Centrica Champions Solar Solutions to Combat Electric Vehicle Bricking

In a groundbreaking move for the electric vehicle (EV) sector, energy firm Centrica has taken significant steps to tackle the pressing issue of "bricking" that threatens fleets across the UK. This challenge arises when the 12-volt auxiliary battery, responsible for powering essential vehicle functions such as central locking, fails, rendering the vehicle completely inoperable. By implementing a simple yet effective solar solution, Centrica is not only prolonging battery life but also enhancing the reliability and efficiency of its fleet operations.

Understanding the Bricking Challenge

Bricking can cause major disruptions for businesses relying on electric vans, leading to increased downtime and customer dissatisfaction. Here’s how the problem unfolds:

• Battery Failure: The 12-volt battery fails, rendering the vehicle unusable.
• Operational Impact: Engineers can’t reach customers promptly, affecting service quality.
• Economic Consequences: Vehicle downtime translates to lost revenue and operational inefficiency.

Innovative Solar Solution by Centrica

To address this challenge, Centrica has collaborated with fleet technology specialist Genie Insights to fit solar panels on the roofs of its electric vans. These innovative panels serve a crucial purpose:

• Trickle Charging: They provide a continuous trickle charge to the 12-volt batteries, ensuring they remain operational even during inactivity.
• Sustainable Technology: The solar panels are made using CIGS (copper indium gallium selenide) technology, which is lightweight, flexible, and durable—perfect for commercial vehicle applications.

A Pioneering Approach to Fleet Management

Centrica’s initiative will see the installation of solar panels across 2,500 electric vans, marking a significant investment in sustainable fleet management. Rob Simister, Centrica’s Director of Fleet, emphasised the urgency of the solution:

“Vehicle downtime is bad for business, and it’s bad for our customers. We had to find a solution quickly so that we can make sure our engineers can get to our customers exactly when we’re needed most.”

Enhancing Customer Service Through Innovation

Matt Harris, Centrica’s Fleet Engineering and Innovation Manager, highlighted the importance of this project:

“We’re making a huge investment in decarbonising our fleet so we need to make sure we’re addressing issues that affect our ability to serve customers quickly. Following successful tests, this partnership with Genie Insights will ensure the 12-volt batteries remain charged, keeping our vans on the road longer.”

The Future of Electric Fleets

This proactive approach not only addresses a widespread issue for fleet operators but also solidifies Centrica’s leadership in the UK’s transition to electric vehicles. As Matt Reeve, Managing Director of Genie Insights, stated:

“By taking this proactive approach to battery maintenance, Centrica is not only pioneering a solution but also paving the way for a sustainable future in fleet operations.”

Key Takeaways

• Centrica’s solar solution combats the bricking issue in electric vehicle fleets.
• The lightweight CIGS solar panels ensure 12-volt batteries remain charged.
• The initiative will be rolled out across 2,500 electric vans, enhancing service reliability.

For more insights into sustainable fleet management, check out our articles on decarbonising transportation and the future of electric vehicles.

What are your thoughts on Centrica’s innovative approach? Share your views in the comments below or explore more articles related to sustainable energy solutions.