As electric truck and bus fleets grow across the UK, charging performance becomes a critical operational factor. One technical issue often overlooked but with major consequences is derating.
Let’s break down what derating is, why it’s a problem for heavy-duty applications, and how Chargepoly’s fast-charging technology is specifically engineered to eliminate it.
What is derating, and why does it happen?
Derating occurs when a charging station automatically reduces its output power to protect its internal components from overheating. In other words, the charger slows down to cool down.
This typically happens when a station operates continuously at full power after about 30 minutes on most systems, power can drop by 20-25%, extending charge times and impacting fleet availability.
Why is derating a bigger problem for truck and bus fleets?
Many DC charging stations were originally designed for passenger vehicles, where high-power charging only lasts a few minutes. This means the equipment has built-in cooldown time between uses, and derating rarely becomes an issue.
But commercial electric vehicles, trucks, buses, and coaches are different. They need to charge at full power for longer periods, often over an hour. In this scenario:
- Derating means slower charging
- Slower charging leads to longer vehicle downtime
- And downtime reduces fleet productivity
Add hot summer weather into the mix above 30°C and overheating becomes even more likely, making derating unavoidable on many systems.
How Chargepoly solves the derating problem?
At Chargepoly, we’ve engineered a derating-free solution for demanding fleet environments. Our technology is designed for continuous, high-power operation even in hot outdoor conditions.
Here’s how we do it:
Active cooling & real-time thermal monitoring
Our stations include an advanced active cooling system and four times more thermal sensors than standard chargers. The result? Smart thermal regulation that prevents overheating, without compromising output power.
Robust power modules built for heavy-duty use
Our power supply units are tested in-house by our R&D team and built for extended, stable operation. They maintain full performance even under stress.
Maximum output. all the time.
While most systems lose power over time, Chargepoly delivers up to 25% more energy over the same session, keeping vehicles on schedule and fleets running smoothly.
Real-world proof: fleet operators trust the results
“Since we installed our two Chargepoly charging stations, we’ve seen consistent performance with 100% rated power continuously. We don’t experience any derating.” – Yann Colin, Director of Green Mobility at Bert & You
Ready to charge without compromise?
Chargepoly helps UK operators avoid unexpected power drops and reduce vehicle downtime. Our derating-proof stations are built for logistics depots, passenger transport hubs and all high-demand charging environments.
See how our charging stations perform under pressure
