Charge point demand map due soon | Fleets happy to share infrastructure

More than half of van fleets would consider sharing on-site electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure with other operators, new research suggests.

The survey, commissioned by the Association of Fleet Professionals (AFP), reveals that almost two-thirds (62%) of fleets would consider co-operative agreements with other fleets to allow mutual access to depot infrastructure and 58% their public facilities.

The demand for arrangements of this type, according to the research, was considered most appropriate for businesses operating in Scotland, the West Midlands and the South West.

The survey also revealed that current charging infrastructure is a barrier to electrification for 65% of fleets when it comes to depots and 49% in a home scenario, with the largest cost impediments coming from - in order - charger installation, connection, hardware and energy.

Paul Hollick, chair at the AFP, said: “The subject of shared charging is being discussed more and more across our organisation and is increasingly seen as a way forward for solving the issue of limited infrastructure.

“Potentially, providing mutual access to charging could mean van fleets will be able to access power in areas where there is limited public charging in place or where energy prices are high for the chargers that are available.”

Hollick acknowledges that there would be problems to overcome to make infrastructure sharing a success, such as the mechanism for payment and a process of booking access to individual chargers.

However, he said: “These appear to be far from insoluble and could provide a valuable part of the charging options available to van fleet operators in the future. The research shows that there is a genuine interest in the subject.”

The research used a panel of 40 AFP members and was carried out by global management consultancy Baringa and net zero data analytics specialist Field Dynamics. 

It took place ahead of a new AFP national charging map that will be unveiled later this year, showing where new infrastructure is most desperately needed for van operators.

Hollick concluded: “The new map will use data provided by a number of telematics companies and should provide the most accurate picture yet of where on-street charging is needed across the whole of the UK. We’ll be releasing details very soon.”