Electrada hosted a webinar in collaboration with CALSTART on June 18, 2024, featuring a customer use-case perspective from Ferguson Enterprises and offering a comprehensive look into the future of fleet electrification using 360 Charging-as-a-Service (CaaS). Essential for anyone looking to simplify fleet electrification, reduce costs, and ensure seamless operations, this webinar featured insights from industry leaders. Below are some key takeaways, and you can watch the full video replay here.
Introduction
Hosted by Mike Britt, former Chief Engineer at UPS, the webinar brought together a dynamic panel to discuss the transformative potential of 360 Charging-as-a-Service (CaaS), and its advantages over a DIY approach for fleet electrification. The discussion focused on how 360 CaaS can streamline the electrification process for fleets, offering a holistic solution from project preparation to ongoing operations.
Meet the Panel
- Alexis Reece: Fleet Manager at Ferguson Enterprises, with a strong focus on sustainability and compliance.
- Thurman Register: Senior Fleet Manager at Ferguson Enterprises, leading fleet equipment and driver safety strategies.
- Jenn Fiegel: VP of Customer Success at Electrada, dedicated to orchestrating customer journeys in fleet electrification.
- Chris Freitas: Chief Commercial Officer at Electrada, responsible for sales and business development.
The Electrada Difference: What is 360 Charging-as-a-Service?
Chris Freitas explained that Electrada’s 360 Charging-as-a-Service (CaaS) offers a comprehensive approach to fleet electrification. Partnering with industry leaders like Duke Energy, Daimler Truck North America and others, and backed by BlackRock‘s climate infrastructure fund, Electrada has electrified nearly 100 sites, covering all vehicle classes and delivering almost 5 million clean miles annually.
Key components of 360 CaaS include:
- Project Preparation and Funding: Identifying optimal sites and efficient engineering designs.
- Site and Capacity Design: Selecting appropriate hardware and software.
- Construction and Commissioning: Building and commissioning the infrastructure.
- Training and Operations: Providing extensive training and long-term operational support.
Why Choose 360 Charging-as-a-Service Versus Doing it Yourself?
Thurman Register highlighted why Ferguson Enterprises chose Electrada’s 360 CaaS over a DIY approach. Key reasons included:
- Expertise: Electrada’s deep knowledge in fleet electrification and EV charging infrastructure.
- Resource Efficiency: Avoiding the need for Ferguson to add internal resources.
- Single Point of Accountability: Having one entity – Electrada – manage the entire process.
- Future-Proofing: Adapting to new technologies with ongoing 24/7/365 support.
Ensuring 99% Uptime
Jenn Fiegel discussed how Electrada ensures a 99% uptime guarantee through:
- Proactive Monitoring: Continuous 24/7/365 monitoring.
- Corrective Maintenance: Swift responses and actionable steps.
- Daily and Hourly Tasks: Ongoing infrastructure management.
Key Learnings and Customer Engagement
Alexis Reece and Jenn Fiegel shared key learnings, emphasizing the importance of:
- Understanding Site Layouts and Designs: Considering ownership, easements, and local operations.
- Driver Training and Engagement: Continuous communication and training.
- Agility and Continuous Improvement: Being prepared for unexpected challenges.
Future Plans and Final Thoughts
Ferguson Enterprises plans to continue using Electrada’s 360 CaaS for future deployments. Chris Freitas emphasized the value of long-term partnerships and a customer-focused approach, ensuring a successful and sustainable fleet electrification journey.
Conclusion
The Electrada x CALSTART webinar underscored the benefits of a comprehensive, customer-focused approach to fleet electrification. Electrada’s 360 CaaS offers a compelling solution for any fleet looking to simplify the process, reduce costs, and ensure seamless operations. With 100% of infrastructure costs covered, predictable pricing, guaranteed 99% uptime, and comprehensive support, Electrada offers a streamlined, reliable and risk-mitigated solution for fleet electrification. Get in touch to learn more.
