By Sarah Gray, Head of ZEV Strategy & Development at Dawsongroup vans
The transition to electric vehicles (EVs) is undeniably accelerating – and for good reason. For commercial fleets in particular, the cost and sustainability benefits cannot be overlooked. When managed through a strategically planned shift, electric fleets can achieve considerable energy and vehicle-maintenance cost reductions, while reinforcing sustainability credentials and unlocking low-carbon customer contracts.
For both large and small fleets looking to electrify, significant roadblocks may need to be overcome. The amount of time, operational modifications, and capex required are frequent industry concerns – but one of the biggest obstacles remains power supply constraints. Grid upgrades are capital-intensive and can take months or even years to secure, if not approached correctly.
Nevertheless, there is a way for fleets to make the shift smoothly, profitably, and in a reduced timeframe. With a strategic approach to energy usage, and intelligent infrastructure solutions in place, fleet operators can make electrification more practicable and cost-efficient – showing other businesses how it can be done effectively.
The Challenge: Overcoming Power Limitations
Dawsongroup vans has cultivated a business strategy based on innovation and electrified commercial-vehicle solutions. As a result, our EV estate has grown quickly. But crucially, finding smart solutions to overcome power constraints at key sites continues to be instrumental in making that happen.
Most recently, this challenge was at the very heart of our largest depot in Milton Keynes: Dawson Road. At this site, limited grid capacity – approximately 120kVA – posed a fundamental challenge for expanding EV operations there.
We needed to make cost-efficient electrification of the site feasible – an important consideration in the context of prohibitive grid-upgrade investment needs. In partnership with VEV, we developed an innovative clean-power microgrid that delivered the smart-energy management we needed to optimise our operations.
The solution we implemented from VEV is fully end-to-end in its scope – from planning and design to power connection, procurement, project management, and construction.
The microgrid is integral to that solution in every respect. At its centre, lies a 262kWp solar power system, 300kWh battery storage technology, and 34 22kW EV chargers. Taken together, we have an ecosystem that delivers clean-energy-charged vehicles for our customers, while reducing our dependence on the grid.
Bearing the cost of grid-power in mind, smart energy management is critical to the effective operation of this ecosystem. As part of its delivery, VEV integrated its smart data analytics platform, VEV-IQ, into our solution. Acting as the master control interface for our fleet, chargers, and microgrid, the system allows us to optimise energy use across all sources – drawing from solar, battery storage, and the grid at the most efficient times, to deliver the most cost-effective charging.
The sophisticated ecosystem at Dawson Road plays a crucial role in reinforcing the cost and efficiency benefits of switching to electric fleets. Those benefits are available as soon as it goes live.
With the success of this project, Dawsongroup vans is now exploring further opportunities to expand its electrification strategy. Our teams are already looking at ways to integrate similar clean energy solutions across other depots. While this helps us set our fleet up for success in an electrified future, we can also help other businesses make the switch.
Showing the Way: Cost-effective Electrification
The Dawson Road project is not just about Dawsongroup vans and VEV; it’s about demonstrating what’s possible to small, medium, and large businesses looking to make the switch.
With a nationwide fleet of 13,000 vehicles, the business case for making that switch has always been at the forefront of our strategic planning. Through the measures that we’re taking, the company is proving that businesses can integrate electrified fleet sustainability into their operations, without compromising on efficiency or profitability.
There are several effective steps that we’ve taken to make this possible – measures that can be applied to fleets of all use cases and sizes:
Identify opportunities – Even in large fleets, there are always vehicles that cover shorter distances, making them ideal for EV conversion. By analysing your existing route plans and vehicle usage patterns, identify those vehicles at an early stage to put forward your first, faster-turnaround targets for electrification.
Engage drivers early – In our discussions with customers, we’ve heard first-hand the benefits that drivers value in EVs – from the quietness of the cockpit to the smoothness of driving and ease of maintenance. Find the drivers who are enthusiastic about EVs and make them your champions for adoption. Not only will their satisfaction and productivity greatly improve, but their trusted opinion and advocacy will bring more drivers into the fold faster.
Plan for charging infrastructure – When electrifying sites, it’s crucial to right-size your infrastructure needs – thinking not only about present requirements but futureproofing your site for your growing EV fleet. If on-site charging isn’t feasible, exploring suitable public networks or home charging options will help you land on an efficient solution.
Leverage expert support – Partner with specialists like VEV who’ve assembled industry-leading, highly knowledgeable teams to help guide you through the transition, unlock funding, avoid common pitfalls, and identify the most cost-effective solution for your needs.
By combining the right partners with strategic planning and state-of-the-art technology, fleets large and small can equip themselves with the tools needed to futureproof their operations and show others how to do the same effectively.
Fleet electrification is not just the future – it’s happening now. And with the right strategy, it can be both sustainable and smart.
