For all the progress being made on fleet electrification, one problem persists – getting enough power to the right places at the right time.
In fact, some fleets are still facing waits of anything up to ‘several years’ for the grid updates needed to install depot charging, according to latest research.
face waits of several years for the grid upgrades needed to install depot charging. That creates a challenge for businesses expected to reduce emissions while keeping vehicles available, routes covered and costs under control.
And it’s not simply a shortage of electricity that’s the issue, either, with some sites reserving way more grid capacity than they use.
Connection queues for the grid are often still based on the amount booked rather than real-time demand, which can leave an imbalance that isn’t addressed.
There are positives, with public charger numbers increasing significantly (and even outnumbering fuel pumps across the UK), but the real figures that matter are reliable charging at locations that suit routes and don’t disrupt the working day.
But without sufficient grid capacity, even a fleet with suitable routes may struggle to switch, which is why infrastructure remains a genuine barrier for many.
Understanding mileage, route patterns, vehicle downtime and charging windows can help fleets identify which vehicles are suitable for electrification now, where investment is needed and where alternatives may still be required.
Understanding how vehicles are being used through Fleet Monitor is more important than ever, providing you with evidence for procurement and electrification decisions as we move into a new era of fleet operations.
