More and more companies are electrifying their fleets – from a craft business with ten vans to a logistics company with hundreds of vehicles. However, there are many mistakes in charging management of electric fleets that can become costly. Electricity costs soar, peak loads drive up network fees, and billing is often chaotic.

The good news: With intelligent charging management, these mistakes can be avoided. SMEs not only save up to 40% of their charging costs, but also gain planning certainty and transparency.

Error 1: Charging all vehicles at the same time

Many fleets plug in all vehicles after work hours. The result: a massive power demand at the same time. These peak loads significantly increase network fees.

Solution:

A load management system intelligently distributes the charging power overnight. Vehicles that are needed earlier the next morning have priority. This way, everyone is ready to go – without cost explosions.

Error 2: Charging during expensive times

Charging at noon when the electricity price is high costs extra. Without tariff optimization, SMEs waste real money.

Solution:

With dynamically priced electricity tariffs and smart charging, charging processes are automatically shifted to cheaper times – e.g., at night or when there is a lot of wind and solar power in the grid.

Example: A logistics company saves 18% on its costs by consistently charging its fleet during low-tariff times.

Error 3: Not utilizing PV electricity

Many companies have a solar system on the roof, but do not use the cheap electricity for their vehicles. Instead, they charge expensive electricity from the grid.

Solution:

An intelligent charging management system integrates PV electricity directly. Vehicles charge when the system produces the most. Excess electricity is stored or used in vehicles.

This turns the PV system into a real competitive advantage.

Discover how PV integration can instantly reduce your costs.

Error 4: Lack of transparency in costs and billing

Without monitoring, hardly anyone knows how much each vehicle costs. Charging company cars at home? Often a paperwork nightmare.

Solution:

A digital dashboard provides clarity. Every charging process is automatically documented. Costs can be assigned to individual vehicles, projects, or departments. Even home charging is automatically billed – without paperwork.

Error 5: No future viability planned

Many systems are designed with a short-term view. However, with the throughput model, free provider selection at every charging station will soon be available. Those who invest incorrectly today will pay double tomorrow.

Solution:

Focus on open systems (OCPP, OCPI) and flexible software. This prepares you for price transparency, your own electricity contracts on the go, and ESG-compliant reporting.

Secure your future-proof charging – get advice now.

Case Study: An SME saves 32%

A Stuttgart craft business with 15 e-vans faced exactly these problems: peak loads, high bills, no overview. After implementing smart charging:

1. Charging times were shifted to inexpensive nighttime hours.

2. PV electricity was prioritized for use.

3. A dashboard made all costs transparent.

Result: 32% less electricity costs in the first year.

The advantages at a glance

1. Up to 40% cost savings

2. Transparency through monitoring and billing

3. Quick ROI (12–18 months)

4. ESG reporting with seamless traceability

5. Scalability for growing fleets

Future outlook: Direct trading and free provider selection

Projects like BANULA and OLI TransIT are advancing the throughput model. Soon companies will be able to use their own electricity contract at every charging station – whether on the highway, in the depot, or at the employee's home.

This means:

1. Increased competition and price transparency.

2. No more roaming fees.

3. Integration of self-generated power while on the go.

Start your future-proof journey now – we will guide you.

FAQ – Intelligent Charging Management for Fleets

1. What does intelligent charging management cost?

The costs depend on fleet size and infrastructure. Typically, the system pays for itself within 12–18 months.

2. Does it also work with existing charging infrastructure?

Yes. Open standards (OCPP, OCPI) make your system future-proof.

3. How does one save 40% concretely?

Through load management, favorable tariffs, PV utilization, and automated billing.

4. Can company cars at home also be integrated?

Yes. Billing runs automatically through the charging management system.

5. Is this ESG compliant?

Yes. Traceability and simultaneous accounting are integrated – perfect for CSRD reporting.

Conclusion

The five mistakes – simultaneous charging, incorrect charging times, unused PV, lack of transparency, and non-future-proof systems – cost SMEs thousands of euros each year. Avoiding them can save up to 40%, fulfill ESG requirements, and prepare your fleet for the future.

Turn your energy costs into profit opportunities – request a non-binding initial consultation now.