For fleets transitioning to electric vehicles (EVs), charging infrastructure is the foundation that supports successful operations. 

Insights from Utilimarc’s Electric Vehicle Consortium (EVC), which aggregates real-world EV data from member fleets, show how charging speeds and types are deployed for optimal operational efficiency. 

The analysis is gleaned from 260,346 charging sessions since 2023, a driver sentiment survey conducted in June 2024, and a roundtable on charging infrastructure. 

• Among EVC members, Level 2 chargers are the workhorses of the charging ecosystem; 68% of all charging sessions use a Level 2 charger. The most common power levels are 6 kW and 11 kW, which strike a balance between speed and cost-effectiveness. Members have found that Level 2 charging at fleet depots works well for vehicles with predictable overnight dwell times.

• For situations where faster charging is necessary — such as during shift changes or when vehicles are on mission-critical routes — members are strategically placing DC fast chargers (DCFCs). These higher-powered units ensure vehicles can get back on the road quickly, but come with significantly higher installation costs. So far, only 6% of the charging sessions in our dataset are DC. A small number, but it’s increased over the last year, and we expect to see even more deployed in the near future.

• Charging infrastructure projects are long-term investments requiring careful planning and strong utility partnerships. To avoid costly retrofits, whenever possible, EVC members are incorporating larger conduits and additional electrical capacity into current construction projects, even if the need isn’t immediate. This forward-thinking approach reduces future installation costs and accelerates the deployment of additional chargers as fleet electrification ramps up.

• Innovation and creative thinking are also playing a role in a successful charging infrastructure strategy. Several members have deployed portable solar chargers and mobile charging units to address charging gaps in remote or temporary locations. These flexible solutions are particularly useful for emergency response fleets, field crews, and seasonal operations where permanent infrastructure may not be practical.

Driver Sentiment: Insights Into Charger Availability

The EVC’s 2024 driver sentiment survey indicates that drivers value charger availability just as much as charging speed. Both were documented concerns in the survey. 

Over 38% of respondents disagreed or strongly disagreed that they had access to a sufficient number of charging stations. 

Additionally, 32% of respondents reported that time spent charging got in the way of doing their jobs. Persistent challenges like limited station availability, slow charging speeds, and out-of-service units risk undermining driver confidence in EV adoption.

To alleviate driver concerns and expand charging opportunities, some EVC members are taking a proactive approach by implementing home charging policies and reimbursement programs, making it easier and more convenient for employees to charge their vehicles. 

These initiatives not only improve the driver experience but also allow organizations to take advantage of lower residential electricity rates and increase the availability of company-owned charging stations for broader fleet use.

About the Electric Vehicle Consortium

The Electric Vehicle Consortium brings together fleet professionals, data analysts, and sustainability administrators to collaborate on solving the unique challenges of fleet electrification. Our members benefit from real-world data insights, collaborative research, and a strong peer network. 

Fleets or vendors interested in joining or sponsoring can contact evconsortium.org to learn more.