As fleet managers increasingly turn to electric vehicles (EVs) to meet sustainability goals, one key challenge looms large: installing and managing effective charging infrastructure. This case study of OfficeMax, New Zealand’s leading office supply company, offers valuable insights into how businesses can overcome these challenges with the help of JET Charge, a pioneer in EV charging solutions.
The Challenge
OfficeMax aimed to phase out its fleet of 105 petrol and diesel vehicles, replacing them with low-emission EVs and hybrids as part of its 2025 Sustainability Strategy. However, a significant hurdle was managing the charging infrastructure, especially for employees charging their vehicles at home overnight. The company needed a solution akin to traditional fuel card systems, facilitating easy reimbursement, ensuring asset visibility, and maintaining operational chargers. Additionally, they required seamless access to carbon abatement reporting to track their sustainability progress.
The Solution
Partnering with FleetPartners, OfficeMax’s fleet manager, JET Charge proposed their cutting-edge subscription service, JET Charge+. This service provides a comprehensive solution, offering state-of-the-art charging capabilities at employees’ homes and the flexibility to scale operations as more EVs are added to the fleet.
“OfficeMax is walking the walk when it comes to bolstering their green credentials and leading the corporate climate transition. We were thrilled to deliver our fully scalable JET Charge+ solution to align with their sustainability ambitions, simplify the operational side of things, and save them money in the long term,” said Jacques Le Roux, JET Charge Sector Lead.
The JET Charge+ service includes:
- Smart EV Chargers: Advanced chargers installed at employees’ homes.
- Standard Home Installation: Ensuring hassle-free setup.
- Driver Authentication: Guarantees chargers are used solely for business purposes.
- 4G Cellular Connectivity: Facilitates streamlined reporting and reimbursement.
- NMI Meter: Ensures 99% accurate energy billing for precise reimbursements.
Implementation
In May 2023, the first five JET Charge+ installations were completed. The chargers feature RFID technology, allowing drivers to track their individual power consumption. Monthly usage reports are automatically sent to OfficeMax, simplifying reimbursement processes similar to traditional fuel cards. This setup not only ensures accurate energy billing but also provides the company with vital data for carbon abatement reporting.
Scalability and Flexibility
One of the standout features of JET Charge+ is its scalability. As OfficeMax’s EV fleet grows, the system can easily expand to accommodate new vehicles. If an employee leaves or relocates, JET Charge can redeploy the charger at no extra cost, ensuring continuous operation without additional expenses.
Le Roux emphasised, “The ability to redeploy chargers at no extra cost ensures continuous operation and eliminates additional expenses, making the transition to EVs seamless for OfficeMax.”
Outcome and Impact
The JET Charge+ project is a cornerstone of OfficeMax’s effort to cut fleet emissions by 50% and overall Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 25% by 2025. This initiative has demonstrated to both employees and the broader office logistics industry that EVs are not only viable but also practical and cost-effective in the long run. The long-term cost savings from reduced fuel expenses further underscore the financial benefits of transitioning to an electric fleet.
“This project is part of our overarching Sustainability Strategy, aiming to cut fleet emissions by 50% and overall Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 25% by 2025,” said an OfficeMax representative. “It proves to employees and the wider industry that EVs can work and that charging obstacles can be overcome.”
OfficeMax’s collaboration with JET Charge showcases how a well-planned and expertly implemented charging infrastructure can alleviate the challenges associated with transitioning to an electric fleet. For fleet managers, the key takeaways include the importance of choosing a scalable and flexible solution that integrates seamlessly with existing operations and facilitates easy reimbursement and reporting. By following OfficeMax’s example, businesses can significantly advance their sustainability goals while also reaping the economic benefits of EVs.
With such success stories, fleet managers can confidently explore and implement EV charging solutions that drive both environmental and economic benefits, paving the way for a sustainable future.
