A Better Access to EV Charging for Commercial Fleets

Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming an integral part of commercial fleets, driven by both regulatory pressures and the need for sustainable business practices. The transition to EVs is inevitable, but the pace and success of this shift largely depend on solving one of the key challenges: charging infrastructure. While many fleets initially focus on back-to-base charging strategies, the limitations of depot charging—such as significant upfront investment and geographical restrictions—make it clear that a robust public charging strategy is essential.

This article delves into the complexities of EV charging for fleets, the importance of improving access to public charging, and considerations for developing a high-level public charging strategy that meets the diverse needs of commercial fleets.

Electrifying a fleet is not a one-size-fits-all process. Each fleet has unique needs, and even those pursuing a back-to-base charging model will inevitably need a reliable public charging backup. Understanding the complexities of fleet EV charging requires assessing several key variables:

Where will my fleet charge?

Most fleets will require a mix of charging options: home charging, workplace charging, dedicated depots, and public charging across various networks. Each of these options has its own set of challenges and benefits that need to be carefully balanced.

At what speed should the vehicles be charged?

The charging speed—ranging from Level 1 to Level 3 DC fast charging—must be aligned with the fleet’s operational requirements. This decision will directly impact cost, infrastructure needs, and overall fleet efficiency.

What types of vehicles are in the fleet?

The diversity within a fleet—encompassing light-duty, medium-duty, and heavy-duty vehicles—complicates the charging equation. Different vehicle types may require different charging solutions, adding layers of complexity to the charging strategy.

What geographic area does the fleet cover?

The larger and more dispersed the fleet’s operational area, the more critical public charging becomes. Local operations might manage with limited infrastructure, but regional or cross-border fleets will need a more comprehensive public charging strategy.

As previously noted, public charging plays a pivotal role in any fleet’s electrification strategy. Even for fleets primarily using depot charging, public charging is an indispensable backup that ensures operational continuity.

The growing public charging infrastructure across North America—featuring more than 100 networks and over 200,000 charging stations today—presents both opportunities and challenges. While the expansion is promising, it also leads to fragmentation, with multiple payment systems and compatibility issues that can complicate the charging experience.

However, the rise of EV roaming offers a solution to this complexity. Roaming allows EV drivers to charge across different networks with ease, ensuring that fleets can access the necessary infrastructure without being locked into a single network. This trend is supported by key industry players who are working together to enhance the public charging experience.

Developing a tailored public charging strategy is essential, particularly for larger fleets with more complex needs. While smaller fleets might manage with a limited number of charging networks, larger fleets must consider a broader range of factors, including geography, charging speed, vehicle types, and user experience. Critical questions to ask include:

• What geography does my fleet cover?

• Are local/national networks sufficient for our needs?

• How will we integrate public charging with our back-to-base strategy?

• What level of control do we require over the public charging experience?

• How quickly do we want to electrify our fleet?

• What user experience do we want for our drivers and clients?

• What is our pricing strategy compared to public rates?

• What mechanisms should we implement to detect and prevent fraud?

• How will we authenticate users?

There are several paths to consider when building a public charging strategy for your fleet. Depending on your fleet’s needs and resources, you may choose between two primary approaches:

1. Peer-to-Peer Roaming

   Peer-to-peer (P2P) roaming involves establishing direct agreements with multiple charging networks. For smaller fleets or those operating in a limited geographic area, this approach can be sufficient. P2P roaming allows for direct control over which networks the fleet uses and can provide a tailored solution based on specific needs. However, as a fleet grows or expands its operational area, managing multiple agreements, payment systems, and compatibility requirements can become increasingly complex and resource-intensive.

2. Roaming Through a Hub

   For fleets with more extensive needs, particularly those looking to scale, roaming through a hub offers a more efficient and scalable solution. A roaming hub like ChargeHub’s Passport Hub consolidates access to multiple charging networks under one platform, simplifying the integration process. This approach reduces the technical and administrative burden of managing numerous P2P agreements and ensures that fleets have consistent access to a broad network of charging stations, regardless of their geographic footprint. As fleets expand, the hub model provides the scalability and flexibility needed to support their growing electrification efforts.

As commercial fleets continue to embrace electrification, a well-planned public charging strategy will be crucial to success. Whether you opt for an existing solution, build your own, or choose a hybrid approach like ChargeHub’s Passport Hub, understanding the complexities and options available will help you navigate the transition more effectively.

Prepare your EV public charging strategy—consider the best path for your fleet's needs and resources.