"It's crucial for shipment coordinators to prioritize the distribution of loads dynamically"
In the heart of Flanders, Belgium, utility company Fluvius is leading the charge in fleet electrification. With a fleet of 1,155 leased payroll cars and 2,700 service vehicles, all either light commercial vehicles (LCVs) or trucks, Fluvius has been on an electrification journey for over a decade. Today, 70% of their fleet consists of electric cars, with a goal of achieving a full zero-emission fleet by 2028.
Fluvius' commitment to reducing carbon emissions is evident. The service fleet is targeting a 25% reduction in CO2 emissions by the end of the decade, not just through cleaner drivelines, but also by reducing consumption through mileage reduction.
When it comes to electrifying LCVs, the process becomes more complex compared to passenger cars, with factors like payload, towing capacities, and upfitting needing careful consideration. Despite these challenges, Fluvius is addressing the capacity problem for LCV fleet charging by analysing grid readiness and potential weak spots in Flanders, and preparing for future capacity needs of big companies.
Home-charging presents a significant challenge for Fluvius due to staff restrictions on weekend use and limited street parking solutions. To tackle this, the company has developed a step-by-step approach for implementing charging infrastructure, starting with motivated ambassadors for early adopter feedback.
Fleet managers are advised to start by establishing a clear mobility concept, seek expert consultation possibly supported by available subsidies, and plan the installation of charging infrastructure primarily at locations where vehicles are parked regularly, like company sites or employee parking. Integrating digital management platforms and considering energy management solutions such as solar integration and flexible energy trading can increase efficiency and sustainability. It is also important to focus on expanding reliable public charging points, especially outside major cities, to support everyday electric mobility and build user confidence. Funding programs can help offset costs and facilitate pilot projects, enabling fleet managers to take practical steps towards electrification while managing investments prudently.
The implementation of charging infrastructure requires careful planning, considering the installation partner, the charging infrastructure itself, and the compatibility with multiple Charging Point Operators (CPOs). Fluvius, with its deep understanding of charging infrastructure, serves as a trusted source of knowledge in this field, with policies addressing various aspects for all possible scenarios.
The company is also monitoring the technology of bidirectional charging, but there are uncertainties about battery warranty and proper energy flow management. Another potential future development is the transition of the compressed natural gas network to hydrogen, which could be a solution for heavy-duty trucks as a starting point.
Fluvius benefits from close grid monitoring but also values benchmarking and maintaining contact with colleagues and suppliers to expand their knowledge in grid capacity and electricity. The prevention department is involved in every adjustment or roll-out of the charging infrastructure on company sites, providing advice to facility services. All charging infrastructure at the company's sites is above ground level as a form of precaution.
While the electrification journey has likely increased the costs for Fluvius, specific cost information is not provided in the article. However, the company's commitment to a sustainable future is clear, and they continue to lead the way in fleet electrification.
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