EV Magazine September 2023 | Page 21

INTERVIEW
WHAT IS AN eDEPOT SOLUTION ?

INTERVIEW

HOW CAN EVs ENABLE MORE FLEXIBILITY WITHIN A COMMERCIAL FLEET ?
Unlike managing internal combustion engine ( ICE ) vehicles , the choice for EVs isn ’ t as simple as ‘ petrol or diesel ’. Instead , EV charging offers businesses the flexibility to build their infrastructure strategy around their specific requirements – from their fleet size and vehicle mix to their location and energy usage .
Meeting the needs of tomorrow ’ s fleet requires a mindset shift today . This means rethinking when and where vehicles charge . For example , using this enhanced flexibility to organise charging times around delivery schedules to make the most of available downtime during the day and at night . It also offers fleets an exciting opportunity to explore depot charging solutions – also referred to as eDepot solutions .
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF EV DEPLOYMENT TO DELIVERY COMPANIES ?
Electrification offers important opportunities to help delivery fleets reduce their total cost of ownership ( TCO ), achieve their decarbonisation targets , and gain a competitive advantage by offering customers sustainable services . It also helps them to meet regulations while maintaining access to low- and zero-emission zones . To unlock those opportunities , fleets will need to consider the role that EV charging plays in their electrification strategy .
For delivery ( and operational ) fleets , it ’ s expected that the majority of charging will take place at depots , and the remainder will be completed through on-the-go

WHAT IS AN eDEPOT SOLUTION ?

eDepot solutions give fleets the ability to charge EVs at their depot .
Typically , this comprises an ecosystem of hardware , software and operational services that support the charging process – including on-site energy solutions to help provide power .
Together , these elements deliver an eDepot solution that enables EV fleets to operate effectively .
charging . This is where eDepot solutions can provide support – helping fleets to enhance the efficiency of their operations and their drivers , aid energy management , and reduce operating costs – all while supporting emissions reduction .
Equally , it ’ s important to recognise that eDepots are not an emerging solution . They ’ re available today and have the potential to revolutionise the way delivery and operational fleets operate .
WHAT QUESTIONS SHOULD FLEET OPERATORS ASK ABOUT THEIR CHARGING INFRASTRUCTURE STRATEGY ?
Operational requirements and vehicle mixes change , so it ’ s crucial to approach an EV infrastructure strategy holistically ,
EVMAGAZINE . COM [ Sept 2023 ] 21