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In today's rapidly evolving fleet industry, transitioning your fleet to electric vehicles (EVs) is more than a trend—it's an imperative for sustainable growth. As you’re planning for EV adoption, selecting the right charging solution for your fleet is a key decision that can affect operational efficiency and long-term success.
This guide will walk you through the essential factors to consider when deciding which EV charging solution best suits your fleet's unique needs.
Transitioning your fleet to electric vehicles offers many benefits, from reducing carbon emissions to lowering operational costs.
However, the transition is only as smooth as the charging infrastructure you put in place. A good charging plan makes sure your vehicles are always ready to head out on the road. It reduces downtime and increases the benefits of going electric.
To make an informed decision about the right EV charging solution for your needs, there are several factors to keep in mind:
Driver behavior and patterns: Understanding driver behavior, such as daily mileage and preferred routes, allows businesses to align charging solutions with operational efficiency and convenience.
Up-front costs and long-term investment: While initial installation costs can be high, selecting scalable infrastructure ensures greater savings through reduced maintenance and energy expenses over time.
Installation complexity: Factors like electrical capacity, site accessibility, and regulatory compliance significantly affect installation timelines and costs, making thorough planning essential.
Incentives from different levels of government, car manufacturers and utilities: Using available tax credits, rebates, and grants can dramatically reduce both the installation and operational costs of an EV infrastructure project.
Driver reimbursements and fleet policy: Fleet vehicle reimbursement ensures employees are compensated for the electricity used to charge their EVs at home or in public for work-related activities.
Did you know that almost 80% of EV fleet charging happens at home? Charging at home is a convenient and cost-effective option for take-home fleets.
Benefits of home charging:
Lower capital investment
Predictable charging costs
Charging overnight saves on downtime and energy costs
This option requires up-front installation at each driver’s residence. While coordinating this across multiple residences can add complexity, having the right partner can help you streamline and avoid pitfalls. Home charging often comes with an initial cost, but you can amortize it over an extended period of time with an EV Home Charger Subscription.
This is the best EV fleet charging solution for:
A workforce where the majority live in single- family dwellings
Drivers who take their vehicles home at night
Economics and convenience
For fleets in central locations, workplace charging is ideal for drivers who commute to the office. It works best for drivers who keep their vehicles parked in facilities or loading bays for longer periods of time (known as “dwell times”). Planning for upgrades in leased vs. owned properties can add complexity, however, the right partner can help you navigate this with ease.
Benefits of centralized charging:
Free charging can be a work perk
Supports in-office policies
Opportunity to generate revenue from charging infrastructure
Decreases the need for public charging
This is the best solution for:
A workforce that lives in condos, rental buildings, and multi-unit dwellings
Fleets with high downtime during office hours
Offices in locations with limited public charging infrastructure
Areas where residential power is unpredictable
Areas with make-ready incentives provided by utility companies to build charging infrastructure
Public charging offers flexibility for operations that require extended trips or quick stops. This works best as a top-up option that supplements other fleet charging solutions as it has more expensive charging rates ($/kWh).
Benefits of public charging stations:
Flexibility and accessibility
Compliments other solutions
Rapid charging times with DC fast charging stations
This is the best EV charging solution for:
Highly urban areas with lots of public charging
Highly rural areas that need to cover extremely long distances
Regular parking where public charging is available (shopping malls)
Ideal for operations that require a complementary charge for extended trips or a quick stop
Depot solutions involve more complex planning because of factors like site design, charging load, and utility upgrades. However, they provide a robust framework for fleets with higher power demands and tight turnaround times.
The benefits of depot charging:
Fast charging
Commercial chargers have advanced energy management and load- balancing features
Ability to trim energy costs based on energy needed per vehicle
Infrastructure considerations for your depot:
Plan for how infrastructure needs may grow over time
How will your depot affect the layout of your factory/warehouse/site?
Incoming utility service requirements for now and the future
Peak power demand and its impact on energy costs
This is the best EV charging solution for:
Fleets with low downtime
Mission-critical fleets
Logistics and service fleets
Areas where residential power is unreliable
Areas with incentives provided by utility companies to build charging infrastructure
Choosing which charger type—or level—fits your fleet's requirements is the next layer that is crucial for optimizing your charging strategy.
Understanding the different EV charger types is essential for maximizing your fleet's efficiency and minimizing downtime. Selecting the best fit ensures your fleet is ready to perform at its peak. Explore the options below to find the ideal solution to fit your needs.
Typically included with EV purchases, these portable chargers plug into a standard 120V outlet that you have in your home.
Best suited for:
Light-duty plug-in hybrid vehicles, and smaller battery EVs for shorter daily commutes.
Drivers with routine commutes of under 40 miles (80 km) per day.
Level 2 chargers can be supplied by a number of charging vendors, as well as some EV manufacturers. They need a 240V circuit, the kind of outlet you would use for large appliances like ovens or dryers, and generally require support from an electrician for installation.
Best option for:
Versatile chargers catering to home, workplace, public, and depot environments.
Ideal for light and medium-duty vehicles with greater range requirements.
Most cost-effective for drivers that can park their vehicles at night for 8+ hours of downtime.
Charging vendors supply direct current fast chargers (DCFC), which support higher power levels (>50kW), and faster charging speeds compared to home and some workplaces.
For example, DCFCs can charge vehicles as fast as 70 miles (113 km) in 5 minutes.
Better suited for:
Private depots or used in public charging networks
Medium and heavy-duty trucks or heavy-use vehicles
Short-dwell charging (multi-shift) when a vehicle needs to charge in 30-50 minutes
Ultimately, the best charging solution depends on your fleet's unique needs and goals.
Evaluate fleet needs
Consider how your fleet operates—where vehicles are parked during downtime, driver patterns, and future expansion plans.
Engage stakeholders
Involve key stakeholders, including drivers, facility managers, and financial officers, to ensure alignment and support for your chosen solution.
Plan for the long term
Think beyond immediate needs and plan for future growth. Choosing scalable solutions can save time and money as your fleet expands.
Choosing the right charger is the foundation for running your fleet efficiently, providing the reliability your fleet needs. Paired with smart battery efficiency strategies, you can ensure your EV fleet remains reliable and drivers stay confident. The following methods work to maximize performance and keep range anxiety at bay:
Route optimization Use advanced route planning software to enhance route efficiency and minimize energy consumption. Efficient routing not only saves time but also maximizes battery usage, ensuring your fleet operates smoothly.
Regular maintenance schedules Establish a routine maintenance schedule to keep your EVs in top condition. Regular checks and servicing can prevent unexpected downtimes and extend the lifespan of your vehicles.
Driver training and engagement Invest in training programs for drivers to ensure they are familiar with EV operations and efficient driving techniques, which can significantly affect energy consumption and lead to cost savings.
Transitioning your fleet to electric vehicles starts with choosing the right EV charging infrastructure. Choosing the best solution not only simplifies the switch but also helps you tackle challenges with confidence.
Our team is here to help you find optimal charging options for both owned and leased vehicles. From acquisition and financing to maintenance and remarketing, our support can cover all your EV fleet needs. Take the first step toward sustainable growth and operational excellence.
Download our EV charging guide today or get in touch with us to learn more.