The transition to electric vehicles (EVs) brings with it the critical task of installing and managing cost-effective charging infrastructure. Geof Alexander, Head of Product at JET Charge, shared insights with Fleet EV News into strategies for reducing the total cost of ownership (TCO) for EV charging solutions, emphasising the importance of tailored approaches, safe home charging, and smart planning.
The Value of Home Charging
A key aspect of EV infrastructure planning is ensuring that employees have access to reliable and cost-effective home charging options. Alexander explained, “Installing a dedicated EV charger at an employee’s home is not only safer but also the most economical option in the long run. It eliminates risks associated with plugging into standard wall sockets, which are not designed for continuous high-power use.”
In countries like New Zealand, plugging fleet EVs into regular sockets at home is prohibited unless a dedicated charger is installed. This regulatory approach underscores the risks, including potential electrical hazards and inefficiencies, associated with suboptimal home charging setups. JET Charge’s Charge+ service simplifies this process by deploying qualified, EV-trained electricians to install chargers, ensuring compliance with safety standards and ongoing monitoring.
As Alexander noted, “When we go through and install a Charge + solution, a qualified electrician provides a certificate of electrical safety, confirming it works and complies with all standards. Then, we monitor the charger on an ongoing basis. This ensures a high-quality installation and gives employers confidence in their fleet’s safety.”
Long-Term Savings with Dedicated Charging Solutions
While the upfront cost of installing dedicated chargers might seem daunting, the long-term benefits far outweigh the initial investment. Alexander highlighted, “Home charging using a dedicated setup is cheaper because the infrastructure already exists, and it allows vehicles to charge at their resting location. This reduces operational time for employees and ensures vehicles are ready to go each morning.”
Moreover, home charging minimises reliance on more expensive public or commercial charging stations, driving down the total operational cost of EVs. Alexander shared, “When employees have access to efficient home charging, they save time and effort, and businesses save money by reducing the need for costly infrastructure at centralised locations.”
Reducing Costs for Commercial and Public Charging
For businesses managing larger fleets, balancing infrastructure investment and operational efficiency is crucial. Alexander explained that understanding vehicle usage patterns is a vital first step: “If you’re installing capacity beyond what’s actually needed for your fleet to operate, you’re overspending. We work with businesses to balance optimal charging for fleet vehicles without overbuilding infrastructure.”
By leveraging JET Charge’s expertise, businesses can scale solutions to meet their needs, starting with smaller trials and expanding as fleets electrify over time. This phased approach spreads costs, allowing businesses to manage budgets more effectively.
Alexander also stressed the importance of considering multiple charging scenarios, such as workplace and public charging, to create a diversified and cost-efficient portfolio: “You’ll have a mix of solutions depending on the vehicle types and where they’re parked. For tools of trade parked at employees’ homes, home charging is ideal. For pool vehicles based at the office, a workplace setup works best. And for small trucks, some DC charging may be necessary.”
Addressing CFO Concerns: Flexibility and Cost Predictability
One of the biggest challenges for businesses adopting EV charging infrastructure is navigating financial constraints. CFOs often hesitate to approve large capital expenditures for non-core operations like EV charging. Alexander described how JET Charge offers solutions tailored to address these concerns: “CFOs want consistent monthly costs without surprises. Charge+ bundles all tangible and operational costs into a single amount, reducing variability and shifting risk to us. It provides flexibility while keeping costs predictable.”
Alexander explained how this flexibility benefits businesses: “If a CFO thinks about their fleet of 100 vehicles, they’re often transitioning 30 per year. A phased approach means the cost of charging infrastructure is spread over time. The same charger can serve multiple vehicles over its lifespan, further reducing costs.”
Mitigating Risk with Professional Installations
Ensuring safety during installation and use is another critical component. Alexander noted, “Doing nothing is often the riskiest approach. Without a dedicated charging solution, employees are likely to use wall sockets, which increases the risk of fire or electrical issues. By installing chargers through Charge+, we ensure compliance with all safety standards, provide monitoring, and take on the responsibility for the charger’s ongoing quality.”
Alexander also highlighted JET Charge’s experience working with risk-averse enterprises: “We’ve conducted over 10,000 installations across Australia, and our processes have been reviewed thoroughly. This gives employers confidence that they’re working with a trusted provider.”
Planning for the Future
Alexander underscored the importance of smart planning to minimise costs. “Understanding vehicle usage is key. Businesses should work with partners who can scale solutions based on current needs without overbuilding infrastructure. This ensures they’re not paying for capacity they don’t need.”
Finally, Alexander advised businesses to focus on long-term strategies: “Charging infrastructure is a longer-term investment. Whether at home, in the workplace, or with DC solutions for larger fleets, the goal is to provide the necessary charge at the lowest cost.”
By combining professional installations, flexible payment models, and tailored solutions, businesses can significantly reduce the total cost of ownership for EV charging infrastructure. With expert advice and careful planning, transitioning to EVs becomes not just a step towards sustainability but also a sound financial decision.
