As commercial fleets transition to electric vehicles (EVs), the journey for many starts with installing suitable charging infrastructure to energise newly acquired battery electric vehicles (BEVs). While a predictable first step, it is a critically important one that should be designed for the context of an evolving hierarchy of needs as your zero-carbon fleet scales:  

• Ensuring business continuity - being as reliable as the ICE fleet it is replacing.  

• Power management and optimisation will be significant factors as the fleet grows, both to maximise the use of what is, for many, a finite supply and to cost-optimise consumption.  

• Offering monetisation options such as depot/infrastructure sharing to help drive the lowest total cost of ownership (TCO).  
   

This guide provides a comprehensive approach to selecting the right EV charging infrastructure foundation, addressing considerations beyond just the charger type to help fleets avoid pitfalls and establish a scalable charge platform that can accelerate your zero-carbon ambitions.

AC vs DC Charging: Understanding the Basics  

AC chargers typically offer slower charging by converting grid-supplied AC power into DC power within the vehicle via the onboard charger. They are ideal for scenarios with extended downtime, such as overnight charging or when vehicles can accommodate longer charging periods without impacting productivity. AC chargers are also more cost-effective to install, typically ranging from £1,000 to £3,000 per unit, making them an economical choice for fleets with predictable schedules and lower charging demands.  
 
Conversely, DC chargers provide much faster charging by converting AC power within the charging unit itself, bypassing the vehicle's onboard charger to deliver power directly to the battery. They are well-suited for fleets with large battery capacities and/or short dwell times. While DC chargers allow for rapid top-ups and are ideal for fleets with quick turnaround times, they come at a higher cost. Installation and equipment expenses for DC chargers typically range from £20,000 to £50,000 per unit, depending on the charging capacity. The need for speed and operational flexibility in businesses with tight schedules justifies this higher upfront cost.  

Choosing between AC and DC chargers depends on your fleet's operational patterns, charging time requirements, and budget. AC chargers may be more suitable for fleets with extended idle times, while DC chargers are essential for fast energy replenishment operations.

Where and When to Charge  

• Overnight Charging: Overnight charging is a strategic method that takes advantage of extended vehicle downtime to ensure fleets are fully charged and ready for the next day. It's ideal for fleets that return to base and remain idle overnight, maximising downtime to keep vehicles operational.  AC chargers offer steady and reliable charging during these extended periods—perfect for fleets with regular overnight stops. For added convenience, DC All-In-One chargers can charge up to two vehicles simultaneously from a single compact unit.  For depots with limited space and simple requirements, fast overnight charging provides moderate speeds that match overnight needs. In more complex depots or larger fleets, DC Distributed chargers excel, supporting up to eight connections with power modules separated from the charging connectors. Available in floor, wall, or mounted configurations, these systems adapt to various operational environments.  
   

• Flexible Charging: Flexible charging solutions are designed to adapt to the evolving needs of fleets, allowing for dynamic adjustments in charging based on vehicle demand and operational requirements. These solutions are easily scalable, enabling fleet managers to increase or add more charge points. DC Portable chargers are an example of this category. These compact, mobile units are designed for convenience and rapid deployment, making them ideal for workshops, demonstration vehicles, or situations where temporary or emergency charging is required. Their flexibility and portability allow for quick response to changing charging needs, ensuring that fleets can maintain operational efficiency even in unexpected circumstances.
   

• Opportunity Charging: Opportunity charging is ideal for fleets that require frequent, short-duration charging sessions to maintain continuous operation. This approach is particularly suited for larger vehicles, such as buses and trucks, which can charge during brief periods of inactivity. DC Pantograph chargers offer an overhead charging solution specifically designed for these scenarios. With options for 'panto down' (arm on gantry) or 'panto up' (arm on vehicle) configurations, pantograph chargers enable quick and efficient charging without manual intervention, ensuring large vehicles remain operational with minimal downtime.  

Supporting open standards  

The true power of charging hardware is unlocked when paired with sophisticated software and service overlays to enable greater control, resilience and automation. Charge management software enables 'single pane of glass' management of your depot infrastructure, fleet operational readiness and performance management. It also delivers service resilience through real-time monitoring, automated fault resolution, vehicle analytics energy optimisation, and an ability to recover cost through infrastructure sharing if required. This notion of 'software-defined infrastructure' is commonplace in the IT world and enabled through support of open standards to enable 'plug and play' integrations as the needs evolve. Using systems that support the Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP) ensures interoperability between the charging hardware and back-office software. This allows fleet managers to control charging sessions remotely, monitor performance, and adjust settings to optimise energy use and minimise costs.

Software also helps with smart charging, allowing operators to charge vehicles during off-peak energy hours, saving costs and preventing grid overload. For fleets with infrastructure sharing models, such as allowing blue-light services access chargers during off-peak times, smart scheduling is essential.

Selecting the appropriate EV charger involves a multitude of considerations beyond just the hardware itself. Here's a detailed breakdown of the factors that will guide you in making an informed choice: 

1. Understanding Fleet-Specific Requirements  
When selecting charging solutions for your fleet, it's essential to consider the type of vehicles and their usage patterns, as these factors significantly influence charging requirements. Different vehicles—such as buses, delivery vans, and heavy goods vehicles (HGVs)—have varied charging needs to determine the most suitable charger type and configuration. Additionally, the dwell time, or the duration vehicles are stationary, plays a crucial role. Fleets with longer dwell times can utilise slower AC chargers, which are adequate for extended periods of inactivity. In contrast, fleets with shorter downtimes will benefit from rapid DC chargers to maintain operational efficiency and minimise downtime.   

2. Site-Specific Considerations  
Evaluating the existing power infrastructure at your charging locations is critical, as insufficient power capacity can restrict the number of chargers you can install and impact their performance. Additionally, the specific requirements of different environments—such as depots, public charging stations, or home bases—must be considered. Tailoring the charging infrastructure to meet the unique needs of each location ensures optimal performance and efficient use of space, allowing for effective deployment and operation of your charging solutions.  

Maximising Space Efficiency in Charging Infrastructure
Effective space utilisation is crucial for depots with limited room for infrastructure. Space-efficient charging solutions optimise functionality without sacrificing operational space. For example, charger reels enhance safety by providing organised cable management, reducing ground clutter and minimising accident risks. Wall-mounted chargers also save floor space, preserving valuable ground area for vehicle movement and other operations. Together, these solutions create a more organised and efficient charging environment, maximising available space while maintaining accessibility and safety.  

3. Technical Specifications and Compatibility
Ensuring that your charging hardware supports the complete implementation of the Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP) is crucial for interoperability with fleet management software. A thorough OCPP implementation enables the support team to utilise the full feature set for remote monitoring, diagnostic logs, firmware updates, and smart charging profiles, allowing them to identify and resolve issues quickly. Anything less could compromise the reliability and uptime of this critical infrastructure, leading to potential service disruptions.  

In addition, it's essential to verify that the hardware supports the relevant charging protocols. For AC conductive charging, compliance with IEC 61851 is required, while DIN 70121 covers DC conductive charging. Additionally, IEC 15118, which supports both AC and DC charging, is becoming the emerging standard for vehicle-to-grid (V2G) communication and future smart charging applications. Given the increasing adoption of IEC 15118 in new vehicles and charging stations, specifying this protocol as a requirement is crucial to future-proofing your installation. This compatibility ensures that your charging infrastructure effectively meets operational needs and adapts to evolving technologies while also facilitating the support engineer's job and minimising future service interruptions.  

4. Regulatory Compliance and Incentives
Compliance with local and national regulations is crucial when selecting charging hardware, as it ensures adherence to safety, energy efficiency, and accessibility standards. In the UK, this means meeting requirements from the Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV) and British Standards (BS), while in the US, compliance with the Department of Energy (DOE) and Underwriters Laboratories (UL) is necessary to avoid legal issues.  

In the US, the manufacturing location affects eligibility for grants and incentives like those from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). To maximise benefits, choose hardware from compliant manufacturers. In the UK, select products aligned with the Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS) or the Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme (EVHS). By opting for compliant hardware, you ensure regulatory adherence and enhance opportunities for financial support in both markets. 

Avoiding Common Pitfalls  

When developing your charging infrastructure, planning for future needs is essential to accommodate fleet growth and avoid common pitfalls. Inadequate foresight can lead to costly upgrades and operational disruptions. This planning should evaluate site-specific constraints, such as existing power capacity and spatial limitations, to prevent inefficiencies and installation challenges.  

For example, insufficient power supply may limit the number of chargers you can deploy, while limited space can impact the layout and accessibility of charging stations. Additionally, integrating energy optimisation strategies—such as smart charging and load management—can enhance efficiency and reduce operational costs. By addressing these constraints early and designing with future expansion in mind, you can create a more adaptable and cost-effective charging infrastructure that supports long-term operational success and growth.  

Partnering for Optimal Charging Solutions  

Transitioning to an electric fleet is a vital step toward sustainability and operational efficiency, and to ensure a seamless shift to electric mobility, it's essential to pair the right charging hardware with advanced fleet management software. By understanding the various types of charging solutions and aligning them with your fleet's specific needs while integrating intelligent software, you can optimise your charging infrastructure, supporting growth and contributing positively to environmental goals.   

At EO Charging, we collaborate with leading manufacturers to offer a diverse range of tailored solutions. Our Charge Assurance packaged solution goes beyond hardware selection and installation; we provide comprehensive support to manage your entire EV charging infrastructure. With our expertise, you gain access to a robust, future-proof system that ensures seamless integration, ongoing support, and unrivalled uptime, all while meeting your fleet's unique requirements.  

To learn more about the various charging solutions available and how they can be integrated into your fleet operations, visit our website here.