EV van fleet charging is the best solar match in the logistics sector — probably in all of commercial property. Here's why, and how to structure a combined install.
Why the match is so good
EV vans parked during driver breaks (10:00-14:00) coincide almost exactly with peak PV generation. A depot with 20 electric vans, 2 charging at 7 kW during breaks: 140 kW of consistent solar absorption during the peak solar window. Weekend boost-charging: all vans at depot — full-day solar absorption. Combined with existing warehouse loads: self-consumption 88-95% — pharmaceutical cold chain levels without the GDP complexity.
Smart charging integration
OCPP-compatible charge points (Zaptec, Ohme, Hypervolt Fleet, Monta, EO Hub) connect to the solar monitoring platform. Real-time PV generation output signals charge points to ramp up when solar is high, ramp down when cloud reduces output. Automated solar-to-EV optimisation — no operator intervention required.
The combined payback
Typical last-mile depot: 300 kW PV + 12 × 7 kW AC charge points. Solar install: £270,000-£330,000. Charge points supply + install: £36,000-£60,000, minus OZEV grant £4,200. Annual saving: £67,000 (PV) + £35,000 (EV fuel vs diesel) = £102,000/year. Simple payback: 3.0-3.8 years. After-tax AIA: 2.2-2.8 years.
OZEV Workplace Charging Scheme
OZEV provides £350/socket (max £14,000/applicant/year) for business charge point installation. Stacks with PPA or asset finance — zero upfront cost for both systems in many cases. We manage OZEV applications alongside solar design.
See more
EV fleet solar guide: /guides/warehouse-solar-ev-fleet/. EV carport solar guide: /guides/warehouse-solar-carport-ev-charging/. Contact: /contact/.