Now Centrica, which operates one of the biggest EV van fleets in the UK, has solved the problem. The company has teamed up with fleet technology specialist Genie Insights to fit solar panels to the roof of its electric vans. The panels provide a trickle charge to the 12V batteries, keeping them operational even during periods of inactivity, or when a so-called ‘parasitic draw’ is being taken by telematics or other ancillary equipment.
The panels are constructed using CIGS (copper indium gallium selenide) technology, and are lightweight, flexible and durable, as well as discreet, making them ideal for commercial vehicle applications.
Centrica’s director of fleet Rob Simister said: “Vehicle downtime is bad for business, and it’s bad for our customers. We had to find a solution quickly so that we can make sure our engineers can get to our customers exactly when we’re needed most.”
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