When discussing electric car fleets, range guarantees are a common topic. Unlike driving a typical internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle, which constantly passes fueling stations, the charging infrastructure for electric vehicles in South Africa is not yet fully built, making trip planning and management vital.
It is essential to plan a trip for a commercial electric vehicle (CEV) in order to meet operational requirements. Transport operators are accountable for the streamlined execution of delivery schedules and want their trucks to be fully operational 24 hours a day, seven days a week. When a CEV fleet’s journeys are correctly scheduled, downtime, expensive energy consumption, and range anxiety can be reduced.
“People regularly inquire about the optimal method for charging a fleet of CEVs. Many factors determine whether AC or DC charging is the most efficient method for recharging vehicles. Before converting to battery-electric fleets, our team of experts undertakes a comprehensive examination of a transport operator’s needs, current infrastructure, and fleet application,” explains Rick Franz, CEO of AEVERSA (Applied Electric Vehicle Energy Reticulation Systems Africa).
Franz explains that grid electricity is alternating current (Alternating Current). The difference between AC (Alternating Current) and DC (Direct Current) charging is whether the AC power is converted to DC within or outside the car. EVs are equipped with small onboard chargers that convert AC power to DC for battery charging. “DC Fast Chargers convert AC power to DC power outside the car, which is then fed straight into the battery, hence lowering charging times by a large margin.”
“Ultimately, the optimal method of charging relies on the fleet’s utilization. If a speedy recharge is required for repeated travels, one will choose for DC fast charging. DC Fast Chargers can provide 100 to 150 km RPH (range per hour) or more, recharging certain electric vehicles to 80 percent in 20 to 30 minutes. Nonetheless, these chargers strain the power supply and must be handled properly. In general, AC charging is slower than DC charging,” notes Franz.
AEVERSA’s contribution to electric vehicle charging solution development
AEVERSA, a pioneer in green energy transport, advises industry participants on the most efficient means to transition their transportation fleets to battery-electric cars. The company provides a “comprehensive solution,” from identifying the necessary vehicles to planning and implementing charging infrastructure. It offers flexible maintenance and financing alternatives for infrastructure, vehicle charging systems, and vehicles.
When organizations wish to incorporate CEVs into their fleets, AEVERSA consults with essential company stakeholders to establish their transportation requirements. The consultation process would begin by analyzing the route, load, duty cycle, utilization, infrastructure, available space, and where and how quickly CEVs may be charged.
This procedure also include the building of a bespoke ecosystem, which is infrastructure consisting of charging- and monitoring-software that enables fleet operators to optimize their energy use. The software monitors vehicle maintenance and the health of the chargers, and it plans charging periods based on the availability and cost of electricity in order to save operational expenses and downtime.
The dilemma of whether to use AC or DC power is not a simple one due to the plethora of elements that influence each situation. Franz states, “We employ predictive modeling and our expertise in green energy transport to design the optimal solutions for transport operators based on their specific needs and objectives.”
Franz concludes that fleet owners who wish to include CEVs into their fleets must consider cost, scheduling, and charging requirements when determining their short-, medium-, and long-term objectives. “In our experience, increasing profit margins is all about renewable energy and total cost of ownership. To achieve this objective, we assist in regulating the timing and method of charging CEVs with AC or DC electricity.
Visit www.aeversa.com or give us a call at 081 000 2779 for information on how to implement battery-electric vehicles into your fleet of vehicles.
AEVERSA has posted on Quickpic News.
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