Fleet electrification is a growing priority for organisations worldwide. However, navigating the complexities of charging infrastructure and adoption often feels like solving a puzzle. JET Charge, a leader in electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions, is helping Fleet Managers fit the pieces together with their tailored approach. Mitch Metcalfe, Partnerships Manager at JET Charge, shared with Fleet EV News how the team address unique challenges and leverage vehicle downtime for maximum efficiency.
A Tailored Approach to Charging
“Companies come to us with a puzzle-piece-shaped hole,” explains Metcalfe. “They have a problem that’s unfamiliar, with strange curves, bends, and twists. We offer a puzzle-piece-shaped solution.” This metaphor captures JET Charge’s philosophy—not customising every detail, but offering solutions that inherently fit the diverse and distinct needs of any fleet, from small businesses running a few light commercial vehicles to enterprises managing extensive car fleets.
The company’s flagship product, JET Charge+, exemplifies this flexibility. As a subscription-based charging service, it offers predictable costs, comprehensive maintenance, and sustainability reporting, alleviating the burden on Fleet Managers.
Understanding Stakeholder Needs
One of the key challenges in fleet electrification is addressing concerns from multiple stakeholders. “Fleet Managers frequently lead conversations, but we also hear from sustainability managers, facilities managers, risk managers, and even CEOs,” says Metcalfe. “Each has their priorities, whether it’s emissions reduction, asset management, or risk mitigation.”
Facilities Managers, for example, often focus on the logistics of installing and maintaining charging infrastructure. Risk Managers need assurance that chargers installed in employee homes are safe and compliant. Sustainability Managers are drawn to the detailed emissions reporting bundled with JET Charge+, which provides transparency and aids Scope 3 reporting requirements. According to Metcalfe, “mandatory climate-related financial reporting standards has recently been introduced and EV fleet transition is a low-hanging fruit to reduce emissions”.
Leveraging Vehicle Downtime
A recurring theme in JET Charge’s discussions with clients is the importance of leveraging natural vehicle downtime. “A good fleet charging solution must be predictable, reliable, scalable, and leverage the vehicles’ natural downtime,” stresses Metcalfe. For most fleets, this means understanding where vehicles park overnight and making charging seamless in those locations.
Home charging is often the most efficient solution, but it comes with its own set of challenges. “The idea of putting a company asset into an employee’s home can be a hard sell,” he notes. However, JET Charge’s system addresses concerns by bundling chargers with dedicated circuits, isolators, and RCD protection to ensure safety and compliance.
Overcoming Risk Concerns
Risk management is a crucial component of fleet electrification. Many companies worry about potential failures in home charging systems. “The real risk isn’t safety,” says Metcalfe. “It’s what happens if an employee can’t charge their vehicle and can’t perform their duties.”
JET Charge mitigates this by offering guarantees through JET Charge+. “We provide the assurance that the infrastructure will be operational when it’s needed. It’s like offering a fuel card, but better because we can monitor and address issues remotely in real time,” he explains.
Shifting From Trials to Implementation
As the market matures, more organisations are transitioning from trial phases to full-scale implementations. “Twelve months ago, many companies were coming to us saying, ‘We don’t know what we’re doing. Please help us,’” recalls Metcalfe. “Now, more are reaching out with specific requests for solutions like JET Charge+.”
The shift reflects broader market trends, including increased awareness of EV technology, government incentives, and emissions targets. Larger organisations, in particular, are driving the momentum. “They’ve already had internal discussions, drafted policies, and identified home charging as the solution for them,” he says. “They move significantly faster now.”
The Role of Policy and Reimbursement
Policy development is often the longest part of the electrification journey. Companies need to align departments like HR, legal, and payroll to address questions around reimbursement and compliance. “A fleet manager needs to think about reimbursement methods early,” advises Metcalfe. “This can involve long discussions with internal stakeholders.”
JET Charge simplifies the process by guiding clients through these considerations. Their expertise ensures organisations don’t overlook critical elements, such as ensuring employees don’t misuse charging infrastructure or that policies cover scenarios like public charging as a backup option.
Real-Time Monitoring and Maintenance
One of the standout features of JET Charge’s service is real-time monitoring through their Illuminate software. “We can diagnose issues remotely and often solve them instantly,” says Metcalfe. This proactive approach minimises downtime and keeps fleets operational. For fleet managers, it’s a major improvement over traditional fuel systems, where issues might go unnoticed until they’re reported by users.
Even in rare cases where remote solutions aren’t possible, JET Charge’s 24/7 support and maintenance teams ensure quick resolutions. “We aim to provide the same reliability as a roadside assistance program but tailored for EV charging,” he adds.
Building for Scalability
Scalability is another critical consideration. JET Charge designs solutions to grow with the organisation’s needs, whether that means adding more chargers or integrating new technologies. “We’ve delivered everything from single chargers in homes to infrastructure for bus depots,” says Metcalfe. “Our goal is to future-proof investments so they remain operational and cost-effective over the long term.”
Advice for Fleet Managers
For Fleet Managers considering electrification, Metcalfe offers practical advice:
- Assess Your Fleet Needs: Understand your fleet size, vehicle types, and operational requirements.
- Map Vehicle Downtime: Identify where vehicles park overnight and during idle periods.
- Draft Policies: Work with internal stakeholders to address home charging, reimbursement, and risk management.
- Engage Early: Reach out to experts like JET Charge early in the process to leverage their experience and avoid common pitfalls.
“Fleet Managers don’t need all the answers before picking up the phone,” says Metcalfe. “But having a basic understanding of their needs will speed up the process and lead to better outcomes.”
A Promising Future
As EV adoption accelerates, the need for reliable, scalable, and customised charging solutions will only grow. JET Charge is at the forefront, helping fleet managers navigate the complexities and realise the benefits of electrification. By turning challenges into opportunities, they’re proving that every solution is just a puzzle waiting to be solved.
