October 30, 2024
Explore Fleet Electrification with a PHEV Fleet
4 Min. Read
As more businesses seek to adopt sustainable practices, such as by embracing fleet electrification, there are several considerations fleet managers should make before taking action.
While fully electric vehicles (EVs) can help fleets save on fuel and maintenance costs, they may not be a perfect fit for all of your business needs and goals.
Combining a battery-powered electric motor in addition to a fuel-powered combustion engine, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) offer another practical alternative worth considering.
With this dual system and larger batteries than traditional hybrid vehicles, PHEVs are able to leverage both electricity and gasoline as a source of power, making. This provides greater flexibility to drive longer distances without range anxiety, while also promoting reduced emissions and fuel savings.
In this article, we discuss the benefits of adding PHEVs to your fleet and how implementing an effective charging strategy for your PHEV fleet can save you money while still lowering your fleet’s environmental impact and helping your company achieve its ESG goals.
PHEV Fleets Offer Flexibility and Range
Charging requirements for a plug-in hybrid electric fleet are different than fully electric vehicles, in part due to the smaller battery size and lower amperage capacity of the vehicles.
With PHEV battery capacities ranging from just 13 to 20 kWh, when compared to electric vehicles which typically have battery capacities of 100 kWh or more, these vehicles offer significantly faster charging times than EVs.
While most PHEVs are unable to use DC Fast charging stations (DCFC) as a result, Level 1 and Level 2 EV chargers are ideal for charging plug-in hybrid electric vehicles—offering a convenient and efficient method of charging.
Level 1 EV Charging for PHEV Fleets
This can offer greater flexibility for fleets as Level 1 chargers, while easier to install, are often insufficient for charging EVs, since they typically deliver between 1 to 2.4 kWh and can take 40 to 50+ hours to fully charge an EV with a 60-kWh battery.
In contrast, because PHEVs have smaller batteries, charging a PHEV with a Level 1 EV charger would only take 5 to 6 hours.
Level 2 EV Charging for PHEV Fleets
Level 2 EV chargers provide even faster charging speeds, delivering between 3.9 to 19.2 kW depending on the amperage capacity of the PHEV and the maximum output of the charger.
This enables quicker charging speeds, with a full battery charge in as little as 1 to 2 hours for a PHEV, making them an excellent choice for those seeking convenience and speed.
Benefits of a Dual Power Source for PHEVs
In addition to faster charging speeds, a PHEV fleet offers more flexibility because it can rely on a dual-power source and switch, however, both power sources should be fully utilized to maximize the range and benefits of driving a PHEV.
Using electricity as much as possible will optimize fleet range and mileage costs, but switching to the combustion engine can extend your fleet’s range, ensuring uninterrupted operations and reducing range anxiety—especially in areas where your fleet drivers may not have access to charging along their extended routes.
A PHEV fleet can be a great fit if you have limited access to reliable charging, have drivers who live far from your main charging depot, or if you simply want to mitigate the costs of at-home charging for your drivers.
By opting for PHEVs, you can avoid the panel upgrades often required for installing a high-powered Level 2 EV charger and instead elect to install lower amperage Level 2 EV charging stations or even Level 1 EV chargers, making it a practical choice for your drivers and your business.
Home and Depot Charging Integration
Both EVs and PHEVs offer their own unique benefits and by integrating both vehicle types into your fleet, you can access a more resilient and flexible electrification strategy. For instance, you could have EVs complete local routes and rely on PHEVs to go further.
Regardless of your vehicle selection, it is important to ensure that you establish a PHEV and EV charging strategy adapted to the type of electric vehicles you’re using.
Depot charging at a centralized location allows for convenient overnight charging or rapid recharging during downtime for PHEVs, such as during driver meals, breaks, or restocking, ensuring that you start each day with a full battery and maximize the use of electric mode. With their fast-charging capabilities, PHEVs are also ideal for Level 1 or Level 2 charging at the drivers’ homes.
In both cases, scheduling PHEV charging during off-peak hours from the utility or pairing your EV chargers with other energy transition technologies such as solar panels and battery storage can help your business take advantage of even lower electricity rates, further reducing mileage costs.
As your fleet grows, your charging strategy can encompass expanding your infrastructure to support more PHEVs or even adding a few EVs. You can also look into creating partnerships with charging networks in your area to help further support your PHEV and EV charging strategy.
Charging Strategy for Your PHEV Fleet
PHEVs can be an ideal option for fleets looking for a flexible electrification solution with fast charging and extended range.
Qmerit can help you develop a charging strategy designed to meet your business needs and adapted to the unique needs of a PHEV fleet.
As the largest and most trusted electrification network in North America, our network of certified electricians has installed over 450,000 EV charging stations in homes and businesses across the U.S. and Canada.
We’ve earned our reputation as the most experienced and high-quality electrification service and EV charger installation network and can help make your transition easy with our experience and commitment to your business.
Find out how an electric vehicle fleet can help build your business for the future. With a simple and seamless installation experience and top-quality service you can trust, Qmerit makes driving electric easy no matter where your drivers need to charge.
Contact Qmerit today to learn how we can support your fleet electrification project and help you enjoy the benefits of a seamless EV experience without the typical complexities of EV charger installation.