Charging electric vehicles is not as simple as plugging them in — especially when managing an entire fleet. Balancing electricity costs, depot power capacity, and fleet readiness requires careful planning to avoid inefficiencies and unnecessary expenses.

Volteum’s smart algorithms make this process effortless by optimizing charging schedules for cost savings and seamless operations. In this blog post, we explore the challenges of EV charging and how Volteum helps fleets charge smarter and more effectively.

Challenges in charging management

Managing an electric fleet comes with its own set of challenges, especially when it comes to charging. Unlike fueling traditional vehicles, charging EVs requires careful consideration of the depot’s electricity capacity and overall power usage. Every depot or workplace has a limit on how much power it can draw, which must also support buildings, equipment, and other operations.

Charging multiple vehicles simultaneously can push these limits. For instance, if several EVs start charging after returning from their daily routes, the sudden surge in power demand can strain the depot’s capacity—similar to overloading a home circuit by running an oven, dishwasher, and iron at the same time. Knowing how many chargers a site can handle within its existing power capacity is critical to avoiding disruptions and costly upgrades.

These challenges highlight the need for smarter solutions to optimize charging operations without overwhelming depot resources.

Electricity costs and pricing

Electricity costs are a critical factor in EV fleet management, and pricing structures can vary widely depending on region, provider, and contract terms. Electricity prices are determined by contracts with energy providers, which vary significantly by region, country, and provider. These contracts also influence the available power capacity at the depot. In cases where EV chargers add significant new demand, depots may need to negotiate increased capacity or adapt their energy usage accordingly.

At the same time, understanding how pricing structures like time-of-use, dynamic rates, or fixed rates apply can help fleets optimize their charging strategies and manage costs effectively. Here are some common pricing scenarios and how they impact charging schedules:

• Fixed rates: In this most common pricing model, electricity costs are the same at all hours of the day. While this simplifies planning, it also means there are no opportunities to save by charging at specific times.
• Time-of-use rates: Electricity providers often offer discounted rates during pre-determined time periods, most commonly during nighttime hours. Charging during these off-peak hours can significantly reduce costs. However, cost savings must always be balanced with operational needs, ensuring vehicles are charged and ready for use when required.
• Dynamic pricing: In less common cases, electricity prices are not predetermined but fluctuate based on real-time market conditions. These rates can vary within a day, with certain hours or intervals experiencing price increases or decreases. For example, during periods of high renewable energy generation, such as sunny afternoons with abundant solar power, prices may drop significantly or even become negative, offering additional opportunities for savings.

For depots with on-site renewable energy sources like solar panels, the situation becomes even more complex. While charging can, in some cases, be nearly free thanks to the availability of renewable energy, vehicles may not always be present to use the energy when it’s generated, creating a mismatch between availability and demand. These variables highlight the importance of a strategic approach to charging management, one that considers both cost efficiency and operational readiness.

How Volteum’s algorithm solves these challenges

Volteum’s Electric Fleet Operations software simplifies EV charging optimization by focusing on strategic planning and scheduling. Its advanced algorithms address the complexities of electricity costs, depot power capacity, and fleet schedules, generating precise charging schedules to ensure cost efficiency and fleet readiness. Here’s how the product tackles these challenges:

• Optimizing for cost efficiency: Volteum’s algorithm analyzes electricity pricing—whether fixed, time-of-use, or dynamic—at a highly granular level, with intervals as detailed as 5–10 minutes. By identifying the most economical charging times within these precise windows, it ensures fleets minimize costs while meeting operational requirements.
  • Example: In regions with dynamic pricing, Volteum identifies low-cost periods, such as during sunny afternoons with surplus renewable energy, to optimize savings.

• Maximizing power capacity usage: By creating a charging order that staggers sessions based on vehicle priority and needs, the algorithm ensures depots operate within their power limits, avoiding disruptions or costly upgrades.
  • Example: When vehicles return to the depot at the same time, Volteum’s schedule avoids simultaneous charging, maintaining power within the site’s capacity.

• Incorporating renewable energy: Volteum integrates renewable energy sources, scheduling charging to align with peak production periods. If vehicles are unavailable during those times, the schedule adapts to maximize energy use at the next opportunity.
  • Example: At depots with solar panels, Volteum aligns charging with peak solar output, diverting unused energy to other operations or storage.

• Aligning with fleet operations: The software factors in vehicle schedules, routes, and required states of charge, ensuring every vehicle is ready for its next shift while balancing operational needs and cost efficiency.
  • Example: For fleets with early morning routes, Volteum prioritizes nighttime charging to ensure readiness and cost savings.

With its focus on planning and optimization, Volteum generates detailed charging schedules that can be handed off to charging management systems for execution or implemented manually. This approach reduces costs, avoids power constraints, and ensures fleets meet their operational goals seamlessly.

Conclusion

Efficiently managing EV fleet charging is no small task, especially when factoring in electricity costs, depot power capacity, and operational demands. Volteum’s Electric Fleet Operations software simplifies this complexity, combining advanced algorithms with real-world insights to optimize charging schedules, reduce costs, and ensure fleet readiness.

Whether you’re navigating dynamic electricity pricing, integrating renewable energy, or scaling your EV fleet, Volteum provides the tools and expertise needed to make it seamless and cost-effective. Ready to revolutionize the way you manage your EV fleet? Contact us today for a personalized demo and discover how Volteum can help you achieve your operational and sustainability goals.