Owen Mabbott

The UK’s transition to electric vehicle (EV) fleets is accelerating due to stringent regulations and market demands. For a smooth shift, fleets need data-driven decarbonisation strategies that leverage telematics and operational insights. These plans ensure optimal vehicle selection, infrastructure design, and cost management.

Key elements of a decarbonisation plan

1. Analysing the current fleet

Decarbonisation starts with a comprehensive assessment of fleet operations. This involves studying vehicle usage, including routes, distances, schedules, parking, fuel consumption, and payloads. Telematics systems are crucial, offering real-time data that creates a detailed operational profile for each vehicle. This ensures fleet decisions align with real-world needs, reducing risks and improving efficiency.

2. Energy calculations for EV compatibility

Effective electrification requires assessing energy demands for specific routes, not just matching mileage capabilities. Physics-based energy models account for weather, topography, road speeds, and payloads, providing precise insights into energy consumption under various conditions. For example, energy needs can vary significantly during cold weather or uphill routes. This method ensures accurate range assurance, identifies ideal charging points, and proactively addresses operational challenges.

3. Determining battery sizing

Battery selection is vital to EV success. Proper sizing matches operational demands with energy requirements, factoring in degradation, charging cycles, and reserve energy for unexpected situations. Vehicles covering long, energy-intensive routes need larger batteries, while those with predictable schedules may require less capacity. Accounting for advancements in battery technology ensures future scalability, balancing operational suitability with cost-efficiency.

4. Charging infrastructure planning

Robust charging infrastructure is a cornerstone of successful electrification. This includes determining optimal charging locations—depots, homes, or public sites—and identifying appropriate charger power ratings based on schedules and tariffs. Managed charging systems can optimise energy costs by focusing on off-peak charging, reducing grid strain, and lowering infrastructure investment. Ratio planning minimises unnecessary procurement, ensuring only essential chargers are installed, particularly for fleets transitioning gradually.

5. Evaluating energy consumption patterns

Energy consumption must be analysed across the fleet to identify peak demands and overall usage. Managed charging scenarios help control costs and infrastructure needs. Solutions like dynamic load balancing or timed charging reduce strain on power availability when multiple vehicles charge simultaneously. Aligning charging plans with renewable energy sources or other net-zero initiatives further enhances sustainability.

6. Financial and emissions impact analysis

Comprehensive cost evaluations include the initial investment in EVs and charging setups, ongoing energy expenses, and savings from reduced maintenance and fuel costs. Grants, incentives, and the total cost of ownership (insurance, servicing, etc.) are also factored in. This analysis compares current fleet costs with EV alternatives to demonstrate savings and ROI. Simultaneously, potential CO2 reductions are calculated, helping fleets align with sustainability goals.

Delivering the plan

Static reports were once the norm for decarbonisation plans. Today, dynamic software solutions allow real-time updates as new EV models emerge, operational needs evolve, or external factors like energy prices shift. This adaptability reduces consultancy costs and supports long-term decision-making.

Conclusion

A well-designed decarbonisation plan ensures a seamless transition to EVs. It integrates operational data analysis, precise energy calculations, strategic battery sizing, and comprehensive infrastructure planning. Financial and emissions analysis offer robust business cases, while dynamic tools provide the flexibility needed to adapt to changing conditions. These elements enable fleets to electrify efficiently and confidently, paving the way for a sustainable future.

Owen Mabbott, head of solutions, Omility

 

 

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