Which electric vehicle charging solution is best suited for your fleet?
July 06, 2022
4 minutes
![EV charging](/binaries/content/gallery/efv4/EFArticleHeroImage/article-hero-ev-charging-guide-min.png/article-hero-ev-charging-guide-min.png/elementfleet%3Aarticleherodesktop)
Finding the optimal charging solution for your EV fleet is a critical step along the fleet electrification journey. There are many factors to consider when deciding which solution is best suited including driver behavior, up-front costs, and installation complexity.
Download our easy-to -navigate reference sheet to help you assess the different types of EV charging solutions and find out which solution or combination of solutions best serves your fleet’s needs.
Element's EV Charging Solutions Guide
DownloadMatch your fleet needs to the best-fit charging solution
Home Solution
Did you know that approximately 80% of EV fleet charging is done at home? Home charging is a convenient and relatively inexpensive solution for take-home fleets due to low capital investment and predictable charging costs. However, installing home chargers at multiple driver residences can be complex. Arc by Element™ can support your charger selection, facilitate installation, and provide fuel reimbursement solutions for your drivers at scale.
Workplace Solution
Workplace charging is ideal for drivers who commute into the office where they have longer dwell times. Planning for leased versus owned properties upgrades adds to the complexity of workplace charging. Arc by Element™ can help develop the right charging solution for both owned and leased properties and establish a strategy to identify the right energy management practices for your EV operations.
Public Solution
Public charging costs and availability can vary significantly, depending on your driver’s location and the level of charger. Public charging is typically used to supplement private solutions as it costs more per kWh. In situations where public charging is the only option, careful analysis must be performed to determine operational feasibility. Regardless of the circumstance, Arc by Element™ can support the feasibility analysis and leverage existing fuel-card processes with charging networks. In addition, we can help you build solutions that balance the use of public charging with other charging options.
Depot Solution
Depot-based service vehicle electrification is accelerating, and most organizations need a custom charging solution for their depot/storage facility network. Companies exploring depot solutions will want to consider how infrastructure needs may grow over time and how this will impact general site layout, incoming utility service requirements, and peak power demand. Arc by Element™ can help you develop best-in-class solutions to electrify your fleet and manage your costs successfully.
Depot solutions are significantly more challenging than other charging scenarios due to factors like:
1. Site design, planning, and timeline
2. Charging load and power demand analysis
3. Utility partner planning and distribution upgrades
4. Permitting and approvals
5. Utility distribution upgrades
6. Construction impacts
Charging solutions – fleet use comparison chart
Home |
Workplace |
Public |
Depot |
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Understand the 3 categories of EV chargers and how they are best used
Level 1
Level 1 chargers are included with almost all plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) and battery electric vehicle (BEV) purchases. These portable chargers plug into any existing 120V outlet. Most fleet battery electric vehicles have greater range requirements and are better supported by Level 2 chargers.
Level 2
Level 2 chargers can be supplied by a number of charging vendors as well as some EV manufacturers. They require a 240V circuit and generally require electrician support for installation. Residential chargers can be plugged in or hardwired. Commercial installations can be attached to a fixed wall or pedestal. Level 2 chargers are the most common and versatile chargers with applications across the 4 fleet charging solutions (home, workplace, public and depot).
Level 3 (DCFC)
Direct current fast chargers (DCFC) are supplied by charging vendors primarily for private depots or public networks. These chargers support higher power levels (>50kW) and charging speeds compared to home and some workplaces. For example, DCFCs can charge vehicles as quickly as 70 miles (113 km) in 5 minutes.
EV chargers – fleet use comparison chart
Level 1 |
Level 2 |
Level 3 (DCFC) |
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Ready to take charge of your EV fleet?
Arc by Element™ can help you navigate the complexity of designing and rolling out charging infrastructure and support your EV fleet acquisition, financing, maintenance, and remarketing strategy. Download our EV charging guide today or get in touch with us to learn more.
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