Scaling Mixed Charger Fleets: AC, DC, Fast, and Slow

Fleet depots are rarely uniform. A single site might have AC chargers for overnight shifts, DC fast chargers for quick turnarounds, and in the near future, Megawatt Charging Systems (MCS) for heavy-duty vehicles.

The challenge? Each charger speaks a slightly different “language.” Even when they all use OCPP, the implementation details vary by brand and model. That means:

• Telemetry quality changes from one charger to another
  
  
• Commands like setpoints may behave differently
  
  
• Some advanced features are not supported across the board
  
  

For fleet managers, this can turn day-to-day operations into a complex puzzle.

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Why Mixed Fleets Are the New Normal

As electrification scales, very few depots can standardize on just one charger type. Logistics companies, bus depots, and municipal fleets all face the same reality:

• AC chargers are cost-effective for vehicles parked overnight
  
  
• DC chargers are essential for high-duty cycles and quick turnarounds
  
  
• Public or shared infrastructure may introduce additional charger types
  
  
• Future-proofing means preparing for MCS or other emerging technologies
  
  

Without the right tools, this diversity becomes a bottleneck for efficiency and cost control.

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Smart Charging as the Glue

At Bia, we help operators make sense of the chaos. Our EV charging management software ensures that every charger, regardless of brand or type, behaves predictably in one unified system.

We do this by:

• Normalizing commands and data so that all chargers follow the same operational rules
  
  
• Ensuring advanced features work across hardware, from AC load balancing to DC flexibility services
  
  
• Detecting and adapting to quirks in telemetry before they impact operations
  
  
• Supporting depot management systems by integrating charging with routes, telematics, and fleet planning
  
  

The result: onboarding a new project takes hours, not weeks, and mixed depots operate smoothly without manual workarounds.

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AC and DC in Harmony

A real-world fleet might look like this:

• AC chargers handle predictable overnight charging
  
  
• DC chargers provide midday top-ups for urgent needs
  
  
• Smart charging algorithms distribute load dynamically, ensuring the depot avoids peak demand costs while every vehicle leaves ready for service
  
  

This hybrid strategy combines cost-effective infrastructure with high utilization rates, a balance made possible by fleet charging solutions that unify the entire ecosystem.

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The Future of Mixed Fleets

As the industry moves toward smart electric vehicle charging, the complexity will only increase. Fleets will need to coordinate AC, DC, and MCS chargers while interacting with energy markets and grid services.

That’s why smart charging for electric vehicles is no longer optional. It’s the foundation for scalability, efficiency, and resilience.

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How Bia Supports Fleets

With Bia, fleet operators gain:

• One dashboard for all chargers and vehicles
  
  
• EV load management to control site demand
  
  
• Integration with depot management systems and telematics
  
  
• Predictive tools to reduce downtime and optimize costs
  
  

Whether you’re scaling a delivery fleet or operating a complex bus depot, we help you turn charger diversity into a competitive advantage.

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Learn More

• Explore our Fleet Charging Solutions
  
  
• Discover our Technology
  
  
• Contact us to get started
  
  

For context, the International Energy Agency highlights smart charging as a cornerstone of global fleet electrification.

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✅ Mixed fleets with AC, DC, and future high-power chargers are here to stay. With the right EV charging software and smart charging system, operators can simplify complexity, cut costs, and ensure every vehicle is ready when it’s needed.

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