Making the decision to electrify your commercial fleet is one thing. Building the infrastructure to charge that fleet reliably is another, and for many LA-area business owners, it’s the part that feels most uncertain.
The good news: EV charging infrastructure for commercial fleets is more accessible, more affordable, and better supported than ever in California. This guide walks through what you actually need to know to plan and install charging at your facility, and how the Ford E-Transit fits into the picture.
Understanding Your Charging Options
Commercial EV charging generally falls into two categories for fleet applications. Level 2 (AC Charging) is the standard for overnight fleet charging, a 240V charger can charge a Ford E-Transit in 8–10 hours (times vary by configuration and conditions), meaning a van plugged in at the end of the shift is ready to go the next morning. Level 2 is cost-effective to install and the right choice for most fleet depot applications.
DC Fast Charging (DCFC) charges the E-Transit to 80% in approximately 34 minutes. DCFC infrastructure is more expensive to install and better suited for mid-day top-ups or operations that need rapid turnaround rather than overnight charging. For most fleet operators transitioning to the E-Transit, a Level 2 installation at your facility is the practical starting point.
What Does Installation Actually Involve?
A typical commercial Level 2 charging installation involves an electrical assessment of your facility’s panel capacity, charger procurement, permitting (California requires electrical permits for EV charging installations), and utility coordination for larger installations.
For businesses weighing the financial structure of their EV transition, it’s worth understanding the full picture, including how leasing vs. buying a commercial fleet affects your charging infrastructure investment and tax treatment. Leasing can preserve capital for infrastructure buildout, while purchasing may maximize depreciation and credit benefits.
Planning Your Fleet Electrification Timeline
Most businesses don’t electrify their entire fleet at once. A phased approach works better: start with the highest-mileage vehicles (typically 1–3 units) and install Level 2 charging to match. Evaluate real-world performance and charging patterns, then expand EV adoption and charging capacity as leases or vehicle cycles allow.
Don’t overlook summer-specific considerations when planning your transition. If your fleet runs hard through June, July, and August, it’s also worth reviewing your commercial fleet A/C and cooling system prep, keeping conventional vehicles in your mixed fleet running reliably during the transition period matters just as much as the EV buildout.
Ready to Start?
Galpin Ford Pro works with commercial customers throughout the San Fernando Valley and the greater LA area to navigate vehicle selection, configure E-Transit options for specific applications, and connect them with fleet electrification resources. Start with a finance application or contact our commercial team to discuss vehicle and infrastructure options for your business.
