JET Charge, a leading player in the electric vehicle (EV) charging industry, has recently introduced an innovative product called JET Charge+. We had the opportunity to speak with Paul Kramer, Product Manager at JET Charge, who shared insights into this groundbreaking solution designed to revolutionise how businesses manage their EV fleets. Here’s an in-depth look at what JET Charge+ offers and how it can benefit your business.
The core of JET Charge+
JET Charge+ is designed to alleviate the complexities fleet managers face as they scale their EV operations. The product offers a subscription-based model that includes the installation, maintenance, and monitoring of EV chargers. This model ensures high reliability and uptime, crucial for fleet managers who rely on these chargers to keep their vehicles operational.
CAPEX vs. OPEX: Understanding the financial models
A significant aspect of JET Charge+ is its financial model, which shifts from Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) to Operational Expenditure (OPEX). Here’s how the two compare and the benefits of using JET Charge+:
CAPEX: The traditional model
- Upfront Costs: CAPEX involves substantial upfront investment in purchasing chargers and related infrastructure.
- Depreciation: The value of these assets depreciates over time, adding complexity to financial management.
- Maintenance Costs: Businesses must account for ongoing maintenance and potential upgrades out of pocket.
- Asset Management: Companies need to manage these assets that have long lifecycles which adds administrative overhead.
OPEX: The subscription model with JET Charge+
- Monthly Fees: JET Charge+ operates on a subscription basis, spreading costs over time with predictable monthly fees.
- No Large Upfront Investment: This model eliminates the need for significant initial capital outlay.
- Included Maintenance and Upgrades: All maintenance, monitoring, and upgrades are included in the subscription, reducing unexpected expenses.
- Risk Mitigation: JET Charge assumes the risk of equipment failure and obsolescence, ensuring chargers are always up-to-date and operational.
- Cash Flow Management: By converting to OPEX, companies can better manage their cash flow, which is particularly beneficial during economic downturns.
Enhancing connectivity and reliability
One of the critical challenges in EV charging is ensuring reliable connectivity. JET Charge addresses this by deploying multi-carrier cellular services. If the primary carrier, such as Telstra, goes offline, the system automatically switches to an alternative like Optus, ensuring continuous operation. This robust connectivity is vital for fleet managers to monitor and manage charging sessions efficiently.
Scalability and flexibility
JET Charge+ offers unparalleled scalability. Fleet managers can quickly scale up or down based on their needs without the burden of managing physical assets. This flexibility is particularly advantageous as businesses grow or transition their fleets because they don’t have to hire a full-time internal employee to manage the infrastructure when the fleet scales up. The ability to add or remove chargers without significant financial or administrative overhead allows for seamless adaptation to changing requirements.
Proactive maintenance and support
JET Charge’s proactive maintenance approach ensures that any potential issues with chargers are identified and addressed before they become critical. The company has an extensive network of subcontractors across Australia, providing nationwide coverage and rapid response times. This proactive strategy minimises downtime and maximises the reliability of the charging infrastructure.
Future-proofing with technology
As technology evolves, so do the standards and features of EV chargers. JET Charge+ subscribers benefit from automatic upgrades and feature enhancements without additional costs. For instance, if a new charging plug standard is introduced, JET Charge will update the chargers as part of the subscription, ensuring compatibility and optimal performance.
Addressing employee relocation
One common challenge for fleet managers is managing chargers when employees relocate. JET Charge+ simplifies this process by handling the uninstallation, warehousing, and reinstallation of chargers. This service ensures continuity and minimises disruption, further enhancing the convenience of the subscription model.
Supporting mandatory climate reporting
With mandatory climate reporting on the horizon, many large organisations are focusing on reducing their carbon footprint. EV fleets are a significant component of this effort. JET Charge+ supports these initiatives by providing reliable and sustainable charging solutions, helping businesses meet their environmental goals.
Employee energy usage reimbursement reports
All EV chargers under JET Charge+ are connected to the internet, authenticated with an RFID. JET Charge generates a monthly report that can be used to support reimbursement activities with employee payroll.
JET Charge+ by JET Charge represents a significant advancement in EV fleet management. By shifting from a CAPEX to an OPEX model, businesses can enjoy the benefits of reliable, scalable, and future-proof charging infrastructure without the financial and administrative burdens of traditional ownership. As companies look to transition to electric fleets and meet stringent climate goals, JET Charge+ offers a compelling solution that aligns with their operational and financial objectives.
For fleet managers, embracing JET Charge+ means more than just efficient charging; it means peace of mind, cost savings, and a step towards a sustainable future.
