How a Logistics Fleet Cut Charging Costs by 20% with Soutya 7-14KW AC Charging Pile

Customer Background

A mid-sized logistics company operating a fleet of 50 electric delivery vans in a major European city was facing growing pressure to reduce operational costs while maintaining high service levels. The company runs two depots where vans are charged overnight and during midday breaks. With increasing numbers of EVs and strict delivery deadlines, reliable charging infrastructure became critical.

Challenges with the Existing Charging Setup

The depot used a mix of outdated AC chargers and several DC units. The AC units were slow (3.3 kW), causing incomplete charging during the 4-hour window. The DC units were but expensive to install and operate, drawing high peak demand charges from the utility., the old AC chargers had frequent communication failures and poor cable management, leading to downtime and driver frustration. The fleet manager reported that 15% of vans left the depot with less than 80% state of charge, forcing route adjustments or late deliveries.

Why the Soutya 7-14KW AC Charging Pile?

The company evaluated several vendors. They needed a solution that could deliver enough power within the limited time (7 kW minimum per van) without the high infrastructure cost of DC. The Soutya 7-14KW AC Charging Pile stood out because:

• Adaptable power output — Units can be configured from 7 kW to 14 kW, allowing the depot to balance load across the fleet.
• Robust connector compatibility — Compliant with IEC 62196 Type 2 connectors, ensuring seamless connection with all their vans.
• Integrated load management — The piles communicate via Modbus to a central controller, preventing overloads and optimizing energy use.
• Durable construction — IP54 rated, suitable for semi-outdoor depot conditions, with reliable cable retention.

The purchasing decision was also influenced by the total cost of ownership: the Soutya units were priced 30% lower than comparable DC chargers, and installation was simpler because existing AC infrastructure could be reused with minor upgrades.

Implementation Process

The project was executed in three phases over six weeks. Phase 1: site assessment and load analysis. The depot had a 300 kVA transformer; the team calculated that 20 units set to 7 kW each (140 kW total) would fit within the existing capacity after installing a smart load controller. Phase 2: installation of 20 Soutya 7-14KW AC Charging Piles on concrete plinths, each connected to a dedicated 40A breaker. Phase 3: integration with the fleet management software via OCPP 1.6. The biggest challenge was coordinating the old cable routing. The solution was to use pre-terminated cables with EN 50620 standard ratings to ensure flexibility and durability in the high-traffic depot.

Quantifiable Results

After three months of operation, the fleet manager reported the following metrics:

• Charging completion rate increased from 85% to 99% — All vans reached 90%+ SOC within the 4-hour window.
• Energy cost per van reduced by 20% — By shifting from expensive DC peak charging to lower-cost AC off-peak, and using load management to avoid demand spikes.
• Maintenance downtime dropped by 60% — The robust connectors and cable management eliminated the daily cable twisting issues.
• Driver satisfaction improved — No more range anxiety; the consistent charging gave drivers confidence for their routes.

The overall payback period for the investment was estimated at 14 months based on energy savings alone.

Client Testimonial

“The Soutya AC charging piles have been a important development for our depot operations. We no longer worry incomplete charging or peak demand penalties. The equipment works every day, and our drivers appreciate the reliable charging. It was a smart investment for our fleet.” — Fleet Operations Manager

Lessons and Recommendations

Based on this project, other logistics companies should consider:

• Plan for load management early — Even with AC charging, uncontrolled simultaneous charging can trigger demand charges. Use intelligent load controllers.
• Choose standard-compliant equipment — Ensure chargers meet IEC 62196 and cables meet EN 50620 to avoid compatibility and safety issues.
• Prioritize scalability — Select chargers that can be software-upgraded or reconfigured (7–14 kW range) to adapt to future fleet sizes and technology changes.

If the company were to repeat the project, they would install a dedicated transformer earlier to support future expansion beyond 20 units.

References

• IEC 62196 Series: Plugs, socket-outlets, vehicle connectors — Conductive charging of EVs. (https://webstore.iec.ch/publication/62196)
• EN 50620:2017 Electric cables for charging of electric vehicles. (https://www.cencenelec.eu)