A mobile powerbank charging system is being trialled by delivery firm DPD with electric vans at its Bicester depot.
The trial will allow drivers to collect a prototype OnChage ZIR0 powerbank from the depot before driving home for the night, with the system able to deliver a 100% charge by the start of the following day.
The prototype, with an operating capacity of 50kWh, is said to be the first powerbank designed for fleet commercial vehicles.
The trial is said to be part of a development programme building towards customer production late this year.
DPD head of sustainability Olly Craughan said: “It’s fantastic to work with OnCharge to try this system in the real-world. 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.”
OnCharge Energy CEO Philip Clarke 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.”