Video interview: How Siemens Depot360 platform makes EV fleet charging simple

As commercial and municipal fleets look to transition to EVs, many operators face unfamiliar territory. From assessing charging infrastructure needs to coordinating across departments that have never had to collaborate before, the electrification journey can be daunting. Siemens aims to streamline this process with its Depot360 solution—a comprehensive, AI-enabled platform designed to make the switch to EVs more manageable, cost-effective, and operationally sound.

Depot360 was built to solve the practical challenges of electrification, from capital investment concerns to system integration and fleet support. Charged recently chatted with Chris Read, Senior Manager, and Jason Hannah, Director of Engineering for Siemens Emerging Transportation Platform. The two experts shared insights on how their team helps fleet operators navigate this transformation. One core aspect of the platform is its ability to convert large capital expenditures into predictable operating expenses through Siemens Financial Services. This approach removes much of the upfront financial burden, making it easier for organizations to commit to change.

Depot360 also tackles the operational complexity head-on. The system connects with both vehicle telematics and charging hardware using open protocols like OCPP, allowing for predictive maintenance and real-time system visibility. Through 24/7 monitoring, Siemens can detect and often resolve issues before the fleet operator is even aware, minimizing downtime and ensuring vehicle readiness. This includes identifying driver-related errors, hardware faults, and software updates, delivered through a dedicated customer success manager.

Energy cost optimization is another major advantage of the platform. Depot360 uses real-time and day-ahead energy pricing data to schedule vehicle charging for minimal cost and grid impact. By aligning charging patterns with tariff fluctuations and vehicle schedules, some fleet customers have achieved 20–40% reductions in energy costs. These strategies also help avoid demand charges and smooth the overall power profile of depot operations.

As fleets grow and evolve, Depot360 is designed to scale with them. The software’s AI capabilities integrate data from route schedules, vehicle performance, charging behavior, and utility rates to support smarter planning and continuous improvement. The platform’s remote services reduce the need for internal resources to manage this complexity, enabling fleet managers to focus on mission readiness rather than backend operations.

Beyond cost and performance, sustainability remains a driving force. Siemens not only helps fleets reduce their CO₂ emissions through electrification but also supports the integration of on-site renewable energy and home charging reimbursement solutions for take-home vehicles. This positions Depot360 as more than a technology suite—it’s a partner in building smarter, cleaner transportation systems.

Learn more at: https://www.siemens.com/global/en/products/energy/emobility/depot360.html