Advancing Electrification in Fleet Electrification
August 30, 2023
In this blog, We look into our latest installation project for a client transitioning towards complete fleet electrification. This endeavour is unique to me, as it is my favourite project so far. Witnessing our client embrace and utilise the charging stations almost immediately with utmost enthusiasm instils in me a profound sense of pride, knowing that we are making a significant contribution to reducing carbon emissions in the transport industry.
We aimed to expand the charging using the existing power supply. We rewired all the existing stations to allow the expansion of additional chargers. We achieved this by converting the current charging stations from 3 Phase to 1 Phase. You might wonder, “Isn’t 3-phase faster than 1-phase?” In theory, it may be, but in practice, it sometimes proves unnecessary.
The majority of electric vehicles (EVs) available in Australia utilise 1-phase 32-amp AC charging (7.4 kW), while others use 3-phase 16-amp AC charging (11 kW). Only a tiny fraction of high-end vehicles, unsuitable for fleet purposes, have the capability for 3-phase 32-amp charging (22 kW).
Our solutions
To optimise the charging infrastructure, we devised a clever approach. For every 3-phase charger at 32 amps, we added two 1-phase chargers, effectively assigning one charger per phase. This method might initially appear intricate, but it serves as the secret sauce for building an in-house charging infrastructure that seamlessly accommodates more vehicles and chargers.
How we did!
I must admit that my favourite part of EV charging stations is the civil works because there is so much mess while excavating and doing the trenches, and after, it looks like nothing has happened. This includes doing the right trenching for cable conduits, concrete and concrete pads.
Precise trenching for cable conduits and the meticulous construction of concrete pads are critical aspects that demand particular attention.
In this installation, we use ABB Terra AC chargers for their reliability, compact design, exceptional customer service, and ease of commissioning. To ensure their seamless operation, each new station undergoes rigorous testing using a BYD Atto 3.
Building trust among fleets and organisations in Australia is pivotal for the widespread adoption of EVs. Achieving this requires running projects smoothly, adhering to timelines, and maintaining harmony between all parties. The core values of humility, honesty, and effective communication form the foundation of this trust-building process.
This concludes our blog for this week. Our next blog post will provide insights into installing, commissioning and maintaining DC or fast chargers for large-scale fleets. Stay tuned for our next post.
At Beyond EV, we strive to empower fleet operators with practical knowledge and solutions, enabling them to embrace the electric revolution and reap its rewards. Stay tuned for more!
We hope you found the information provided insightful and practical. If you want to build your EV charging infrastructure and don’t know where to start, send us an email at info@beyondev.com.au.
Electrification all the way!⚡
