Your Fleet’s Future Is Electric. Don’t Let Bad Infrastructure Short-Circuit It

You wouldn't build a skyscraper without a solid foundation. The same goes for your fleet's charging infrastructure. Getting this phase right is the most important step in your entire project.

Step 1: Audit Your Site and Your Power

Before you think about chargers, you need to understand your physical space and your power supply.

Talk to an Electrician: Get a professional to assess your depot's current electrical capacity. Do you have enough power for 10 chargers? What about 100?
Call Your Utility Company, Now: Upgrading your electrical service isn't a quick job. It can take months or even over a year. Start the conversation with your local utility immediately to understand timelines and costs.
Map Your Space: Where will the chargers go? Do you have enough room for trucks to maneuver? Where will you run the electrical conduits? Plan for the fleet you'll have in five years, not just the one you have today.

Step 2: Let Your Data Be Your Guide

Don't guess which vehicles to electrify first. Use data. An EV Suitability Assessment (EVSA) is the best way to do this.

Use Your Telematics: An EVSA uses the telematics data you already have—daily mileage, routes, dwell times, and idle hours—to pinpoint the best vehicles to replace with EVs.
Get a Clear Business Case: A good EVSA will show you the exact financial and environmental impact of switching. It can show potential savings of thousands of dollars per vehicle and massive CO2 reductions, giving you the hard numbers you need to get executive buy-in.

This is where many fleet managers get stuck. The choice isn't just about charging speed; it's about matching the hardware to your fleet's specific job. This is the heart of the recommended EV infrastructure for large fleets.

AC Level 2 vs. DC Fast Charging (DCFC): The Big Decision

There are two main types of chargers for fleets. Choosing the right one is critical.

AC Level 2 Chargers: The Workhorse for Overnight Fleets

What they are: These chargers provide power at a slower, steady rate (usually 7 kW to 19 kW).
When to use them: They are perfect for fleets that park overnight for long periods (8-12 hours). This includes last-mile delivery vans, school buses, and many municipal vehicles.
Why they're great: They have a lower upfront cost, put less strain on your electrical grid, and are gentler on your vehicle batteries over the long term. For most depot charging, this is the most cost-effective choice.

DC Fast Chargers (DCFC): The Solution for High-Uptime Fleets

What they are: These are high-power chargers (50 kW to 350 kW or more) that can charge a vehicle very quickly.
When to use them: Use DCFC when vehicle downtime is not an option. This is for vehicles that run multiple shifts a day or need a quick "top-up" charge between routes, like some regional haul trucks or transit buses.
The trade-offs: DCFC is much more expensive to buy and install. It requires a massive amount of power from your utility and can be harder on battery health if used exclusively.

The Fleet Infrastructure Decision Matrix

Use this table to find the recommended EV infrastructure for large fleets based on your specific operation.

Large fleets don't go electric all at once. You need a plan that grows with you. A phased approach is the smartest way to build your recommended EV infrastructure for large fleets.

Step 1: Start with a Pilot Program

Don't try to electrify hundreds of vehicles on day one. Start with a small, manageable pilot program of 5 to 20 vehicles.

Test Everything: Use the pilot to test your entire system in the real world. Test the vehicles, the chargers, the software, and your driver training.

Gather Your Own Data: The pilot will give you priceless data on your actual energy costs, maintenance needs, and operational challenges.

Prove the ROI: A successful pilot provides the proof you need to get executive approval for a full-scale rollout.

Step 2: Design for the Future, Build for Today

When you install your initial infrastructure, think about the future.

Plan for More Power: When digging trenches for electrical conduits, install conduits that are larger than you need right now. It is far cheaper to pull more wires through an existing conduit later than to dig up your depot a second time.

Choose Modular Hardware: Look for charging systems that are designed to be scalable. Some systems use a central power unit that can support additional "satellite" charging posts as your fleet grows. This lets you expand easily without a complete overhaul.   

Think About Layout: Arrange your parking and chargers in a way that leaves room for more vehicles and chargers in the future. Don't box yourself in.