EV Fleet Charging Solutions & Services
EV fleet charging stations play a crucial role in managing EV fleets. Built to cater to the specific requirements of fleet vehicles, these stations ensure fast and reliable charging, allowing for minimal disruption and optimal fleet performance.
As a fleet solution, electric vehicles (EVs) are highly effective in meeting various daily driving demands. They provide significant advantages, catering to light-duty (LD), medium/heavy-duty (MD/HD), and off-road usage.
The unique fleet environment brings additional considerations beyond what consumers must think about before they “go electric”. For example, fleet managers must understand the impact of charging multiple vehicles while maintaining fleet operations, and larger MD/HD vehicles bring additional considerations.
Benefits of fleet electrification
Electrifying your fleet brings a host of benefits that can optimize operations and increase profitability. With businesses focusing on sustainability, the shift to fleet electrification is growing in popularity. Below are some of the main benefits:
EVs offer four times the efficiency of diesel and natural gas engines, leading to major savings on fuel expenses. Plus, the EV Fleet program provides valuable infrastructure incentives to help reduce costs.
Electric vehicles emit no tailpipe pollutants and have a lower carbon footprint than traditional vehicles, resulting in better air quality and a reduction in greenhouse gases from your fleet.
Due to having fewer and simpler parts, electric vehicles are easier to maintain, experience less downtime, and result in lower long-term operational and maintenance expenses.
Your company can contribute to a more sustainable California and showcase its commitment to environmental stewardship.
Take advantage of PG&E incentives and stay ahead of regulatory standards like California’s Advanced Clean Fleets Rule.
Transportation is the single largest source of climate-related pollution.2 Fleet electrification is critical
EV fleet charging infrastructure
Fleets have multiple charging options available at their facilities. Level 1 charging equipment is often sufficient for Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs). For fully electric vehicles (EVs), Level 2 chargers are the preferred choice, as they can fully charge most EV batteries overnight, providing a convenient and efficient solution for fleet operations.
Opting for portable Level 1 or Level 2 chargers offers added flexibility and can help reduce overall project costs. Instead of installing a dedicated pedestal at each EV parking space, fleets can opt for 120/240V receptacles, which support more affordable portable chargers that can be easily stored in fleet vehicles. These portable units are simpler to replace if maintenance issues arise, helping to minimize downtime and ensure continuous fleet operations.
DC Fast Charging (DCFC) is ideal for fleets that need rapid charging, as it can provide up to 100 miles of range in just 20 minutes. This makes it a great choice for fleets with short dwell times, allowing multiple vehicles to share the same charger between shifts. DCFC is also a good option for scheduled overnight charging during off-peak hours, similar to Level 2 charging.
Using a networked charging system can simplify “managed” charging, making it easier to optimize energy use. Fleets should ensure they have the right charging infrastructure for all vehicles, as light-duty and heavy-duty EVs may require different chargers or cables. Explore various charging infrastructure solutions to find the best fit for your fleet.
Charging in Public
Some charging stations offer free charging (at least for a short amount of time), but most are moving toward a pay-for-use system. A number of payment models are in place, such as registering for a network subscription and using a phone app for payment.
For fleets, public charging stations offer a flexible solution, either temporarily while developing their own infrastructure or as a permanent option if they meet operational needs. Level 2 chargers are widely available at public stations in high-traffic areas like malls and airports, while DC Fast Charging (DCFC) is becoming increasingly common along highways.
Incentives and rebates
PG&E offers rebates and infrastructure incentives to help lower costs for fleets.
Through the EV Fleet Program, PG&E will manage the construction, ownership, and maintenance of the electrical infrastructure up to the customer’s meter.
The fleet operators will then take care of the work from the meter to the charger, including design, construction, and maintenance. In some cases, PG&E may cover this part too.*
Infrastructure incentives
Take advantage of incentives to build out the necessary infrastructure to convert to an electric fleet. Reference the table below to find out how much you can save.
| Vehicle type | Per vehicle incentive cap* |
| School buses, local delivery trucks, and other vehicles | $4,000 per vehicle |
| Off-road vehicles including forklifts | $3,000 per vehicle |
| Transit buses and Class 8 vehicles | $9,000 per vehicle |
*Incentives limited to 25 vehicles per site; sites with more vehicles to be considered on an individual basis.
Charger rebates
PG&E’s EV Fleet Program supports both Level 2 and DC Fast Chargers, with various installation options tailored to the needs of fleet operators. Participants are responsible for purchasing and installing the chargers.
You can choose from a selection of approved EV chargers listed by Southern California Edison. Depending on the charger’s power output and your industry type and location, you may be eligible for rebates.
Check the table below to see how much you can save.
| Power output | Rebate for eligible customers* |
| 150 kW and above | 50% of the cost of EV charger, up to $42,000 |
| 50.1 kW – 149.9 kW | 50% of the cost of EV charger, up to $25,000 |
| Up to 50 kW | 50% of the cost of EV charger, up to $15,000 |
*Charging equipment rebates for school buses, transit buses and sites in disadvantaged communities. Rebate not to exceed 50% of charger equipment. EVSE must meet minimum and standard requirements to be eligible for rebate. Fortune 1000 companies are not eligible.
Additional savings opportunities
Our team can help you explore the estimated costs for converting to an electric fleet, as well as additional savings opportunities available from other funding sources. Use the tools below as a first step.
Fuel Switching Rate Calculator
To find out how moving to an electric fleet will impact your rates, use fuel switching rate calculator to see what savings opportunities you might be eligible to receive. Learn more on the Business EV rates page.
Determine charging needs and options
Selecting Vehicles and Charging Equipment
The first step in determining the amount of charging equipment needed at a fleet facility is selecting the vehicles. Here are a few key factors to consider:
Vehicle providers usually offer multiple charging options and may even recommend specific equipment or providers. If you’re considering installing DC Fast Charging (DCFC), make sure it won’t void your EV warranties if used regularly.
Level 2 chargers typically require one unit per vehicle to allow overnight charging, whereas DCFC can serve multiple vehicles, though not all at the same time.
While Level 2 equipment is generally cheaper to purchase, DCFC might help save on land use and installation costs, as fewer units will be needed.
All-electric vehicles that travel more than 100 miles a day may need DC Fast Charging (DCFC) for recharging between shifts.
Fleets may also want to provide charging options for employees, either by allowing them to share chargers when fleet vehicles are not in use, or by dedicating equipment for employee use as part of the overall plan.
To increase flexibility, a fleet could opt for 120/240 V outlets instead of hard-wired chargers. A NEMA 14-50 outlet, paired with an adapter, can support both Level 1 (120 V) and Level 2 (240 V) portable chargers. Portable units are more affordable and easy to replace, though they may lack network-connected managed charging capabilities. If choosing this option, it’s important to account for safety measures and signage.
When choosing equipment vendors, it’s essential to consider networking capabilities. A networked charging system connects to the internet and sends usage data to the network services provider (i.e., charging network) and/or the fleet administrator. These systems offer customer support and allow the fleet to monitor and analyze charger usage.
Opting for equipment that supports the Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP) version 1.6 or higher is crucial. OCPP separates the physical components of the charger from the network backend, allowing the fleet to switch charging networks easily without costly upgrades. This helps prevent stranded assets if the fleet switches providers or if the current provider ceases operations.
OCPP is the industry standard for open access. When considering networking, keep the following in mind:
- Networking allows a fleet to track charging and electricity use separately from non-charging electricity use, making it easier to calculate vehicle O&M costs.
- A networked station requires the site to have access to a wired or wireless internet connection or cellular service.
- Networking allows “smart” charging, or scheduling charging events (e.g., at night), to stagger vehicle charging and take advantage of lower off-peak electricity rates.
- Non-networked charging infrastructure is not connected to the internet and provides basic charging capabilities without advanced utilization monitoring or payment capabilities.
- Equipment down time can equate to vehicle down time, which can greatly impact fleet operations. Whichever scenario a fleet chooses, the implications of potential down time should be carefully considered. For example, a fleet may consider backup equipment (including portable charging units) or public charging options.
- Equipment owned by the network provider is installed and maintained by the provider, which minimizes responsibility to the fleet. Equipment purchase, installation, and maintenance costs are incorporated into the fees charged to the fleet users. In this scenario, it’s important to have a written agreement covering equipment maintenance and repair, including response time and equipment down time.
- The fleet will need to determine whether the charging equipment should be owned by the equipment/network provider or fleet. Equipment owned by the fleet is purchased, installed, and maintained by the fleet, which reduces overall cost and allows for full control over the equipment. In this scenario, the fleet is responsible for all associated costs, including any maintenance or repair. It’s important to understand the logistics (including who will be responsible for repairs), warranty coverage, and costs associated with owning and maintaining the equipment.
Other factors to consider include on-site energy storage (such as batteries) or generation options (like wind or solar) to help reduce peak power demand or provide backup power flexibility.
Determining Charging Locations
When selecting a site, consider the following factors:
- Number and Type of Charging Equipment Needed for the Short and Long Term: If you plan to expand your EV fleet beyond the initial vehicle deployment, consider adding extra circuits, electrical capacity, and conduit to the distribution panel to support future charger installations. It’s more cost-effective to add this additional capacity in advance than to upgrade later.
- Distance from Equipment to Power Infrastructure: The farther the distance, the more complicated and expensive the installation.
- Metering: Consider installing separate meters for the electric vehicles to track their energy consumption individually. This can help you secure special EV rates from the utility company.
- Proximity to Wireless Internet: If setting up a networked site, ensure the equipment is close to wireless internet connections.
- Safety Concerns: Wires should not obstruct pedestrian paths or create tripping hazards. Charging spaces should not be located near potential danger zones, such as areas with low visibility or heavy foot traffic.
- Convenience: The charging equipment and EV parking spaces should be easily accessible to users, but keep in mind that EVs can park for several hours while charging.
- Flooding and Irrigation: Charging equipment is designed to operate safely in wet areas, but users will feel more comfortable if the equipment is not located in areas prone to flooding or exposed to irrigation systems. If building in a known floodplain, consult with an electrical contractor to ensure it meets appropriate codes and construction requirements, including installation height and connector storage. Ensure the EV charger is waterproof (with an IP rating such as IP66).
- Collision Prevention: Use curbs, wheel stops, and backup devices to prevent vehicles from hitting charging equipment.
- Weather and Battery Temperature Restrictions: Some EV batteries have operating and charging temperature limits. In extreme weather, the charging equipment may need to be located in an enclosed, climate-controlled area.
- Signage: Use visible signage above the parking spaces to designate EV-only parking.
- Accessibility: Assess and address compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as well as state, local, and corporate accessibility policies.
Project Planning
The project plan should include the following:
- Assemble the Project Team: Collaborate with utility companies, vehicle providers, and charging equipment suppliers to involve them in the project planning, cost analysis, and logistics. One key logistical challenge to consider is aligning the timing of purchasing and installing charging equipment with the vehicle delivery schedule (which can be particularly slow/complex for municipal organizations). Approach the project requirements from every angle.
- Develop a charging plan, including network requirements, electricity rate impacts, and equipment ownership responsibilities.
- Select a construction contractor to bring a construction perspective to the team.
- Determine Project Costs, Logistics, and Timeline: Consider the condition and location of existing electrical equipment, as this will determine the complexity of the electrical installation required. For example, an isolation transformer may be needed to step down to Level 2 voltage or step up to DCFC voltage.
- Include Permitting and Inspections: These typically incur fees and can significantly impact the project timeline.
- Develop the Final Site Plan and Budget: Note that a site installation plan may need to be created before installing the charging equipment.
- Estimate Costs: This includes available incentives, project costs, and ongoing expenses/fees.
（1）Equipment costs can vary depending on factors such as location, charging level, and type. The price range for a single connector unit (PDF) for Level 1 ranges from $300 to $1,500, for Level 2 from $400 to $6,500, and for DCFC from $10,000 to $40,000.
（2） Installation costs can vary based on multiple factors, including the number and type of equipment, geographic location, site conditions, trenching required, existing wiring, and any electrical upgrades needed to meet current and future demands, as well as labor costs and permits. Depending on these factors, installation costs (PDF) can range up to $3,000 for Level 1, from $600 to $12,700 for Level 2, and from $4,000 to $51,000 for DCFC. Some heavy-duty units may cost more.
Charging station installations must comply with local and state regulations and be performed by a licensed electrical contractor. Identify all applicable requirements and plan accordingly, keeping in mind that many jurisdictions have unique ordinances or regulations. Project contractors should be familiar with the relevant codes/standards and obtain approval from local building, fire, environmental, and electrical inspection/permit authorities.
Implementation and Training
The last phase involves finalizing the engineering and construction work, including securing permits and passing inspections. It’s important during this stage to establish clear charging procedures or policies for both drivers and staff, particularly if the charging stations will be shared. Furthermore, developing comprehensive training programs is essential—not just for EV drivers, but also for vehicle technicians, fleet managers (especially those overseeing the charging process), and even local emergency personnel who might need to respond to incidents at the fleet facility.
- Technicians will need to be trained in repairing and maintaining the vehicles, both during and after the warranty period.
- Drivers will need to be trained in the use and charging of the vehicle, and this should include “refresher” training (especially when the drivers drive both EVs and non-electric vehicles).
- For first responders, vehicle OEMs publish emergency response guides for their vehicles (most of these guides are available on the National Fire Protection Association website) and some offer training for emergency responders. The National Fire Protection Association also has training and information resources available.
- Operations staff will need to be trained on charging logistics, which can be more complicated when many EVs and charging stations are involved.
- The National Alternative Fuels Training Consortium (NAFTC) provides training for vehicle technicians and first responders.
Conclusion
Electric vehicle fleet charging stations are key to electric vehicle fleet management, providing fast and reliable charging to ensure efficient fleet operation. Selecting the right charging equipment, properly planning installation and complying with local regulations are the basis for a successful transition to electrification. Training fleet personnel, technicians and emergency responders to ensure the effective use and maintenance of charging equipment can improve operational efficiency, reduce costs and support sustainable development.
