Rethinking recharging: Debunking common EV charging misconceptions

Concerns around the availability of charging infrastructure, recharging times and maintaining current fleet efficiency have long been barriers to electric vehicle (EV) adoption. But EV charging is becoming increasingly accessible to many fleets, and in ways that address a multitude of business needs.

So, perhaps it’s time to take stock and reassess your perception of the charging landscape? It might just be that recent changes have created new opportunities you can embrace today to accelerate your decarbonisation journey and introduce valuable operational efficiencies.

Misconception #1: Managing a mixed fleet means more admin

For most fleets, although electrification offers a clear path to decarbonisation, it’s a gradual process. This means that managing a mixed fleet of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, EVs and hybrids such as PHEVs (plug in hybrid electric vehicles) is a reality that needs to be embraced. But managing a mixed fleet doesn’t have to be painful. Our customers can use the hybrid Shell Card[1] to manage both EV charging and fuel expenses with a single, integrated payment solution - reducing admin and managing fleet mobility expenses in a seamless way.  

This single solution also enhances operational efficiency, decision making and security, providing:

• RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology to give drivers reliable, easy to use charging, along with contactless payment for EV charging.
• Data analytics through Shell Fleet Hub or Shell API (Application Programming Interface) integration that can help fleet operators make informed decisions and plan for the future, from identifying optimum charging schedules, to tracking which vehicles to electrify next.
• Enhanced security features for fuel and EV charging transactions to protect businesses from fraud.

Misconception #2: Public charging is slow

While charging point availability differs between markets, charging infrastructure is evolving to better meet the needs of today’s EV market while laying the foundations for its future growth too.

We now work with more than 400 partners across Europe to provide access to a roaming network of over 700,000 public charge points for customers with both passenger cars and light commercial vehicles. This wide network offers drivers convenient access to DC fast charging, anywhere between 25 and 400 kW/h, and are strategically positioned at key travel points – such as motorway services and fuelling stations. Shell is continuing to work with major customers to identify heavy duty vehicle (HDV) charging locations – whether they travel long haul or the last mile, with four HDV Shell charging stations available today in Europe.

It’s worth noting that when you use chargers your charging speed will depend on the type of charging you use - alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC). AC is used for charging electric vehicles at various speeds and is available on the power grid. It can be transmitted economically over long distances and is converted to DC by your vehicle, which can limit charging speeds. DC, however, converts the power before it enters the vehicle, with the power going directly into the battery and bypassing the vehicle’s converter - increasing the speed at which an EV can charge.

Misconception #3: EVs can’t handle the range needed for regular trips

Traditionally, range anxiety — the fear that EVs lack the energy storage necessary for typical travel distances — has weighed heavily on the minds of potential EV adopters. However, findings from the Shell 2024 EV Driver Survey indicate a shift in perspective.

Range confidence is significantly growing with over half (56%) of European EV drivers saying that they worry less about range than they did a year ago.[2] This shows that charging – when needed – has become more convenient in recent years.[2] Our Shell Recharge app and online site locator gives EV customers this peace of mind on-the-go however far they are travelling, allowing them to:

• Explore our network of EV chargers
• Find and navigate to the closest charge points
• Monitor the availability of charge points in real time
• Pay easily using contactless, the Shell Recharge app or the hybrid Shell Card
• Avoid surprises by checking pricing before charging in the Shell Recharge App
• Experience 100% certified renewable energy,[3] providing vehicles with 0–80% charge in 30 minutes.[4]

Misconception #4: There’s no difference between charging a car and a truck

While a large majority of car batteries still typically have a capacity of no more than 100 kWh, truck batteries already reach capacities of up to 600 kWh. As a result, the charging process for trucks is significantly more time-consuming – all things being equal a 600kW battery will take six times longer than a 100kW battery to deliver the same charge profile (20 to 80% battery state of charge). So dedicated, far more powerful truck chargers are needed if trucks need fast charging. And a business that operates a mixed fleet will need to consider the different charge points required for different types of vehicle sizes based on their routine.

Building your own eDepot solution can be a worthwhile investment to overcome these issues – creating a bespoke charging solution tailored to your fleet’s exact needs. Through our Accelerate to Zero programme, we work with hundreds of customers across the globe to understand their routes, electrification timelines, power needs and the specific challenges and opportunities presented by their site to create tailored, on-site charging solutions.

Our end-to-end charging solutions can be tailored for private or public access:

• Private eDepots which create charging capabilities at the depot location enable convenient end-to-end charging, to optimise downtime, reduce long-term costs and boost operational efficiency.
• In addition to the eDepot offering, eDepot+ enables customers to provide charge point access at their location to third parties such as subcontractors, suppliers and partners, helping to increase utilisation and return on investment with minimal admin support.
• Our semi-public access offers a flexible approach to charging infrastructure management. It provides private use during specific times and allows owners to open their location to the public during other times, such as when their locations are under-utilised.
• Finally, our public truck charging sites offer on-the-go charging as well for heavy duty vehicles.

Misconception #5: I will always enjoy the power level stated on the charger

This is a common assumption. However, it is important for EV drivers to understand that the power supplied can be impacted by many factors including:

• Your vehicle’s state of charge (SOC) i.e. whether you’re charging at 0-100% or 20-80%
• The limitations of your on-board charger
• Available grid capacity at the time that you charge
• The number of vehicles using the charger at the time that you charge
• Battery and air temperature

These limiting factors can be overcome by using premium chargers with advanced performance benefits. Features like advanced cooling systems can manage power output reductions as temperatures rise, maintaining charging power. This ensures optimal charging performance under challenging temperature conditions, enabling fleet operators to minimise vehicle downtime while maximising operational efficiency.

Now is the time to embrace the new and improved EV charging landscape

The charging landscape is evolving. Although EV adoption rates aren’t uniform globally, there are many countries that are leading the way with others looking to spark their EV growth to catch up with their global peers. Through Shell’s Accelerate to Zero programme, we have also seen an increasing number of international fleets going electric in the past few years to meet their own decarbonisation ambitions. With this in mind, it’s worth taking a moment to reframe your perceptions and take another look at the opportunities EV charging can unlock, especially when you team up with charging solution experts.

Leading fleets across the world are discovering the transformative impact Shell’s end-to-end EV charging solutions and more than 25 years’ experience of developing mobility solutions can have on their business, with our experts able to help navigate this fast-evolving landscape to stay ahead of technology, software and policy evolutions and changing fleet needs.

So, why not join them and discover how taking another look at EV charging can help you achieve business success as you navigate the energy transition?

Learn more about our eMobility solutions here: shell.com/emobility

References

[1] Shell Card for electric vehicle charging is currently available in selected markets in Europe. Please contact your Shell Fleet Solutions account manager for further information.

[2] Shell, EV Driver Survey Report, 2024.

[3] 100% renewable energy is not available in all markets.

[4] Depending on battery size and charging efficiency. Our renewable electricity is certified by Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin (REGOs), which means that all the electricity Shell purchases to supply our Shell Recharge sites is matched with the equivalent number of units from 100% renewable sources.