One key consideration when converting your fleet to electric vehicles (EVs) is the charging networks. You need to know the charging levels, how accessible the charging stations are along your routes, and whether you will add chargers at your facility. Electric vehicles have large lithium-ion batteries that store direct current (DC). This functionality allows direct electricity transfer from the electric grid through a cord that connects the car to a power source or public charging station.
EV Charging Network Levels
Three electric vehicles (EV) charging levels are Level 1, 2, and Direct Current Fast Charging (DCFC).
Level 1 is the slowest setting and can be obtained by connecting an EV to a standard household outlet. This is not common among fleets as it takes 6-8 hours to get a full charge and is recommended for those fleets that travel 40 miles at most daily.
Level 2 chargers can occur at home or depots and require a 240-volt at-home outlet (such as the outlet used for dryers and refrigerators) and an EVSE “box” that becomes the intermediary between the power source and the car.
The EVSE costs around $1,200 and adds 10 to 60 miles of range per charge hour. Level 2 charging is the most common type for fleets and can give a full charge in 4-8 hours, making it an economical and efficient option for fleets.
With easy installation options and the ability to add chargers to home-based depots, level 2 chargers are ideal for fleet owners looking to convert their vehicles to electric. With the right charging network, your fleet can be up and running.
Level 3 charging is the fastest and most expensive method. Drawing 480-volt, Level 3 chargers provide about 90 miles of range in approximately 30 minutes and are ideal for heavy-duty trucks. However, due to the incredible expense involved, most fleets do not need to consider level 3 charging.
Additionally, it’s recommended to investigate networked intelligent chargers. These chargers offer more than just a way to locate and reserve charging infrastructures – they can also help fleets save time, money, and energy.
By managing charging sessions with networked software, fleets can get real-time updates on their vehicles’ batteries’ status and better plan for future trips.
Smart chargers also provide detailed reports of charging sessions, which can be used to optimize efficiency and maximize savings.
Investing in a networked smart charger is an excellent way for fleets to reduce their environmental impact while increasing operational costs.
With the proper infrastructure, fleets can benefit from intelligent charging technology and make the switch to electric vehicles.
Furthermore, with intelligent chargers being networked software-based, fleets can be assured of their security.
Software such as this helps protect sensitive information such as financial data and personal driver information by using encryption algorithms and other advanced safety protocols.
With these enhanced measures, fleets can rest assured that their data is secure and that their vehicles get the best charging experience possible.
Investing in a networked smart charger is an excellent way for fleets to reduce emissions, save time and money, and ensure data security.
In addition, this advanced technology allows fleets to switch to electric vehicles and make the most of their charging infrastructure.
Last but not least, as businesses shift towards electrifying their fleets, there is an increased need to ensure that vehicles have reliable access to power.
To mitigate the risk of power supply disruption and provide real-time visibility into your charging network, you should consider implementing robust charging mechanisms such as on-site power generation and microgrids.
On-site generators will give you the flexibility and peace of mind that your vehicles will remain powered up, so you can stay on the move.
In addition, with real-time visibility of your charging network, you’ll have a snapshot of uptime performance to make informed decisions about your operations.
Investing in robust charging mechanisms is worth it – they will enable efficient and reliable access to power, now and in the future.
This is a surefire way to ensure you have reliable power for your vehicles and keep them running smoothly.
You can build an effective charging network with on-site generators and microgrids that ensure your cars stay charged when and where you need them.
Investing in robust charging mechanisms is an intelligent decision – they’ll provide reliable access to power and maximize your operation’s efficiency. So make the switch today and ensure you’re well-prepared for the future.
Data analytics and alerts can effectively monitor your chargers’ status, ensuring they work correctly and providing efficient service.
Through this data, you can track the hourly and daily utilization of each charger, as well as CO2 generation data and energy consumption.
This insight allows you to make informed decisions about where to install more chargers, how much energy is being used, and how to reduce emissions.
Additionally, data analytics can detect potential problems with your chargers before they become critical issues, allowing you to take immediate action and prevent costly downtime in the future.
Charging is the bread and butter of using an EV. However, there are different charging mechanisms, so your company needs to understand which will work best for your EVs.
