Fleet Electrification_ What to Consider Before Scaling Your Chargers

1. Transitioning your fleet to electric vehicles (EVs) isn’t just a forward-thinking move—it’s becoming essential. But before you rush to install EV charging stations at every site, pause. Fleet electrification isn’t just about buying EVs and plugging them in. It's a strategic shift that requires smart planning, system upgrades, and a clear understanding of how charging infrastructure scales. Whether you manage a small logistics team or a growing last-mile delivery operation, the way you roll out EV charging will shape your entire electrification journey. Here’s what you need to consider before scaling your EV chargers. 1. Understand Your Fleet’s Charging Needs Not all fleets are the same. Delivery vans, commuter shuttles, service vehicles, they all have different usage patterns. Before you install EV charging stations, analyze how, when, and how much your vehicles will need to charge. ● Will you need overnight charging or rapid top-ups during the day? ● Are your routes predictable or do they vary widely?

2. ● How much downtime can you afford between shifts? These questions help define how many chargers you need, their types (Level 2 or DC fast chargers), and where to place them. 2. Start with a Pilot, Not a Full Rollout It might be tempting to electrify the entire fleet in one go, but that’s rarely efficient. Instead, begin with a pilot program. Install EV charging stations at a single location and monitor usage, downtime, and maintenance patterns. A pilot allows you to: ● Test charger performance under real-world conditions ● Gather insights on driver behavior ● Evaluate if your power infrastructure holds up under load Use this data to plan a scalable rollout that won’t leave you overbuilt or underpowered. 3. Check Your Power Infrastructure Scaling chargers requires more than just installing hardware. Can your facility’s electrical grid support multiple charging stations running simultaneously? If not, you might need: ● Electrical panel upgrades ● Transformer reinforcements ● Smart charging systems to balance load Before you install EV charging stations across your properties, get an energy assessment. Knowing your power limits up front helps you avoid costly delays or overloads down the line.

3. 4. Prioritize Charger Placement Location matters. Installing chargers where they’re easy to access, secure, and close to vehicle parking areas is a must. But think beyond today, will that location still make sense as your fleet grows? Consider: ● Can the space accommodate more chargers later? ● Is there room for vehicle maneuvering? ● Will you face traffic bottlenecks or congestion? Strategic placement helps reduce future relocation costs and ensures smooth scaling. 5. Use Smart Charging Technology If you plan to install EV charging stations across multiple sites, managing them individually can get messy. Smart charging systems give you centralized control, letting you: ● Monitor energy use ● Schedule charging during off-peak hours ● Balance loads across chargers This technology becomes crucial when you scale. It helps you stay efficient, keep costs in check, and avoid overwhelming the grid. 6. Plan for Downtime and Maintenance Chargers, like any tech, can fail. If your operations depend on 24/7 mobility, even a single non-working station can create a ripple effect. Before you install EV charging stations, think about: ● Maintenance contracts

4. ● Backup chargers ● Redundancy in your layout Build in some buffer capacity so operations don’t grind to a halt if a charger goes offline. 7. Think Long-Term, Not Just Launch Scaling isn’t just about today’s needs, it’s about future-proofing. EV adoption will grow, and your fleet will likely expand. Plan infrastructure that’s modular and easy to upgrade. Choose charger models that support software updates and can adapt to newer vehicles. And as you install EV charging stations, leave physical room and electrical capacity for additional units later. FAQs Q1. How many chargers does my fleet really need? Start by evaluating how many vehicles will charge simultaneously and how long each needs to charge. This gives a baseline to calculate the minimum number of chargers, which you can scale over time. Q2. Can I install EV charging stations at multiple locations at once? You can, but it’s wiser to start small. Begin with a high-usage location, track performance, and use the insights to plan better installations elsewhere. Q3. What happens if my facility doesn’t have enough electrical capacity? You may need infrastructure upgrades or load-balancing solutions. Smart chargers can help distribute energy usage without overloading your system. Planning to install EV charging stations for a fleet is a marathon, not a sprint. Take the time to do it right, and you’ll set yourself up for a smooth, scalable transition into the electric future.