Reducing emissions and operating more sustainably are rightfully on many fleet managers’ minds. With the need to demonstrate more transparent corporate social responsibility (CSR) growing, and the looming ban on new petrol and diesel vehicles in 2030, many fleet management firms are considering how they can feasibly and effectively make the green transition.
Switching to electric vehicles (EVs) in favour of traditional petrol and diesel is an attractive proposition on paper, but it poses some challenges. However, the environmental and potential cost-saving benefits are substantial. With careful planning and consideration, transitioning your fleet into an electric one is entirely achievable. This short guide is here to give you an overview of how it’s possible and what such a transition could bring your business.
Why Go Electric?
There are compelling reasons for fleets to transition to EVs. In the same way that adopting commercial solar panels in favour of traditional grid energy is more eco-friendly and sustainable, EVs are equally beneficial for fleet management companies in the long run.
- Environmental impact – EVs produce far fewer emissions than internal combustion engine vehicles. Switching can significantly reduce a fleet’s carbon footprint.
- Cost savings – Though EVs have a higher upfront cost, they require significantly less maintenance and repairs in the long run. Most fleets see significant long-term fuel and maintenance savings.
- Improved driver experience – EVs provide a quieter, smoother driving experience and are less likely to break down. Drivers may find themselves more comfortable running electric vehicles than standard petrol or diesel ones.
- Enhanced brand image – An EV fleet allows a company to position itself as sustainable and innovative. In turn, this can boost public perception and instil confidence in a brand’s image.
- Future-proofing – Low emission zones are becoming more common, as are widespread fossil fuel bans. EVs help fleets remain compliant with more regulations nationwide.
Considering Your Fleet’s Needs
When considering the extent of your electrification project, you must first analyse your fleet’s unique requirements. For instance, your cash flow may require you to scatter the adoption of EVs and gradually replace your existing ones, rather than replace them all at once.
Consider the following:
- Driving routes – Look at your average trip distances and durations. EVs may be ideal for urban routes but could prove impractical for longer journeys.
- Duty cycles – Frequent start-stop driving makes good use of battery life, while driving longer distances at higher speeds can deplete it faster.
- Charging capabilities – Determine if charging infrastructure exists onsite or whether it’s more feasible to fill up while on the road. Home charging may work for smaller fleets, while larger ones may need dedicated charging depots. This will of course need to be factored in with upfront investment costs.
- Vehicle usage – Light-duty vehicles like cars and vans often transition smoothly to EVs. Electrifying heavy commercial vehicles can be more difficult and time-consuming.
- Payload needs – Will EVs provide enough cargo and towing capacity? The weight of batteries may compromise payload ability.
Image: FUSO
Electric Vehicle Options
There are growing ranges of EVs that can potentially meet fleets’ unique needs. Electric vans like the Nissan e-NV200 offer a reasonable range of coverage for urban deliveries, while electric trucks like the FUSO eCanter have seen success for repeated short-range journeys. Electric buses like the BYD K9 can work well for high-mileage journeys for a couple of hours at a time on one charge.
It’s prudent to do your research on the ways that you can incorporate electric vehicles in the right size for your fleets. When selecting EVs, scrutinise real-world range estimates and energy efficiency. Seek vehicles engineered specifically for commercial use, that will give you the best long-term return on investment.
Pivotal to the success and efficiency of your electric vehicle fleet is establishing the most effective charging solutions. For small fleets, consider installing level 2 charging stations onsite (providing 10-20 miles per hour of charging), while larger fleets will likely need DC fast charging stations that are capable of adding 60-100 miles of range in 20 minutes.
You may wish to consider smart charging platforms that balance charging with energy demand and track usage, which in turn can help to optimise costs. If you need to rely on public charging, evaluate station availability along the routes you use and factor in potential wait times while increased EV charging capabilities slowly catch up to demand.
Transitioning Your Fleet
When introducing EVs, it’s widely recommended that you take a phased approach:
- Start with a pilot – Test a few EVs in your fleet first to address any unforeseen challenges before large-scale deployment.
- Prioritise routes – Transition vehicles with the shortest daily mileage or best access to charging stations first. Track performance stats like efficiency and use that before electrifying long-haul vehicles.
- Train drivers – Educate staff on optimal EV driving methods, charging protocols, and new safety procedures.
- Consider leasing – Leasing EVs minimises risk until the total cost of ownership favours the purchase. It also eases maintenance responsibilities while transitioning.
- Scale up gradually – Grow your electric fleet steadily each year. Don’t overcommit until you’re sure EVs work for your needs.
Benefiting Your Green Fleet
Though shifting to electric vehicles requires careful analysis and planning, the advantages for commercial fleets make the effort worthwhile. With a strategic transition, managers can reduce their environmental impact, reap the cost-saving potential of EVs, and forge a path to effective and greener operations.
Author: Annie Button, Freelance Journalist
