Fleet electrification sounds exciting, but the real challenge begins with setting up the charging infrastructure. Miss a step, and you might end up with long wait times and sky-high electricity bills.
To set up EV charging for a fleet, you need to evaluate fleet needs, choose the right chargers, plan installation sites, and implement energy management systems to ensure reliability and cost-efficiency.
I once worked with a distributor who rushed into buying chargers without checking their fleet’s daily driving range. The result? Half the vans couldn’t fully recharge overnight. Here's how to avoid that mistake.
What factors should you consider before building EV charging for a fleet?
Building starts with planning—get this right and everything else falls into place.
You need to understand your fleet’s size, routes, parking schedule, and charging frequency before selecting any equipment or locations.
Fleet size and usage patterns
Start by calculating how many vehicles will need charging and when. Some fleets return every evening, others rotate shifts throughout the day.
| Fleet Type | Charging Need |
|---|---|
| Delivery vans | Overnight Level 2 or DCFC |
| Buses | Depot DC fast charging |
| Ride-share fleets | Multiple shifts, public+private charging |
Vehicle compatibility
Not all vehicles support the same charging levels or plug types. Check your vehicle specs for AC or DC compatibility, and connector types (Type 2, CCS, etc.).
How do you select the right EV chargers for your fleet?
Charger selection impacts speed, cost, and long-term performance.
Choose a mix of Level 2 and DC fast chargers based on turnaround time, parking duration, and energy availability.
Charger type comparison
| Charger Type | Power Output | Ideal For | Cost Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 2 | 7-22 kW | Overnight at depot | Low to medium |
| DC Fast | 50-350 kW | Quick top-up between shifts | High |
If most vehicles park overnight, Level 2 chargers are more than enough. If you have frequent turnover, DC fast chargers help maintain uptime.
Where should fleet charging stations be installed?
Location affects accessibility, cost, and operational efficiency.
Install chargers where vehicles naturally park—at depots, warehouses, or employee homes—while ensuring enough power capacity.
Power infrastructure and layout
- Check if the existing electrical system can support new load
- Plan charging bay layout for easy vehicle access
- Consider future scalability (more EVs = more chargers)
If your fleet operates from multiple depots, stagger the upgrades and start with high-priority locations.
How can you manage energy use efficiently?
EV fleets can overload your power grid if not managed well.
Use smart energy management systems to avoid demand spikes, reduce costs, and protect your local transformer.
Energy management tools
- Dynamic load balancing
- Scheduled charging based on electricity rates
- Renewable energy integration (e.g., solar)
Smart software can prioritize which vehicles charge first, detect faults, and report usage in real-time.
Conclusion
Setting up EV charging for your fleet is more than just installing hardware. It requires careful planning, the right mix of chargers, and smart energy control.
At SANKE, we offer a full range of commercial EV chargers that are cost-effective, durable, and smart-management-ready. Our solutions are trusted by fleet operators worldwide looking for OEM/ODM flexibility and long-term value—at a fraction of the cost of premium brands.
FAQs
How do you set up an EV charging station?
To set up an EV charging station, you need to evaluate your site's power capacity, choose suitable chargers, get required permits, and hire a licensed installer. For fleets, add energy management tools for efficiency.
What is fleet in EV charging?
Fleet EV charging refers to the infrastructure and management of charging multiple electric vehicles owned or operated by a company, such as delivery vans, taxis, or service vehicles.
What infrastructure is needed for electric vehicles?
Electric vehicles need charging stations (AC or DC), electrical distribution panels, software for monitoring and load balancing, and often backup systems like solar or battery storage.
How profitable is an EV charging station?
Profitability depends on usage rate, energy costs, location, and charger type. For public or commercial stations, revenue comes from charging fees, incentives, and added foot traffic to businesses.
