A new platform providing a comprehensive end-to-end electrification solution for commercial fleet operators has launched across the UK and Europe.
The new ‘Electric Trucking-as-a-Service’ platform offers battery electric vehicles from 3.5 tonnes upwards, available on a pay-as-you-go model that includes the installation of charging infrastructure at logistics hubs.
It’s the brainchild of newly launched business PragmaCharge, which is backed by prominent industry leaders and specialised investors in cleantech, logistics and digitisation businesses.
The new service means logistics firms can take action on their climate impact while gaining from a pay-as-you-go leasing model, optimised for each owner’s operations, with claimed total cost of ownership parity to diesel equivalent vehicles.
It also delivers both the technology infrastructure and a clear pathway to support the transition to electric road freight; PragmaCharge says it will be one of the first to offer a logistics hub-focused approach to charging points.
Its charge hubs will be strategically located at high traffic locations with truck dwell time such as ports and railheads to optimise fleet uptime. Initial deployments will focus on 350kW chargers, which will then be upgraded to Megawatt Charging System (MCS), reducing full battery charging times for trucks to approximately 45 minutes – in-line with the mandatory driver rest period.
PragmaCharge is also working to seamlessly manage all services from its cloud-based Fleet Management Software Platform. Wirelessly connected with BETs and PragmaCharge-Hubs, this provides a range of features that include leasing details, fleet performance and analytics, OEM predictive and corrective maintenance agreements, plus tiered bookable charging slots.
Anil Srivastava, CEO of PragmaCharge – who was previously at Leclanché, one of Europe’s leading battery manufacturers – said: “Our solution is design-optimised to offer lower total cost of ownership for electric trucks and deliver a stress-free experience for fleet owners as they embark on the journey of electrification. I am excited about our mission to help decarbonise the commercial transport sector. I am looking forward to working with the highly accomplished board and Nikhil Amin, chief operations officer, who brings in vital experience in logistics, operations management, and digital businesses.”
Nikhil Amin, COO of PragmaCharge, added: “Our solution is designed with our customers and their customers’ needs in mind, helping them to navigate through the steps required for fleet electrification, and ultimately towards net-zero emissions transportation.”
