How to reduce charging downtime for a taxi fleet

Fleet charging differs from charging a private car overnight. For a car in service, time away from passengers can matter more than the price per kWh.

Do the maths: a car standing still for an hour earns nothing during that hour. Compare the difference in charging prices with the cost of an extra half hour off the road.

Charging slows near the end

A battery generally accepts more power at a low charge level. As it approaches full, the car reduces the charging rate. The final part of a charge can take disproportionately long.

For a car working shifts, charging to around 80 percent and continuing may save time. Plan around the car's range and the next available charger.

A cold battery charges more slowly

A cold battery accepts less power. In winter, a car may spend longer charging to gain the same range.

Indoor charging shelters the car and driver from the weather. Drivers do not have to stand outside in sleet while the car charges.

Waiting costs more than charging

Queues are a hidden cost. Ten cars waiting ten minutes each lose more than an hour of driving time in total. That time never appears on a charging invoice.

Check the number of charging points and how many are available before setting off, not just the price per kWh.

Schedule charging between shifts

Charging during a shift interrupts earning time. When drivers share a car, a shift change can be a practical opportunity to charge.

• Charge between shifts where possible
• Set a target charge level instead of charging to full every time
• Spread arrivals across charging points
• Check availability before setting off

Combine stops at one location

A fleet needs both washing and charging. Separate locations mean extra driving without passengers.

Using one address for both avoids travelling between suppliers. Wash the car first, then move it to a charger.

Our locations

We have 16 charging points across two sites, with 10 indoors at Årvoll. Our website shows current availability so drivers can choose before setting off.

• Charging and power
• Both locations
• Business accounts