What Is Electric Vehicle Fleet Management?

Electric vehicle fleet management handles the acquisition, deployment, maintenance, and general operations of the electric vehicles (EVs) in a company fleet, optimizing use of EVs to minimize costs and maximize efficiency. With electric vehicles becoming an ever-more attractive solution to reducing carbon footprints and operating costs, EV fleet management is becoming increasingly important to companies around the world.

EV fleet operators handle the hard work of managing their company’s electric vehicle fleet, including monitoring and analyzing vehicle performance data, developing their EV charging infrastructure, and studying the behavior of fleet drivers to find ways to improve fleet operations.

What should EV fleet operators care about?

Effective EV fleet management requires a thorough understanding of the latest trends and best practices in operating electric fleet vehicles. Special focus considerations include vehicle range and charging infrastructure, cost of ownership and adoption, vehicle performance, maintenance and training. Knowledge of the many benefits that come with EV fleet adoption is also necessary to maximize investment.

EV Cost of Ownership

The cost of adopting and maintaining an EV fleet is vitally important for fleet operators to consider. The total cost of ownership includes the vehicles themselves, as well as the charging infrastructure, maintenance, and electricity.

EVs typically have a higher upfront cost than a comparable conventional fleet vehicle, although the lifetime operating costs tend to be significantly lower. One of the more substantial expenses of an EV fleet tends to be the charging infrastructure. And while EVs require less maintenance overall, replacing batteries can be considerable as well.

In the long run, though, EV fleets save money by being more fuel-efficient and having lower maintenance costs. In addition, they retain their value much better throughout their lifetime than conventional fleet vehicles.

Electric Vehicle Fleet Charging Infrastructure and EV Range

The biggest difference between electric vehicles and conventional vehicles to consider when managing an EV fleet is range and charging infrastructure. Electric vehicle fleet charging infrastructure is a work in progress across much of the United States. Thoroughly understanding how far your electric fleet vehicles can travel between charges and the placement of charging stations along regular routes is critical to getting the most out of your EV fleet.

EV Fleet Performance and Maintenance

Electric vehicles have lower maintenance costs than conventional gas and diesel-fueled vehicles, but they also have very different performance and maintenance considerations. EV maintenance is less frequent but more costly than gas-powered vehicle maintenance. To get the most out of an EV fleet, regular preventative care and the know-how to perform repairs when things go wrong remains essential.

Maintenance staff should be well-informed and on the cutting edge when it comes to maximizing the performance and lifespan of your electric fleet. Understanding vehicles’ batteries, electric motors, cooling systems and software, which differ significantly from their equivalents in conventional gas-powered vehicles, is necessary. This is all in addition to traditional brakes and tire maintenance.

EV Fleet Driver Training

Driving an electric fleet vehicle is different from driving a conventional gas-powered fleet vehicle. Just as technicians need training in repairing and maintaining EVs, EV fleet drivers require training in the use and charging of their electric fleet vehicles.

Fleet drivers will have to adjust to the smoother, quieter driving conditions provided by EVs and understand how their driving style can impact the vehicle’s performance and range. For example, aggressive driving with frequent acceleration can lead to an EV’s battery becoming depleted more quickly.

EV drivers need to understand the range of their vehicles, how to manage energy consumption and how to charge their vehicles. They should also be well-informed about the specific safety features and how to take precautions regarding certain EV safety risks, such as battery fires or high-voltage components.

The US Department of Energy provides a wealth of further information regarding the applications of EVs and other important considerations of EV fleet management.

Thinking of making the switch to an electric vehicle fleet? Let’s do a short evaluation of all the benefits offered by electric fleet vehicles, from cost and performance benefits, to improving your corporate image.

What are the benefits of an EV fleet?

If you’re considering swapping your conventional gas-powered vehicles for a fleet of electric vehicles, you’re not alone. As EVs grow more affordable and accessible, and as technology advances, electronic fleet vehicles are catching on. Nowadays, EVs can fill roles in light, medium, heavy-duty, and even off-road applications. Many even outperform conventional vehicles in several areas.

Here are a few good reasons to transition to an EV fleet:

• Cost savings: With electricity prices proving less volatile than those of gasoline and diesel, EV fleets offer lower operating costs. EVs also have fewer moving parts and no need for oil changes, spark plugs or transmission fluid, making maintenance and operation less expensive.
• Performance benefits: One of the most attractive features of EVs is their superior driving experience. EVs produce maximum torque and smoother acceleration over conventional vehicles, which can be especially useful when hauling heavy loads. They also ride quietly compared to conventional vehicles, reducing noise pollution, and providing a more comfortable and enjoyable driving and riding experience.
• Environmental benefits: An EV fleet produces zero greenhouse gas emissions and vastly reduces air pollution, keeping our planet cleaner and having positive downstream effects on air quality and public health, especially in urban environments.
• Energy independence: EV fleet vehicles can charge their batteries with any source of electricity, including renewable sources, such as solar and wind power. Electric vehicles are a powerful tool for lessening society’s dependence on nonrenewable and carbon-emitting fossil fuels.
• Better resale value: Electric fleet vehicles generally retain their value better than conventional options due to their lower operating and maintenance costs. So when you need to replace the vehicles in your fleet, you can get more money back— which is money that can be funneled back into growing your EV fleet and expanding operations!
• Take advantage of government incentives: The Biden Administration’s Inflation Reduction Act includes a pool of private and public sector investments for affordable electric vehicles. The goal is to have 50 percent of all new vehicle sales be electric by 2030. Modernizing your fleet can make you eligible for tax credits, rebates, and other financial incentives to save money and offset the costs.
• Corporate social responsibility benefits: Today, every corporation is especially conscious of its social responsibility— especially its obligation to commit to environmentally sustainable practices and reduce its carbon footprint. The high efficiency and low-emission benefits of an EV fleet can improve your brand reputation and attract environmentally conscious customers and employees to your business.

When it comes to updating your fleet with EVs, the hardest part is getting started. Electric vehicle fleet management includes many benefits and advantages, but also high upfront costs. Be sure to perform a thorough cost-benefit analysis to determine whether an EV fleet is right for your business.

Winn-Marion is dedicated to helping fleet managers overcome the logistical challenges of electric fleet vehicle adoption and enjoy the rewards. Our specialists offer reliable, cutting-edge, electric vehicle charging solutions. We bring comprehensive EV fleet solutions, from acquisition to installation, to lifetime support.

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