Electric vehicles are arriving in more fleets every month, but one big question remains: how will they be charged? The answer isn’t one single solution. Just like fuel cards give drivers access to different stations, EV charging will rely on a mix of options.
That’s where the Charging Pyramid comes in—a simple way to explain how an organisation plans to keep its EVs powered.
Three Ways to Charge
Fleets have three main options:
- Depot or onsite charging – Installing chargers at depots, offices or yards gives fleets control over costs, scheduling and uptime. Perfect for vehicles that return to base daily.
- Employee home charging – Ideal for take-home vehicles such as sales cars or inspectors. Home chargers and electricity reimbursements make it easy and convenient.
- Public charging – The most flexible option, especially for drivers covering long distances or working across wide geographies. As networks expand, some fleets may even make this the foundation of their strategy.
Choosing a Foundation
The power of the pyramid is that each organisation decides which option forms the base.
- A utility with a central depot might choose onsite charging as the foundation.
- A government department with hundreds of staff taking vehicles home may rely on home charging.
- A regional service fleet could put public charging at the base, supported by depot and home as needed.
The other two methods sit higher in the pyramid—used less often, but always available when required.
Why It Matters
The Charging Pyramid helps in three key ways:
- Clarity for drivers – Staff know where they’re expected to charge most of the time, and when exceptions apply.
- Confidence for executives – Leaders can see that EV transition plans are structured, not ad hoc.
- Cost control – By directing most charging through the cheapest or most reliable option, fleets avoid bill shock.
A Tool for Communication
Transitioning to EVs can be complex, but communication doesn’t need to be. The Charging Pyramid provides a clear, visual framework that explains to everyone—from drivers to the board—how charging will work day to day.
For Fleet Managers, it’s a simple tool that turns a technical challenge into an easy-to-understand plan.
- Geely EX2 proves there’s big demand for little EVs
The Geely EX2 has surpassed one million global sales in just two years, highlighting the growing demand for compact electric vehicles and the expanding choice available to Australian fleet buyers. The small electric hatchback, known as the E2 in selected markets, has become one of Geely’s most successful models, averaging approximately one sale every minute - Geely hits the road with two new plug-in hybridsGeely is preparing to expand its Australian electrified vehicle range, with the new MONJARO EM-i SUV and Emgrand L EM-i sedan heading on a national dealer roadshow ahead of their official launch in the first quarter of 2027. The roadshow which began at Geely Deer Park in Victoria, will be travelling through the ACT, New
- Leapmotor C10 Sports+ gets a fresh lookLeapmotor Australia has added a new Dawn Purple exterior finish to its C10 AWD Sports+ Special Edition. The latest release retains the dual-motor powertrain delivering 440kW and 720Nm, alongside an 81.9kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery and a claimed driving range of up to 437km on the WLTP combined cycle. For fleet and novated lease
- IRONMAN 4X4 Toughens Up Chery StockmanChery has teamed up with Australian-owned IRONMAN 4X4 to give its Stockman plug-in hybrid ute a range of accessories covering off-road protection, storage, towing and suspension. The range adds familiar Australian four-wheel-drive equipment to a ute combining turbo-diesel power with plug-in hybrid technology. The Stockman’s claimed outputs of 350kW and 800Nm are backed by low-range
- Fleet Ute Choice Grows as Cannon PHEV LandsGWM’s Cannon Hi4-T plug-in hybrid ute has arrived in Australian dealerships, adding another option for fleets seeking to introduce electric driving while retaining four-wheel-drive capability and a 3,500kg braked towing capacity. Available in Lux and Ultra grades, the Cannon Hi4-T joins the larger Cannon Alpha Hi4-T in GWM’s Australian line-up, expanding its plug-in hybrid offering
