Fleet Depot Infrastructure Recovery
How we recovered a stalled depot infrastructure project and got 18 electric vans charging within 10 weeks.
The Situation
A regional parcel delivery operator with a fleet of around 60 vans was 9 months into their first electrification phase. They had 18 electric vans on order, due to arrive in 8 weeks, but the depot charging project had stalled.
The original project had been through one consultant who had moved on, and one contractor who had quoted but never started. The depot team were frustrated, leadership were losing confidence, and the vehicle order was non-cancellable.
What Was Broken
- No single point of accountability for the infrastructure delivery
- DNO application had been submitted but follow-up had lapsed
- Site survey was incomplete and based on wrong assumptions about overnight dwell times
- Original charger specification was overkill for the actual duty cycle
- No clear timeline or critical path documented
What We Changed
Within the first week, I conducted a full project audit. The core issue became clear: the original power assessment assumed all vehicles would charge simultaneously at maximum rate, but the actual operation had staggered return times and shorter routes than expected.
We restructured the approach:
- Chased the DNO application and pushed for expedited review given the reduced load profile
- Respecified the charger mix: dropped from 12 x 22kW units to 8 x 7kW with smart load management
- Simplified the civils by relocating the charging zone closer to the existing supply point
- Engaged a new installer with last-mile fleet depot experience and clear SLAs
- Created a proper critical path with weekly progress calls
What Improved
10 weeks to live charging
Down from projected 6+ months
15-20% cost reduction
By right-sizing charger spec and civils
All 18 vans operational on arrival
No delays to fleet deployment
Phase 2 plan agreed
Board approved next 25 vehicles
What We Would Do Again
- Start with operational reality, not theoretical charging windows
- Single point of accountability from day one
- Weekly progress calls with all stakeholders
- Use installers with specific fleet depot experience, not domestic generalists
What We Would Avoid
- Never let a DNO application go stale. Keep chasing.
- Do not over-specify charging capacity based on worst-case assumptions
- Avoid splitting project management between multiple consultants
Facing a similar situation?
If your fleet infrastructure project is stuck, I can help you get unstuck. Book a 30 minute call to discuss your situation.