The New EV Language: Translating Diesel to Electric

For fleet operators, moving from diesel to electric HGVs is not just a change of vehicle — it’s a change of language. Suddenly, terms like kVA, SOC, kWh per km and DNO start appearing in discussions about depot readiness and charging.

But the truth is, most of these concepts already exist in diesel — they’ve just been renamed for the EV world. By understanding these terms, operators can take control of their electrification journey.

Renault Trucks’ Zeroing In series is here to break it down.

Translating the Key Terms: Diesel to EV

Andrew Roberts, Charging Specialist at Renault Trucks, explains how familiar diesel terms map across to electric:

Fuel tank → SOC (State of Charge): The EV equivalent of how full your tank is.
Litres of diesel → Kilowatt hours (kWh): Units of energy now stored in the battery, not the tank.
MPG → kWh per km: Efficiency is still king, but now lower is better.
Depot diesel supply → kVA: The power coming into your site, determining how many vehicles you can charge.

As Andrew says: “Once you start speaking the language, you’re in control.”

What is kVA and Why Does it Matter for Charging?

One of the most important EV terms for businesses is kVA (kilovolt-ampere). This is the measure of how much power flows into your site — the baseline for depot charging infrastructure.

kVA defines how many HGVs you can charge at once.
It’s the starting point for discussions with your Distribution Network Operator (DNO).
Without enough kVA, charging can bottleneck fleet operations.

By understanding kVA early, operators can plan upgrades or load management strategies before deploying electric trucks.

Understanding the Role of Distribution Network Operators (DNOs)

Every depot planning electrification will work with a DNO, the company that takes power from the National Grid and delivers it into your site.

Why it matters:

The DNO confirms your available site capacity.
They’re responsible for enabling power upgrades if needed.
They ensure your charging demand aligns with local grid capability.

Engaging with your DNO early avoids costly surprises and ensures your charging strategy is future-proof.

State of Charge: The New Fuel Guage

In diesel, you look at your fuel tank. In electric, you check your SOC (State of Charge).

SOC tells you how much usable energy is stored in your HGV’s battery, expressed in kilowatt hours. For operators, it’s as important as fuel levels — informing charging schedules, range planning, and operational efficiency.

Asking the Right Questions to Build Your EV Infrastructure

When planning depot charging, operators should start with three questions:

What’s my site’s available kVA capacity?
How many vehicles need charging — and at what times of day?
What role will my DNO, charge point provider, and energy consultant play in scaling capacity?

These answers form the foundation of a charging strategy that grows with your fleet.

What’s Next: The Zeroing In Series

This blog is part of Renault Trucks’ Zeroing In series, designed to help operators navigate the shift to zero-emission HGVs.

If you haven’t watched the other videos yet, be sure to check out the rest of the series, each episode provides actionable insights to help businesses transition smoothly into a sustainable, electric future.

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