Consumer electric vehicles are rising in popularity. Larger fleet companies, however, are often hesitant when prompted to consider the benefits of transitioning to an electric fleet. What kind of challenges would this transition present, and what are the benefits of electric fleets over petrol fleets?
The benefits of an electric fleet
The benefits of EV are varied on a corporate level, but most will help your fleet improve its productivity and lower its expense costs. These benefits include:
- Reduced fuel costs – Whether you have your fleet operating entirely via battery or via hybrid, you’re going to save on fuel costs when you transition to an electric fleet. These vehicles consume less petrol because they have fewer moving parts and because the electric batteries can usually provide them with the drive they need to get from Point A to Point B. While hybrid vehicles will still use a petrol engine to accelerate or adjust for heavier loads, you’ll still notice a sharp decline in your fuel costs.
- Reduced maintenance costs – Electric vehicles don’t require oil changes or the same maintenance procedures that keep your petrol fleet up to par. Not only that, but the brakes on an electric vehicle that uses regenerative braking to charge its engine will last longer than standard brakes. This means fewer trips to the garage and more time on the road for your drivers.
- Charging from home - Most electric vehicles save for pure hybrids rely on charging stations to drive them forward. If you want your fleet drivers to operate without delay, you can have them install charging stations at home to better keep their lorries charged before a shift. You should incentive this process, especially if you’re not going to install charging stations at your base of operation, but doing so will pay off in spades.
- Improved driver safety – Some electric fleets come equipped with electric batteries that shut down immediately upon a collision. While this safety feature isn’t universal yet, it still promises to keep your drivers safer while they’re on the road.
- Financial benefits – National and international lorry fleets that swap over the electric batteries may be able to receive government incentives as a result of their visible dedication to the environment. While these incentives will vary based on your country, they frequently lower the initial costs of purchasing an electric fleet. Those kind of incentives can make the transition from petrol to electric all the simpler.
- Environmental benefits – Electric vehicles of any level all release fewer emissions than petrol-powered vehicles. If you want to visibly display a commitment to the environment and encourage sustainably-minded companies to work with your company, then the transition to an electric fleet may serve you well.
The challenges of an electric fleet
All that said, there are still some challenges associated with electric fleets. These include but are not limited to:
- Higher up-front costs – Even with government incentives, transitioning from a petrol fleet to an electric fleet is going to be expensive up-front. You’re going to need to be prepared to take a hit to the budget upon your initial transition. However, the money you save on fuel should make up for that loss within your first year of operation.
- Technological delays – One of the benefits of using an electric fleet is the ability of your drivers to charge their vehicles at home. Unfortunately, drivers often need to spend time at rest stops or in other cities overnight. In these cases, they’ll need to find a charging station to keep going. As of 2020, public charging stations aren’t widespread, even as they’re increasing in popularity. You’ll need to plan routes with charging stations in mind, which may result in increased product delivery time.
- Distance limits – Electric vehicles operate best when driving short distances. Unfortunately, most lorry drivers need to make a far way on one or two charges. While your drivers will be able to stop at an available charging station for a while to refuel, doing so will increase their travel time and, consequently, your company’s delivery time. To make matters worse, your EV’s mileage will suffer once the weather turns cold. Only advances in existing EV technology – or a more expensive up-front payment – will help you overcome these challenges.
- Longer refuel time – A consumer EV can take up to eight hours to charge. Lorries, which require more energy, may take even longer, depending on the level at which they operate. As a result, you’ll need to experiment with charge times upon your initial transition from petrol to electricity. Prepare your partners for the shift and be patient as you get used to your new limitations.
While EV batteries provide a clever green solution to the automotive industry’s emissions problem, they’re far from perfect. Even so, consider investing in an electric lorry fleet. Despite the challenges these fleets present, the benefits will serve your company and your planet well.