How do I plan EV charging infrastructure for a commercial fleet in Ontario?

Fleet electrification planning starts with three inputs: vehicle duty cycles (daily range and return-to-depot timing), the depot's existing electrical capacity, and the available charging window — from which a phased charging infrastructure plan is developed, typically sequenced from the vehicles and routes with the clearest operational case for electrification.

Clear answer

Clear answer, explained.

Effective fleet electrification planning starts before any charger is specified. Understanding vehicle duty cycles — how far vehicles travel per day, when they return to depot, and how much charge they need for the next shift — determines whether Level 2 overnight charging or DC fast charging for daytime turnaround is the right approach. Most fleet electrification programmes begin with Level 2 at the depot.

The depot's existing electrical service capacity determines how many chargers can operate simultaneously and whether service upgrades are required. For facilities in Ontario, this must be assessed against the existing peak demand profile — adding unmanaged EV loads to a high-consumption facility can trigger significant demand charge increases. Smart charging software and battery storage address this by coordinating charger output to stay within a defined demand threshold.

In Ontario, ZEIP funding requires that charging infrastructure meet specific technical criteria and receive pre-approval before installation begins. Fleet programmes should be phased — beginning with the vehicles and routes where electrification delivers the clearest operational and financial case, then expanding as the fleet transitions. A project-specific financial model comparing electricity cost per kilometre against current fuel cost is the foundation for fleet electrification ROI.

Key points

What this means in practice.

Duty cycle analysis: daily range + return timing + charge need
Depot electrical capacity determines simultaneous charger count
Smart charging prevents demand charge increases from EV loads
Battery storage adds demand protection for high-load charging events
ZEIP requires pre-approval before infrastructure installation
Phase the programme: highest-ROI vehicles and routes first

When this applies

Best-fit environments.

Fleet operators planning electric vehicle acquisition
Depot-based operations: delivery, service, waste, transit vehicles
Municipal and institutional organizations electrifying service fleets
Commercial properties coordinating infrastructure with vehicle leasing timelines