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With the rapid adoption of electric heavy-duty trucks, an increasing number of logistics companies and transport firms are considering building their own charging stations for their fleets. Self-built charging stations not only improve charging efficiency and reduce costs but also offer more flexible operational models. They are an essential tool for improving operational efficiency and shortening the cost recovery period. So, what are the advantages of building your own charging stations?
One of the biggest advantages of self-built charging stations is the ability to provide exclusive charging services for your fleet. There is no need to compete with other vehicles for charging resources, eliminating the problem of waiting in line, especially during peak operational periods. This maximizes the charging and operational efficiency of the fleet. When upstream customers require highly efficient fleet operations, avoiding delays in charging becomes particularly important.
In contrast, relying on external charging stations often leads to long wait times, which not only affects charging efficiency but could also delay the fleet’s transport schedule, thereby reducing the overall efficiency of the logistics system.
2. Long-Term Cost Control and Enjoying Discounted Electricity Prices
In the long run, building your own charging stations can help fleets save on charging costs, especially for large fleets. Self-built charging stations can directly serve your fleet, avoiding high service fees and the unpredictable pricing policies of external charging stations. Even more importantly, fleets can choose charging times based on demand and take advantage of off-peak electricity prices to further reduce charging costs.For example, a fleet of electric trucks could save around 300 $ per vehicle per day by charging at night instead of during peak hours, assuming each truck charges 300 kWh daily. For large fleet operators, this difference can result in significant cost savings.
3. Policy Support to Reduce Construction Costs
With the rapid development of the new energy industry, governments are increasingly supporting the construction of charging infrastructure. By applying for relevant subsidies, tax reductions, and other policy supports, businesses can significantly lower the initial investment required for building their own charging stations and shorten the cost recovery period. This is an undeniable economic benefit for businesses.
4. High-Power Charging Equipment to Meet Heavy-Duty Truck Needs
As electric heavy-duty truck technology advances, the battery capacities and driving ranges of these trucks continue to grow, and the demand for higher charging power increases. To shorten charging times and improve vehicle operational efficiency, heavy-duty truck fleets must choose high-power charging equipment. Currently, charging power of 250kW to 600kW is becoming common, but as power increases, the time-saving benefit decreases. For example, increasing power from 250kW to 600kW reduces charging time by 42 minutes, while doubling the power from 600kW to 1200kW only reduces charging time by 15 minutes. Therefore, while charging technology continues to evolve, the benefit of reduced charging time diminishes once power reaches a certain level.
5. Cooperative Construction to Reduce Investment Risks
For smaller fleets, the payback period for investing in self-built charging stations can be long. To reduce investment risks, some fleets may consider cooperating with other fleets to jointly build charging stations. By sharing resources and costs, they can accelerate the payback period. This model helps reduce the financial pressure on a single fleet while increasing the utilization of the charging stations, creating a positive cycle.
6. Open Operations to Increase Revenue Streams
In addition to serving their own fleets, opening the charging stations to external vehicles is another effective strategy to reduce investment risks. By allowing external vehicles to use the self-built charging stations, fleets can generate additional revenue. At the same time, open operations can increase the utilization of the charging stations and speed up the return on investment. However, open operations require setting reasonable pricing models and strengthening operational management to ensure efficient running and maintenance of the charging stations.
Five Major Applications for High-Power Charging Stations for Heavy-Duty Electric Trucks
As electric heavy-duty trucks become more popular, the demand for charging stations is increasing, especially for heavy-duty trucks. Here are five typical application scenarios:
Logistics Companies
Logistics companies are the main beneficiaries of electric truck charging stations. Self-built charging stations provide charging services to logistics fleets, reducing operational costs and improving transportation efficiency. This is especially important for long-haul transport, as the placement of charging stations makes fleet scheduling more flexible and efficient.Transport Companies
For long-distance transport companies, the layout of charging stations directly affects transport time and costs. Electric truck charging stations ensure that vehicles have enough power during transit, improving transportation efficiency and reducing energy expenses.Urban Public Transport
Some cities have begun to adopt electric heavy-duty trucks for public transport and sanitation operations. Charging stations not only provide efficient charging support for these electric trucks but also contribute to the city’s sustainable development.Electric Heavy-Duty Truck Manufacturers
Electric heavy-duty truck manufacturers are also actively involved in the construction of charging infrastructure. By partnering in the development of charging stations, they can offer better after-sales services, provide more consumer confidence, and promote greater market penetration of electric trucks.Governments and Local Authorities
Governments support the development of new energy charging infrastructure to not only enhance the city’s green image but also promote local economic growth and create more job opportunities.
