Charging infrastructure for corporate fleets: types, technologies, and decision Support
Vehicle electrification has gained significant traction in the commercial sector in recent years. Electric vehicles (EVs) not only offer an attractive means of reducing environmental impact, but also provide cost-saving opportunities for businesses. A key aspect of this transition is the availability of charging stations. The challenge for companies is to implement efficient and future-proof charging solutions. This guide looks at different types of charging stations and their technologies to help businesses find the best charging solution for their needs. It also explores the importance of intelligent charging management and how IO-Dynamics can help companies optimise the use of their charging infrastructure.
Standard household outlets can serve as simple and cost-effective charging solutions. However, they are not suitable for long-term use in commercial fleets due to slow charging times and lack of continuous operation capability.
Alternating current (AC) charging stations equipped with Type 2 plugs, also known as AC chargers, provide efficient and reliable EV charging solutions. They are suitable for both residential and commercial use and provide moderate charging power.
Fast charging stations using direct current (DC), also known as DC chargers, are particularly important for companies with commercial fleets. They offer fast charging times, making them ideal for situations where vehicles need to be recharged quickly to maintain operations.
HPC chargers provide extremely high charging power, making them ideal for fleets requiring fast and efficient charging solutions. They enable companies to recharge fleet vehicles quickly, minimizing downtime.
Inductive EV charging enables wireless power transfer through electromagnetic induction, similar to technologies used in toothbrushes or mobile phones. Advances such as WiTricity's "Halo" system offer up to 92% power transfer efficiency and are being tested under real-world conditions. Inductive charging is robust and dirt-resistant, and works reliably in a wide range of environmental conditions. While standards are still evolving and challenges remain, investments from companies like Tesla point to promising progress for the future of electric mobility.
The choice of charging station for company premises often depends on the size of the fleet and the charging habits of the vehicles. Stations with moderate charging power and ease of use are suitable for fleets that primarily charge overnight. Larger fleets with higher charging requirements could benefit from fast charging or HPC stations to ensure efficient fleet utilisation.
For companies with field sales teams and mobile fleet operations, mobile charging stations or strategically located fixed stations are essential. Compact and portable chargers, such as those offered by Go-E, are ideal for use on the road, allowing drivers to charge vehicles quickly without relying on fixed infrastructure.
Logistics and transport companies often have high charging requirements and need reliable, high performance charging stations. Fast charging and HPC stations are ideal for these companies to minimise charging times and keep fleets up and running.
Airports and logistics centers require high availability of charging stations to efficiently operate ground vehicle fleets such as baggage tugs and service vehicles. Inductive charging stations may offer advantages in the future, allowing fast and easy charging without the need for vehicles to be connected to a fixed station.
Corporate car sharing and fleet management
For companies offering corporate car sharing or managing a pool of vehicles for employees, charging stations with intelligent management software are essential. The accessibility and user-friendliness of the charging stations play a crucial role in increasing the acceptance of corporate car-sharing models and promoting electric mobility within the company.
In each application area, it's important to consider the specific requirements and operational processes of the fleet in order to select suitable charging stations and ensure an efficient and reliable charging infrastructure. Smart charging management plays a key role here, as it efficiently controls charging currents and optimizes energy consumption. This allows for an even distribution of charging capacity, avoiding power grid bottlenecks, ensuring reliable vehicle charging, and enabling transparent management and billing.
The speed and capacity of the charging station must be matched to the specific needs of the fleet. Companies with high charging demands and short turnaround times should consider DC charging stations or high-power chargers to ensure efficient utilisation and maximise vehicle uptime.
Charging infrastructure scalability and flexibility
Charging infrastructure should be scalable and flexible to accommodate future fleet growth and changes in charging habits. Companies should ensure that selected charging stations are compatible with different charging technologies and can be easily integrated into existing infrastructures
A thorough cost-benefit analysis is essential to assess the economic viability of selected charging stations. This assessment should take into account not only upfront costs, but also running costs, energy costs and potential savings from the use of intelligent charging management systems.
Integrating charging stations into existing systems such as energy and building management systems can help companies maximise the efficiency of their charging solution and reduce operational costs. Intelligent charging management enables seamless communication with other systems and takes other consumers into account.
When selecting charging stations, it's important to choose future-proof solutions that take into account technological advances and developments in electric mobility. Companies should choose manufacturers that invest in research and development and regularly update their products to meet evolving needs.
Intelligent energy and charging management is critical to optimizing the charging infrastructure. For example, IO-Dynamics' intelligent charging management collects relevant data from EVs and charging points, taking into account grid capacity, other consumers and energy storage. Factors such as solar forecasts, electricity prices and user behaviour are also taken into account. Based on this data, charging power can be dynamically adjusted to avoid grid constraints and reduce costs.
ABL is an established manufacturer of charging stations, offering a wide range of products for various applications. Their charging stations are characterized by high quality, reliability, and user-friendliness. ABL charging stations are particularly well-suited for companies with a variety of vehicles and different charging locations on their premises.
Alfen is renowned for its innovative charging stations, providing solutions for a diverse range of applications, from fleets to public charging stations. Alfen's charging stations are distinguished by their modularity and flexibility, making them ideal for companies in need of a scalable and adaptable charging infrastructure. Especially for companies with complex requirements for charging technology, such as logistics and transportation companies or airports, Alfen offers tailored solutions.
Alpitronic offers innovative solutions for a wide range of applications. Its wide range of products and scalable solutions are particularly suited to companies with high charging requirements and short charging times, such as logistics and transport companies, as well as airports. Its reliable and user-friendly technology enables seamless integration into existing infrastructures and efficient use of electric fleets.
Kempower is an emerging manufacturer of charging stations, specializing in DC fast charging columns. Their charging stations are characterized by high charging capacities and fast charging times, making them ideal for companies with high charging needs and short turnaround times. Companies that prioritize fast and efficient charging, such as logistics and transportation companies or companies with a large fleet of electric vehicles, should consider Kempower.
GO-E offers innovative and user-friendly charging stations for both private and commercial use. The charging stations are known for their compact design and easy installation, making them particularly suitable for companies seeking a flexible and cost-effective solution for their charging needs. Smaller businesses or those with limited space, such as owners or managers of multi-family residences, can benefit from GO-E charging stations.
Elexon offers a variety of charging stations for a wide range of applications and is a market leader in the logistics sector with over 18,000 realized charging points. With their AC charging stations, they provide custom solutions for businesses and public spaces that are not only economical but also sustainable. Their DC charging stations enable fast charging for professional applications and are characterized by quiet operation and automatic power adjustment, making them the intelligent choice for green logistics.
With a wide range of products, Mennekes is particularly suitable for companies with various charging requirements, from small fleets to large operational sites. The reliable and user-friendly technology of Mennekes enables efficient utilization of electric fleets and seamless integration into existing infrastructures.
Besides these providers, there are many other manufacturers of charging stations that cater to various requirements and budgets. Companies should carefully compare different charging stations and make a selection that best suits their specific needs. Moreover, the implementation of intelligent charging management is crucial for the success of the electromobility strategy. With IO-Dynamics' charging solution, companies can ensure that their charging infrastructure is operated efficiently and meets the requirements of electromobility.
Visit our product details page to find out which charging stations our software is already compatible with.
Need help planning your charging infrastructure? Don't hesitate to contact us, we can help you implement your electric mobility strategy efficiently!
