Your charging requirements will vary depending on the specifics of your EV fleet, including the kind of vehicles you drive, how frequently you use them, and the condition of the local power system. However, businesses switching to EVs typically employ one or more of the following three approaches:
Level1 charging through standard power outlet
Using the current power system in your building to keep your fleet charged is the most straightforward method of charging fleet EVs. Level 1 EV charging uses regular 120 volt AC outlets to recharge a car’s battery. A portable charging device is enough. Compared to a hard-wired Level 2 or fast-charge unit, these components are far less expensive, and they can be easily changed when necessary. Unfortunately, Level 1 charging is limited to light-duty vehicles that are used only rarely. An electric car can require up to 50 hours to fully charge from a standard outlet. Of course, if you intend to use the electric grid at your facility to keep multiple vehicles charged around-the-clock, you should consult your local utility company.
Decentralized EV charging
In addition to using home EV chargers, there may be public charging stations available for EV fleet charging on the current infrastructure. The instant availability of both options is a benefit, but there are drawbacks as well. Level 2 chargers, available at public charging stations, can increase an EV’s range by up to 25 miles per hour. Additionally, they might have DC fast charge (DCFC) devices available, which can charge an EV battery from empty to 80 percent in as little as 20 minutes.
Using the home chargers provided by your employees might allow you to obtain more charge capacity. Using home EV charging can be up to 60% less expensive than using commercial EV chargers. All you need to do is figure out a way to pay or reimburse staff members for their expenses. It is possible to establish a decentralized charging network that can accommodate a small EV fleet by utilizing both public and residential EV chargers. Larger fleets would be better served by building their own EV fleet charging infrastructure, though.
Building your own EV fleet charging stations
Installing your own company charger bank is the most dependable method for EV charging fleets. You can keep costs under control and guarantee that vehicles are available when you need them with a depot full of Level 2 and DCFC chargers, specifically designed for your fleet’s requirements. In general, Level 2 chargers are less expensive to construct and operate than DCFC equivalents. The majority of facilities find that a combination of these technologies, combined with emergency Level 1 charging, yields the best results.
The good news is that you can avoid the high expense of building a new facility by adding Level 2 EV chargers to your current fleet depot. Up to two EV chargers can be supported on a single, small unit by an EV Charger Pedestal. These stands’ charging stations don’t take up much room, so they should fit in well with your current setup.
