vehicle fleet by 2025.

 

How to install fleet EV charging

Fleet EV charge points should always be carried out by a professional OZEV-approved installer with qualified electrical engineers. Due to dealing with the national grid and power supply of buildings, it should never be a DIY job. Plus, many grant schemes are only applicable if a professional company have carried out the installation! 

Once you have an idea of your electric fleet strategy, get in touch with the eFaraday team! We’ll provide a free quote and site survey, helping begin your transition to an electric fleet by installing high-quality charge points to your site and at the homes of your drivers. 

At eFaraday, we cover all aspects of EV fleet management. From consulting on your strategy, aiding the logistics and the system design, to installation, maintenance and ongoing monitoring. We work with a range of EV charge point installers and will create a bespoke solution for you and the needs of your fleet. Plus, we provide exceptional and reliable 24/7 monitoring on the entire system, meaning no charge point will ever let you or your fleet drivers down. 

Call us for a free quote and for one of the eFaraday team to answer all your burning questions. Contact us online here or call 0330 002 1154.