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Last Mile Fleets Risking Delay to Electrification Plans

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Last mile logistics operators need to consider charging infrastructure or risk delays to EV roll-outs according to Mer, the EV charging company backed by Europe’s largest renewable energy generator, Statkraft.

Conflicts between ambitious electrification goals and challenges around power availability mean many businesses are focused on whether existing vehicle fleets can be switched to EVs rather than challenges associated with charging according to the company, which has produced a guide to help last mile logistics managers properly understand the process and ensure that their fleet electrification plans don’t get stuck in a bottleneck.

Upgrading your grid connection comes at a price and takes time …

Natasha Fry, Head of Strategic Accounts at Mer and co-author of the guide, explains: “Delivery fleet managers are very data-driven when it comes to identifying which vehicles can be electrified and the best way to optimise those assets. However, they need to start taking the same analytical approach to the charging infrastructure and planning for how vehicles will be charged, how much power it’ll require and establishing where that power comes from.

“Final mile fleets are among those driving electrification and many have set ambitious goals to go even further. But without a true understanding of the power availability at each depot, and the cost implications of upgrading those grid connections, their roll-outs of EVs risk being delayed while budgets are revised upwards.

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“Upgrading your grid connection comes at a price and takes time,” adds Natasha. “But understanding that in the early stages means you go into it with your eyes open. Some last mile logistics operators will be prepared to increase budgets to meet existing targets, while others might prefer to take a more phased approach.

“To run an effective last mile logistics business, data is king. Being armed with the right information on EV charging will ensure you make evidence-based decisions on electrification, rather than make costly mistakes.”

The new guide covers the importance of including each depot’s energy capacity as a metric when setting fleet electrification targets. It also explains how to calculate power availability and the solutions to overcoming grid limitations. Other measures it tackles include:

  • identifying whether fast or rapid chargers will best suit a last mile operator’s needs,
  • managing the procurement process,
  • getting installation right first time,
  • how to minimise charger downtime for mission critical EVs.

Mer recommends site surveys at every depot to properly understand the implications of corporate electrification objectives on each site.

Download the guide, EV Charging For Last Mile Delivery from the company’s website (user registration required). 

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FMIndustry.com covers the latest news, trends and opinion from the facilities management (FM) and corporate real estate (CRE) sectors. The FM market is currently estimated to be worth USD 1 trillion annually and is projected to grow at a compounded annualised rate of approximately 5% between now and 2026.

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  • Final Logo

    FMIndustry.com covers the latest news, trends and opinion from the facilities management (FM) and corporate real estate (CRE) sectors. The FM market is currently estimated to be worth USD 1 trillion annually and is projected to grow at a compounded annualised rate of approximately 5% between now and 2026.

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