As the transition to electric vehicles (EVs) accelerates, the need for efficient and cost-effective charging infrastructure becomes increasingly critical. This presents a unique opportunity for collaboration between fleet operators and depots. Shared depot charging, where multiple fleets share a common charging hub at a depot, emerges as an innovative solution to optimise resource utilisation, improve vehicle uptime, reduce environmental impact, and drive the adoption of ZEVs. By enabling visitor fleets to use the charging infrastructure of host depots, shared charging enhances operational efficiency.

While the concept of shared depot charging offers significant potential, its widespread adoption has been limited. Factors such as the relatively low penetration of EVs, lack of standardised protocols, interoperability between different charging networks, and the absence of dedicated platforms to facilitate fleet-to-fleet collaboration have hindered the growth of this model. However, as the EV market matures and supporting infrastructure develops, shared depot charging is poised to play an increasingly important role in the electrification of transport.

This article explores the key benefits, challenges, and opportunities associated with shared depot charging, drawing on real-world examples and outlining the critical factors for successful implementation.

The Benefits of Shared Depot Charging

Shared depot charging offers a host of advantages. By pooling resources, fleets can reduce the capital expenditure and operational costs associated with developing and maintaining their own EV infrastructure. it helps mitigate capacity constraints, both in terms of available space and energy demand, at their own depots. Shared charging also improves efficiency by ensuring charging stations are utilised even during off-peak hours.

For fleet operators, shared charging reduces range anxiety, particularly when public charging options are limited, and supports seamless operations, assuming a well-coordinated arrangement with host depots. Additionally, it reinforces environmental goals by enabling broader EV adoption and promoting cleaner energy use. This collaborative approach enhances the depot host’s environmental reputation and facilitates valuable knowledge exchange on charging technologies and fleet management practices.

Challenges and Opportunities

While the potential of shared depot charging is significant, several barriers remain. Initial infrastructure investment costs, secure access, and data privacy concerns are key challenges. Operational complexity, such as managing schedules and resolving conflicts between visitor fleets, must also be addressed. Additionally, legal and regulatory frameworks need to evolve to support these innovative solutions.

Successful implementation requires careful consideration of key attributes for both host depots and visitor fleets. Host depots must be strategically located, have adequate capacity, offer reliable and compatible charging infrastructure, and demonstrate a commitment to sharing. Visitor fleets must have a clear need for additional charging options and an organisational culture that supports collaboration.

Shared depot charging is gaining traction as a practical solution for fleet electrification. The following are existing examples of shared depot charging initiatives that demonstrate the various ways organisations are implementing and benefiting from depot charging partnerships.

• First Bus has pioneered depot charging partnerships, offering access to organisations like Openreach. The bi-lateral agreement allows specific vehicles to access the First Bus depot’s nation-wide during the times when the buses are away from depot performing their daily duties (6am – 8pm).
• Nottingham City Council has created a regional shared charging network for public sector organisations. The scheme has 31 members on the network, including councils and emergency service fleets and there are over 200 regular uses of chargepoints away from home depots per month.
• The Association of Fleet Professionals (AFP) has launched an online platform to connect fleets with spare charging capacity with those in need. AFP research suggested 58% of van fleets would consider sharing their depot or public charging infrastructure with others to make electrification more practical.

Critical Attributes for Success
For depot hosts, achieving success is contingent upon several critical factors, including strategic location, the capacity to accommodate additional vehicles, infrastructure compatibility, and a steadfast commitment to reliability. For visitor fleets, it is essential to ensure alignment with depot requirements, power compatibility, and foster a collaborative organisational culture.

By overcoming challenges and fostering collaboration, shared depot charging can offer a sustainable and efficient solution for both fleets and depots. However, successful implementation requires careful consideration within a long-term strategic planning framework. This includes assessing which proportion of the fleet may benefit from shared charging and planning depot infrastructure, accordingly, ensuring sufficient capacity and compatibility for potential future collaborations. With strong partnerships and supportive policies, it has the potential to significantly impact the future of fleet electrification.

Cenex is actively involved in research and development related to shared depot charging. Learn more here: Paua PINS – Cenex