A small depot that parks the same vans every night is the best case for AC charging: long dwell, known vehicles, a private yard. Give each van a marked bay and a lead that reaches that van's inlet, then limit the total load so the building still functions in the morning. You rarely need a rapid charger unless a van must turn around at lunch. Start with the actual fleet list and inlet positions. Vans park nose-out or nose-in as a habit. The charger goes on the inlet side.
What goes wrong with overnight van charging at a small depot
The mistake is a single rapid in the entrance, blocking the gate, because it looked decisive.
Point at overnight van charging at a small depot in the pack
Draw each van, its inlet and the night-time amp cap.
Overnight van charging at a small depot
If drivers take vans home, spend the money on home installs and a reimbursement rule instead of a deserted depot row.
- Marked bays beat a free-for-all
- Match the lead to the inlet side
- Cap the load
- Home charging wins if the vans go home
Overnight van charging at a small depot: questions for the first visit
Security matters. An open yard of leads is an invitation. Light it and control access.
How overnight van charging at a small depot moves the job
Load management saves a supply upgrade when the workshop is small. A new supply is the right spend when the fleet will double.
Frequently asked questions
What kW per van?
7 kW overnight covers a lot of urban routes. Check the van's AC limit and daily miles.
Do we need one charger per van?
If they all park together every night, yes or a managed share you have proved on paper. If they rotate, fewer sockets can work.
Can the drivers' cards open the depot chargers?
Yes. Remove cards the day someone leaves.
What about a mixed diesel and EV fleet?
Do not strand an EV in a diesel bay. Paint the bays and enforce them.
Core buying guides
Start with these high-intent guides, then dig into the rest of the library.
Related guides
Sources and further reading
How this guide was prepared
This guide was written by the Local EV Installers Editorial Team. We compare official guidance, legislation and established consumer information, separate general information from project-specific advice, and show publication dates and sources. We do not accept installer accreditation claims at face value.