- British energy firm, Centrica, who operate one of the largest electric commercial van fleets in the country, have announced a planned installation of solar panels on the roof of 2,500 electric vans in its fleet.
- The modifications will be carried out in partnership with Genie Insights, who offer solar panel solutions for vans, buses, trucks, and trailers.
- Centrica hopes the installations will increase uptime of its fleet, by preventing the smaller auxiliary battery, which powers functions such as locking and unlocking, and ancillary items, from going flat.
Centrica adds solar panels to its electric vans
These solar panels will provide a trickle charge to the secondary 12-volt battery, rather than the main EV battery which supplies power to the drive motors. This secondary battery is vulnerable to going flat on fleet vehicles in particular, due to the heavier demand placed by ancillary equipment such as always-on telematics systems.
In Centrica’s case, these solar panel installations solve a specific case that has only become apparent on hard-working fleet vehicles. It hasn’t caught on on the consumer EV side, but that’s not to say we haven’t seen manufacturers explore this area. The first generation Nissan Leaf had a small solar array on its rear spoiler, with the same aim of keeping the 12-volt auxiliary battery topped up in the sun.
Matt Harris, Centrica’s Fleet Engineering and Innovation Manager, commented:
“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. We explored several options but there was a clear frontrunner. Following the successful tests, this partnership with Genie Insights will equip all 2,500 of our electric commercial vehicles with their solar solution, ensuring the 12v batteries remain charged. As a result, our vans will stay on the road longer, better serving our customers’ needs.”
Matt Reeve, Managing Director of Genie Insights, added:
“By taking this proactive approach to battery maintenance, Centrica is not only pioneering a solution to a widespread issue for fleet operators, but also solidifying its leadership in the UK’s transition to electric vehicles.”
