Why EV fleet charging is the best solar match in logistics
Logistics solar self-consumption ranges widely: cold chain 90-95%, distribution 78-85%, cross-dock 70-78%. EV van fleet charging changes the calculation. A depot with 20 electric vans, 2 charging at 7 kW during breaks: 140 kW of consistent additional absorption from 10:00-14:00. Combined with existing depot loads: total self-consumption 88-95%. The economics: a 400 kW system at 92% self-consumption versus 80% self-consumption saves an additional £13,000/year (40 kW × 2,600 daytime hours × 25p/kWh). Over 25 years: £325,000 additional NPV purely from EV load absorption.
Smart charging integration — how it works technically
Smart charging connects charge point management software (OCPP protocol — compatible with Zaptec, Ohme, Hypervolt Fleet, Monta, EO Hub, Indra) to the solar inverter's real-time generation output via our monitoring platform. When PV generation exceeds existing depot loads, the monitoring platform signals charge points to ramp up power output — absorbing excess solar rather than exporting at 10p/kWh. When cloud reduces PV output, charge points receive a ramp-down signal, preventing grid draw for EV charging. Net result: automated solar-to-EV charging optimisation with no operator intervention. We integrate monitoring, inverter, and charge point management systems at commissioning.
Charger specification for combined solar-EV depots
7 kW AC (Type 2) charge points: optimal for overnight boost-charging and break-time absorption. Low installed cost (£800-£2,000/socket installed). 22 kW AC charge points: faster break-time charging, higher instantaneous solar absorption. Higher cost (£3,000-£5,000/socket). 50-150 kW DC fast chargers: for quick turn-round fleet operations. Expensive (£20,000-£60,000/unit) — justified only where vehicle turn-round time is the operational constraint. Most depot solar-EV installations: mix of 7 kW and 22 kW AC charge points, 6-24 units per depot.
OZEV Workplace Charging Scheme — grant detail
OZEV (Office for Zero Emission Vehicles) Workplace Charging Scheme provides £350 per charge point socket, maximum £14,000 per applicant per year. Eligibility: UK business installing charge points for employee and fleet vehicles. Not available to public charge point operators. Application: OZEV online portal, typically 4-6 weeks from application to approval. OZEV grant stacks with solar PPA or asset finance — combined structure: zero or minimal upfront cost for both PV and charge points. We manage OZEV grant applications alongside solar project delivery.
Common questions
What EV charging capacity do I need for a 50-van electric fleet?
50 vans, assuming 20% at depot during peak break (10 vans simultaneously): 10 x 7 kW AC = 70 kW peak charge load. For faster break-time charging: 10 x 22 kW = 220 kW peak. For overnight full fleet charging: 50 vans × 50 kWh needed × 7 kW = overnight cycle of approximately 7 hours (typically 18:00-01:00). 50-van fleet: 12-20 charge points (7 kW and 22 kW mix) typically adequate with smart load management.
How does OZEV Workplace Charging Scheme affect combined solar-EV payback?
OZEV grant reduces charge point capital cost by £350/socket. For 12 x 7 kW AC sockets: OZEV grant £4,200 (12 × £350). On £24,000 charge point cost: 17.5% cost reduction. Combined solar + charge point payback improvement: approximately 0.2-0.4 years faster than solar alone (from EV load absorption + OZEV grant).