So far, only 6% of the charging sessions in the EVC dataset are DC, though that percentage has increased over the last year and is expected to grow.
Photo: Chris Brown
3 min to read
For fleets transitioning to electric vehicles (EVs), charging infrastructure is the foundation that supports successful operations.
Insights from Utilimarc’s Electric Vehicle Consortium (EVC), which aggregates real-world EV data from member fleets, show how charging speeds and types are deployed for optimal operational efficiency.
Ad Loading...
The analysis is gleaned from 260,346 charging sessions since 2023, a driver sentiment survey conducted in June 2024, and a roundtable on charging infrastructure.
Among EVC members, Level 2 chargers are the workhorses of the charging ecosystem; 68% of all charging sessions use a Level 2 charger. The most common power levels are 6 kW and 11 kW, which strike a balance between speed and cost-effectiveness. Members have found that Level 2 charging at fleet depots works well for vehicles with predictable overnight dwell times.
For situations where faster charging is necessary — such as during shift changes or when vehicles are on mission-critical routes — members are strategically placing DC fast chargers (DCFCs). These higher-powered units ensure vehicles can get back on the road quickly, but come with significantly higher installation costs. So far, only 6% of the charging sessions in our dataset are DC. A small number, but it’s increased over the last year, and we expect to see even more deployed in the near future.
Charging infrastructure projects are long-term investments requiring careful planning and strong utility partnerships. To avoid costly retrofits, whenever possible, EVC members are incorporating larger conduits and additional electrical capacity into current construction projects, even if the need isn’t immediate. This forward-thinking approach reduces future installation costs and accelerates the deployment of additional chargers as fleet electrification ramps up.
Innovation and creative thinking are also playing a role in a successful charging infrastructure strategy. Several members have deployed portable solar chargers and mobile charging units to address charging gaps in remote or temporary locations. These flexible solutions are particularly useful for emergency response fleets, field crews, and seasonal operations where permanent infrastructure may not be practical.
Over 46% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that the amount of time required to charge EVs does not impact their ability to do their jobs.
Data: Electric Vehicle Consortium
Driver Sentiment: Insights Into Charger Availability
The EVC’s 2024 driver sentiment survey indicates that drivers value charger availability just as much as charging speed. Both were documented concerns in the survey.
Over 38% of respondents disagreed or strongly disagreed that they had access to a sufficient number of charging stations.
Additionally, 32% of respondents reported that time spent charging got in the way of doing their jobs. Persistent challenges like limited station availability, slow charging speeds, and out-of-service units risk undermining driver confidence in EV adoption.
Ad Loading...
To alleviate driver concerns and expand charging opportunities, some EVC members are taking a proactive approach by implementing home charging policies and reimbursement programs, making it easier and more convenient for employees to charge their vehicles.
These initiatives not only improve the driver experience but also allow organizations to take advantage of lower residential electricity rates and increase the availability of company-owned charging stations for broader fleet use.
Over 38% of respondents disagreed or strongly disagreed that they had access to a sufficient number of charging stations.
The Electric Vehicle Consortium brings together fleet professionals, data analysts, and sustainability administrators to collaborate on solving the unique challenges of fleet electrification. Our members benefit from real-world data insights, collaborative research, and a strong peer network.
Fleets or vendors interested in joining or sponsoring can contact evconsortium.org to learn more.
GreenPower plans to build 50 electric shuttle buses for Mexico using its EV Star Cab & Chassis platform, partnering with local body builders to expand its market reach.
Rivian teams up with Sony Pictures for a Ghostbusters-inspired Halloween software update, complete with custom sounds, lighting effects, and a special Ecto-R1.
Two cabless electric trucks are now moving freight between EASE Logistics facilities, putting autonomous EV technology into daily commercial operations.
The Class 5 and 6 electric trucks are planned for delivery by the end of 2027 and will be deployed in FedEx pickup and delivery operations across the U.S. and Canada.
The award recognizes Volvo’s global heavy-duty electric lineup, while more than 750 VNR Electric trucks have accumulated nearly 37 million miles in U.S. and Canadian fleet operations.
With 250 electric collection trucks now in service, Republic Services is learning that scaling electrification depends less on proving the vehicle and more on whether each site can support what comes next.
The former Prologis Mobility and Shell executive will help expand EV Realty’s truck charging business and move its power-first infrastructure model into autonomous vehicle depots and other fleet sectors.
After logging more than 17,000 electric miles in the first year, New Mexico’s statewide pilot is moving into its second phase with larger vehicles, continued charging evaluations, and more.
