Die Fahrzeugflotte von Kellner Telecom wird bis 2032 vollständig elektrifiziert. Foto: Kellner Telecom
Electrifying a company fleet is an economically and organizationally challenging project. The need for fleet electrification is a result of political regulations, emission reduction targets, rising costs for combustion engines and increasing competition. The particular challenge is to coordinate the implementation of electrification with the large number of vehicle variants as well as user behavior and operating requirements. A strategic concept at the beginning of electrification with recommendations for action, time planning and involvement of all stakeholders increases the success of implementation.
A practical example explained by Nicole Dötterer (Intelligent Energy System Services GmbH (IE2S) in a guest article for the current eMove360° magazine in german language.
Kellner Telecom GmbH has a fleet of 168 vehicles, which is to be successively electrified. The fleet consists of 91 cars, most of which are station wagons, 53 vans, 3 trucks and other vehicles such as vans, SUVs and pick-ups. Kellner Telecom also has 37 trailers. Some of the vehicles are used for private trips by company car drivers and others are used for assembly and construction site trips, including the transportation of materials. The vehicles are used for loading, at night at the depot or by the user, who drives directly from home to the construction site.
To electrify the vehicle fleet, Kellner Telecom submitted a funding application to the BMDV for the creation of an “Integrated concept for the sustainable development of operational mobility” and received approval in June 2022. The initial focus of electrification was on the locations in Korntal-Münchingen and Dresden. One challenge in switching to electric vehicles was the different types of use, such as assembly trips to the construction site, material transportation and private trips with company vehicles during the day and sometimes at night. The different types of use, route requirements, user groups and ownership of the vehicles meant that individual requirements had to be taken into account in the electrification concept.
Kellner Telecom itself has extensive expertise in dealing with various charging systems and offers individual support for companies when setting up AC and DC charging points. The company supports its customers throughout the entire life cycle of electromobility, starting with the manufacturer-independent delivery of the charging systems through to installation, carrying out measurements in accordance with VDE specifications and registering meters with the grid operator. Kellner Telecom turned to the technology and specialist consultancy IE2S to assess and create a concept for the electrification of its own fleet.
The aim of the electrification concept was to provide a decision-making aid for selecting a suitable PV system, assessing the potential of a storage system, the strategy for when an existing company vehicle should be replaced and the implementation of charging infrastructure for employees at home. To develop a long-term strategy for comprehensive electrification, a data-based simulation for defined scenarios (charging types, electrification levels, site development levels) was used. The simulation took into account various factors such as the grid connection power, the reduction in energy and operating costs, the charging requirement according to vehicle use and the saving of emissions. Furthermore, the integration of a PV system and an energy storage system at the locations examined was taken into account and evaluated. The assessment of the roof areas for PV installation was carried out on the basis of a comparison of the orientation (south or east-west) as well as the forecast costs, the CO2 savings potential and the performance yields. The need for storage and its energy and commercial benefits were considered for specific scenarios. The site-specific safety requirements for construction and operation were created for the conceptualized technologies (charging infrastructure, PV and storage).
As part of the project, a comprehensive concept solution was developed for Kellner Telecom GmbH at the Korntal-Münchingen and Dresden locations, which ensures a smooth transition to electromobility and meets ecological and political requirements.
Questions for Dr. Ola Pronobis, Manager Smart Charging IE2S:
What hurdles were there in the project?
Dr. Ola Pronobis: Recording the status quo took some time, but was essential for the successful creation of the electrification concept. The vehicles also have special requirements, such as trailer load and payload. When it comes to electrification, it is important that it fits into the company and that the company does not have to adapt to electromobility.
What opportunities arise from an electrification concept?
Dr. Ola Pronobis: The electrification concept offers a data-based, location-specific basis for decision-making that is tailored to the company’s individual values. The contents and goals of the concept are particularly helpful with a large number of locations, with a large number of different vehicle classes and with a broad committee of decision-makers in the company.
Which trends are relevant?
Dr. Ola Pronobis: The electrification of the locations through the construction of charging infrastructure, PV and potentially storage offers, in addition to the reduction of local CO2 emissions, more independence from the public power grid. The energy transition requires strong growth in decentralized flexibilities. In the future, companies will be able to participate in the energy market through the flexibility of their electric vehicles and storage systems.
Questions for Liberis Argiantzis, Commercial Manager at Kellner Telecom:
Which stakeholders were involved in the project?
Liberis Argiantzis: Commercial management, fleet management and strategic corporate development were involved in the project.
What added value does the electrification concept provide?
Liberis Argiantzis: The topic of electromobility is becoming increasingly important when purchasing new vehicles. It is important to assess early on what impact which decisions will have. This includes, for example, the dimensioning of charging infrastructure and solar systems or similar. The development of a holistic concept makes it possible to make short-term decisions from a perspective that is sustainable in the long term.
What next steps are planned?
Liberis Argiantzis: The next steps are the planning and procurement of needs-based charging infrastructure, coordinated with the schedule for the procurement of the first electric vehicles.
Read the specific action instructions from IE2S to Kellner Telecom as well as other articles on the topic of electromobility and autonomous driving in the current issue of the eMove360° magazine in german language. Print edition – also as an annual subscription – can be ordered in the eMove360° shop.
