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The Power Play – EV Fleet Grid Capacity Planning & Energy Demand Management

Fleet managers must consider energy management for their EV transition, as grid capacity and increased demand threatens to slow down decarbonisation.

White van charges up at depot

With the transition to electric vehicles now well underway, and strict net zero emissions deadlines loom, charging infrastructure is becoming a standard feature in workplace and public car parks. However, fleet managers are faced with many challenges when incorporating electric vehicles (EV) and EV fleet charging infrastructure into their operations.

Can your sites cope with the increased demand for power needed to recharge multiple EVs? Or are you restricted in your fleet electrification plans by grid constraints? Do you even know how to get started or who needs to be involved with grid capacity planning for EV chargers? This blog explains everything you need to know about energy demand management and grid capacity planning.

“At Mer, when we are talking to a potential new customer, the first step is to establish what supply is available and therefore how many charging points it could support. We provide the client with clear analysis on what infrastructure they can install without jeopardising the integrity of the power supply to the building itself.”

Fleet Consultant at Mer

“One of the biggest challenges that businesses face is getting the right power in the right place at the right time. EV chargers account for a lot of energy usage and that can be a big cost to a business. However, we can work around it with our active load balancing and smart charging technology, making the most effective use of whatever available power there is at a site. This helps delay further investment until a business gets to phase two or three of their electrification journey when they will need to bring in more power with a new DNO connection.”

Marvin Wright, Fleet Consultant at Mer

“You may come into this process thinking that you need one or two charge points. However, as things evolve it’s virtually guaranteed that you will need more charging – and with that comes the need for more power. There will be a power grab by your neighbours as they look to get more supply into their depots and workplaces. A lot of businesses start their charge point roll-out quite small, but the speed of electrification is accelerating, so don’t get left behind.”

If all this sounds daunting, don’t be put off! Introducing charging solutions to your fleet can be a minefield, that is where EV charging infrastructure specialist Mer can support you. Fleet managers are not energy experts and you shouldn’t have to be. However, getting your EV infrastructure right the first time is vital. 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.

Contact Mer today to speak to an expert who will guide you on your road to fleet electrification and grid capacity planning. Talk to one of our team to find out how we can help.

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