Choosing the Right Charging Solution for Your Electric Fleet: Behind-the-Fence vs. Charging Depots

• Posted by Pam Hoddinott
• On Fri May 16

This is a summary of a more detailed blog originally published by our affiliate, Chateau Development. To read the full article by Michael Bresnahan, please visit the link provided below.

As electric trucks gain momentum nationwide, businesses must navigate the complexities of charging infrastructure. Two primary solutions exist: Behind-the-Fence charging and Charging Depots. Understanding the pros and cons of each can guide fleet managers and infrastructure developers in making informed decisions.

Behind-the-Fence Charging

Behind-the-Fence charging is a private EV charging infrastructure that is designed for and dedicated to a specific fleet at their “home base” location. The advantages include:

Convenience: Located at an existing facility, offering seamless integration into daily operations.

Efficiency: Allows trucks to charge during downtimes, maximizing use and reducing idle time.

Charging Depots

While you can read the detailed analysis of Charging Depots in the full Chateau Development blog, Charging Depots offer an alternative to Behind-the-Fence charging. Key considerations include:

Location: The stand-alone site is used when it is near the fleet’s origin or destination. It has the option to share space by multiple fleets. 

Cost: The burden of money, real estate, and power required to build charging infrastructure is shifted from the fleet to a third-party developer.

Capacity: Charging Depot developers engage early on with local utilities to streamline the process and securing the necessary power. 

In summary, each charging strategy offers distinct benefits and limitations, largely shaped by specific operational needs and resources. By pre-planning and understanding these factors, fleets can better prepare for an electric future.

The full blog was originally published by Chateau Development, an affiliate of Chateau Energy Solutions. To read more of Michael Bresnahan’s blog titled, “Behind the Fence vs. Charging Depots: What is the difference and what is right for my electric fleet?” please visit Chateau Development’s Blog.