As the world moves towards sustainable mobility, the infrastructure supporting electric vehicles (EVs) is becoming increasingly crucial. One of the key players in this evolving landscape is Zeem Solutions, a company at the forefront of building and operating commercial vehicle charging depots.
In this Podcast, SHAED’s CEO, Ryan Pritchard speaks with Zeem’s, Don Peer – VP of Sales, and Andrew Friedman – Sales Manager, who provide valuable insights and demystify the Charging Depot.
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What is a Charging Depot?
A charging depot is a specialized facility designed to support the charging and maintenance of electric vehicles, particularly for commercial fleets. These depots provide the necessary infrastructure to ensure that EVs can be charged efficiently and maintained properly. The primary purpose of a charging depot is to centralize the charging and upkeep of electric vehicles, making it easier for fleet operators to transition to and manage their EVs. These facilities are strategically located in areas with high truck traffic to maximize convenience and efficiency.
Comprehensive Service Offerings
Zeem Solutions has pioneered a one-stop solution for fleet operators by offering a range of services that go beyond just charging. The company’s holistic approach simplifies the transition to electric vehicles for fleet operators. Don further elaborated, “What we do is we find a site with high truck traffic, put in the electric infrastructure, and operate the site with depot staff 24/7. We offer fleets different services like vehicle charging, maintenance, washing, and parking.” This comprehensive package ensures that operators can focus on their core business while Zeem Solutions handles the rest.
“We find solutions to the hurdles in the EV market.”
– Don Peer
Efficient Depot Operations
The efficiency of depot operations is a critical factor in the success of EV adoption. Zeem Solutions’ depots are staffed around the clock, ensuring that vehicles are always ready for use. “The key to our business is charger utilization,” said Andrew Friedman, highlighting the importance of keeping chargers active 24/7.
Andrew described the coordination involved, “Our operations team gets together with the fleet’s operations team. We know when the vehicles are coming in and going out, and we charge them based on their duty cycle.” This meticulous planning ensures maximum efficiency and minimal downtime.
Addressing Common Challenges
Adopting EVs comes with its own set of challenges, primarily concerning range and cost. However, Zeem Solutions addresses these head-on by optimizing vehicle uptime and offering bundled services. “Range and price are the two biggest impediments to adopting EVs,” Don noted. By providing comprehensive services, Zeem Solutions helps fleet operators overcome these barriers.
Training and expertise are also critical. “Our depot staff are ABB-trained charger technicians,” Andrew mentioned, “If a charger goes down, our people can diagnose and repair it on-site.” This capability ensures that both vehicles and chargers are always in optimal condition, reducing operational disruptions.
Conclusion
Charging depots are essential for the efficient operation and maintenance of electric vehicle (EV) fleets, offering centralized locations equipped with necessary infrastructure and services. These specialized facilities streamline the transition to EVs by providing comprehensive solutions, including charging, maintenance, washing, and parking. Strategically located in high-traffic areas, charging depots ensure maximum convenience and efficiency for fleet operators. Providers of Charging-as-a-Service (CaaS) depots, like Zeem, are revolutionizing the industry by making it easier than ever for fleets to adopt and manage electric vehicles. As the demand for electric vehicles continues to grow, charging depots will play a crucial role in supporting sustainable mobility and the future of transportation.
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Written by Taylor Steele
November 2024
