Centrica Leads the Charge in Solving Electric Van 12-Volt Battery Issues with Unique Solar Solution

Genie Insights has teamed up with Centrica Plc, one of the UK’s largest operators of electric vans, to address a major challenge faced by EV fleets nationwide: the widespread issue of “bricking”. This problem occurs when the 12-volt auxiliary battery, which powers essential functions like central locking, fails – leaving the vehicle completely inoperable. With a simple and effective solar solution, Genie Insights is helping Centrica to prolong battery life and to ensure its engineers can get to customers faster and more reliably.

Genie Insights is rolling out its cost-effective battery maintenance solution across 2,500 electric vans in Centrica’s fleet, which involves fitting a discreet solar panel to the roof of each electric van.

The solar panels, constructed using CIGS (copper indium gallium selenide) technology, are lightweight, flexible and durable, making them ideal for commercial vehicle applications. They are also the only CIGS panels to be manufactured in the UK and the panel for this application has been specifically designed, tested and proven to generate the optimal voltage to maintain the battery’s charge.

The solar panels provide a trickle charge to the 12-volt batteries, keeping them operational even during periods of inactivity, or when a so-called “parasitic draw” is being taken by telematics or other ancillary equipment.

The solution ensures:

• Reduced risk of battery failure
• Improved vehicle availability
• Enhanced operational efficiency

The solution not only supports Centrica’s engineers in reaching customers reliably, but also aligns with the company’s vision of “Energising a Greener, Fairer Future.”

The deployment of solar panels has already shown measurable benefits:

• Reduced Downtime: Vans stay operational longer, avoiding costly delays.
• Operational Excellence: Engineers reach customers reliably, reinforcing Centrica’s commitment to service quality.
• Sustainability Leadership: Centrica continues to lead in adopting innovative, green fleet solutions.

The solution not only supports Centrica’s engineers in reaching customers reliably, but also aligns with the company’s vision of “Energising a Greener, Fairer Future.”

Centrica Director of Fleet Rob Simister said: “Vehicle downtime is bad for business, and it’s bad for our customers. We had to find a solution quickly so that we can make sure our engineers can get to our customers exactly when we’re needed most.”

Centrica Fleet Engineering and Innovation Manager Matt Harris [pictured] added: “We’re making a huge investment in decarbonising our fleet so we need to make sure we’re addressing issues that affect our ability to serve customers quickly. We explored several options but there was a clear frontrunner. Following the successful tests, this partnership with Genie Insights will equip all 2,500 of our electric commercial vehicles with their solar solution, ensuring the 12v batteries remain charged. As a result, our vans will stay on the road longer, better serving our customers’ needs.”

By taking this proactive approach to battery maintenance, Centrica is not only pioneering a solution to a widespread issue for fleet operators, but also solidifying its leadership in the UK’s transition to electric vehicles.

Centrica is an international energy services and solutions company, founded on a 200-year heritage of serving customers in homes and businesses. The company supplies energy and services to over 10 million residential and business customers, mainly in the UK and Ireland, through brands such as British Gas, Bord Gáis Energy and Centrica Business Solutions. Through its trusted brands, Centrica delivers innovative energy and services solutions to help solve customers’ needs, supported by around 7,000 engineers and technicians.