Co Charger offers package to reduce public charging downtime.

Co Charger, the UK’s leading community charging platform, has unveiled an innovative fleet electrification support package alongside shocking data on the hidden costs of charging for drivers without driveways.

Fleets are losing around £17,000 per driver per year due to drivers sitting idle at public charging points.

Recent industry estimates suggest that up to 70% of UK fleet van drivers do not have access to a driveway, compelling them to rely on public charging stations. This often results in drivers spending over an hour per shift charging their vehicles.

The operational expenses linked to public charging are escalating rapidly. Recent insights from Co Charger indicate that fleets are facing a staggering loss of approximately £17,000 per driver per year due to drivers waiting idle at public charging points. The data underscores how the operational costs of public charging can be four to eight times higher than the actual charging expenses, posing a significant challenge for fleet managers dealing with tight profit margins.

Addressing the issue of charging for drivers without driveways has become a top priority for fleet managers who are now exploring innovative solutions capable of accommodating the diverse circumstances of their drivers, particularly those residing in urban settings without access to home charging facilities.

One such solution is the near-home charging platform offered by Co Charger, which presents a practical and scalable way to assist all types of fleet drivers.

Established in early 2020 by CEO Joel Teague, Co Charger was introduced as the first community charging platform designed for electric vehicles, enabling individuals with EV chargers to share them with neighbours and transition to electric vehicles.

The company has amassed over 6,000 users, positioning itself as the second-largest charging network of its kind in the business landscape.

Co Charger’s platform has already showcased its potential in encouraging private drivers to opt for electric vehicles, with a significant number of fleet drivers also leveraging the platform to meet their charging requirements.

The recently introduced LCV fleet electrification support package represents a significant advancement in this endeavour.

This package empowers drivers of return-to-home LCVs without driveways to commence each shift with a fully charged vehicle, eliminating the need for charging stops during shifts.

According to Co Charger, this solution has the potential to save upwards of £10,000 per manned asset annually in operational costs, while also cutting down on charging expenses and enhancing operational reliability.

Interested fleets are offered an initial, cost-effective pilot programme where Co Charger sets up a select group of drivers with hosts from its existing network of 6,000 users. The company manages three months of operational charging for these drivers, paving the way for a broader rollout across the entire fleet.

Joel Teague emphasises the advantages of this solution, stating, “You’re not paying drivers to wait while they charge, they’re not missing out on working time, and they’re not having to work late to compensate. Additionally, in most cases, this solution costs substantially less.”

For more information on Co Charger and its innovative offerings, please visit their website.