Centrica solves electric van 12-volt battery issues

Centrica has solved a major challenge faced by electric fleets called ‘bricking’, when the 12-volt auxiliary battery fails - leaving the vehicle completely inoperable.

To overcome the problem, Centrica, which operates one of the largest electric fleets in the country, is prolonging battery life by using solar panels fitted to the electric van’s roof.

Centrica director of fleet, Rob Simister, said: “Vehicle downtime is bad for business, and it’s bad for our customers. We had to find a solution quickly so that we can make sure our engineers can get to our customers exactly when we’re needed most.”

The company has teamed up with fleet technology specialist, Genie Insights, to have solar panels fitted to the roof of its electric vans.  

The solar panels provide a trickle charge to the 12-volt batteries, keeping them operational even during periods of inactivity, or when a so-called “parasitic draw” is being taken by telematics or other ancillary equipment.

The discreet panels, constructed using CIGS (copper indium gallium selenide) technology, are lightweight, flexible and durable, says Genie Insights.  

They have also been specifically designed, tested and proven to generate the optimal voltage to maintain the battery's charge.

In conjunction with Genie Insights, Centrica is rolling out the solution across 2,500 electric vans in its fleet.  

Centrica fleet engineering and innovation manager, Matt Harris (pictured above), said: “We’re making a huge investment in decarbonising our fleet, so we need to make sure we’re addressing issues that affect our ability to serve customers quickly. 

“We explored several options but there was a clear frontrunner. Following the successful tests, this partnership with Genie Insights will equip all 2,500 of our electric commercial vehicles with their solar solution, ensuring the 12v batteries remain charged. 

“As a result, our vans will stay on the road longer, better serving our customers' needs.”

In February, Fleet News warned fleets over 12-volt battery on electric vans suddenly draining.  

Speaking to Fleet News in June, the Association of Fleet Professionals (AFP) said that many fleets were still being left in a position where their vans become unusable and had to be taken to a dealership to be restarted.

Paul Hollick, AFP chair, explained: “The fundamental problem here is that when an electric van is left unused for a couple of weeks, the 12-volt battery charges down and it becomes impossible to start or recharge the vehicle.

“There is no choice but to return it to the franchise dealer and even then, it can often take weeks to resolve the problem.

“We’re even hearing from members who are having electric vans delivered in this state and having to reject them immediately, which is completely unacceptable. It’s unavoidably having an impact on the appetite of some fleets to electrify their vans.”

Matt Reeve, managing director of Genie Insights, said: “By taking this proactive approach to battery maintenance, Centrica is not only pioneering a solution to a widespread issue for fleet operators, but also solidifying its leadership in the UK's transition to electric vehicles.”