Fleet operators planning to switch to electric vehicles (EVs) are being urged to look beyond the assumption that overnight depot charging is a simple, all-encompassing solution. In a recent social media post, Chris Chamberlain, Co-founder of data-driven planning consultancy Dodona Analytics, outlined several often-overlooked factors that can make or break the success of fleet electrification.
“The assumption that charging at the depot overnight solves everything is not always accurate,” Chamberlain cautioned.
With more businesses under pressure to decarbonise, the transition to EVs may appear straightforward at first glance. But as Chamberlain points out, operational reality often introduces roadblocks.
Key Challenges Fleet Operators Must Address
Power and Space Constraints
“Many depots just don’t have the power or the space to support large-scale charging infrastructure,” said Chamberlain. He highlighted that operators need to assess their physical and grid capacity early—and consider off-site or shared charging if limitations exist.
Financial Responsibility
Another grey area is cost ownership. “Who pays for setting up the infrastructure? It’s not always clear, and it can stall progress,” he noted. Chamberlain advocates for a strategic funding approach, involving partnerships, grants, or innovative financing models like Infrastructure-as-a-Service.
Impact of Lease Durations
Shorter depot leases present a major barrier to return on investment. “When a site lease only has a few years left, it makes fleets understandably cautious. It’s hard to justify long-term infrastructure spend,” said Chamberlain. He suggested mobile charging or short-term solutions in such cases.
Unlocking Asset Sharing Potential
Chamberlain also proposed a more collaborative model: “There’s real potential in sharing infrastructure—either with other fleets or even local consumers. Semi-public charging can distribute costs and benefits, creating a win-win situation.”
Strategic Planning Is the Missing Link
Dodona Analytics specialises in using geospatial and operational data to help fleets model the viability of EV infrastructure. According to Chamberlain, success lies in treating electrification not just as a technology upgrade, but as a broader operational transformation.
“Navigating the transition to EVs involves more than choosing vehicles and installing chargers. It’s about addressing real-world constraints with smart, data-backed decisions.”
With the right strategy, Chamberlain believes fleet electrification can be both sustainable and cost-effective—just not if it’s approached with a one-size-fits-all mentality.