The OnCharge ZIR0 prototype charging system will be trailed at DPD's Bicester eco-depot. The initiative will allow drivers to collect a take-home powerbank from the depot before driving home. The prototype power bank will charge the main traction battery of the van overnight, resulting in a 100% charge by the start of the driver's day.
With a real operating capacity of 50kWh, the system can support electric light commercial vehicle drivers. The OnCharge system is said to take 90 seconds to load in the evening, and unload in the morning.
The OnCharge system is expected to help drivers avoid reliance on public charging.
The prototype trials will allow OnCharge and DPD engineers to gather field data and review driver feedback. It will also provide insight into potential integration with DPD's Bicester on-site solar panel array.
Olly Craughan, head of sustainability at DPD, said: "Working together will give us the opportunity to really understand the impact it can have on our drivers first-hand. It allows both us and OnCharge to see how the system works under different scenarios and allows our transport and sustainability teams to explore how an agile powerbank model can amplify our investment in EV and on-site renewable generation."
Philip Clarke, CEO OnCharge Energy, said: "In terms of productivity, the most efficient time to charge a commercial EV is overnight, but around 70% of fleet van drivers can't charge at home. We believe that a take-home powerbank that you can collect at the end of the working day could revolutionise commercial EV fleet management and help encourage more drivers to switch to EVs. DPD already have a huge amount of experience running a large EV fleet and the Bicester eco-depot is the perfect place to trial our solution. We are looking forward to working with the team and hopefully making their EV fleet even more efficient and effective."
The trial is a step towards scaling up customer production in late 2023.