Grid Capacity Limitations: Top Challenges Facing Fleet Managers

As the world races toward a more sustainable society by introducing strict net zero emissions deadlines, fleet managers are faced with many challenges when incorporating electric vehicles (EV) and EV fleet charging infrastructure into their operations; everything from how to get started, to knowing who needs to be involved.

Grid Capacity

A key challenge that Mer has found many fleet operators are facing, is the surprisingly low capacity that is available from their local grid, forcing them to re-evaluate their fleet electrification strategies. This is causing many delays and frustrations for fleets that are ready to begin their journey to a sustainable future. 

“Fleet operators are leading the way in the transition to EVs,” said Simon Tate, Sales Director at Mer UK. “However, their plans are increasingly being frustrated by the available energy at each depot. Many older sites were simply not designed and built with the grid infrastructure needed to support a substantial number of fleet vehicles charging. The infrastructure is improving but it’s not there yet. 

“This was not a problem in the early stages of electrification, when perhaps only a handful of EV charging points were required at each workplace. However, the next phase of mass adoption is really testing grid capacity, and too often it is found wanting.  

“These problems can be overcome, but you need the right mix of solutions to do so. It is therefore really important for every fleet manager to understand what energy is available on site and how to optimise it, in order to make truly informed decisions on your EV roll-out.” 

Load Balancing

Mer provides site surveys to identify energy capacity and is also expert in finding ways to get around limitations, through its load balancing technology.  

Load balancing is when a network of charging points shares available power to ensure all vehicles can still be charged, albeit at slower rates. It is a far more cost-effective option than paying for a grid infrastructure upgrade. 

Site surveys, grid capacity and load balancing are all topics that are covered in a new free publication, The Complete Fleet Manager’s Guide to Electrification. This informative guide was created by Mer’s charging experts to help fleet managers better understand how to electrify their fleets.  

It includes information on setting your electrification goals, how to procure the right chargers for each site, how to bring home charging into the mix, and how to efficiently manage a charging network. 

“Fleet managers are not energy experts and they shouldn’t have to be,” added Simon, “however, it’s vital that they get their EV infrastructure right first time. Working with an expert partner like Mer can ensure that grid constraints don’t act as a speed bump as fleets accelerate the transition to EVs.” 

Introducing charging solutions to your fleet can be a minefield, that is where EV charging infrastructure specialist Mer can support you.

Contact Mer today to speak to an expert who will guide you on your road to fleet electrification.