Five steps to electrifying your fleet

author: FutureCar Staff    

Transitioning to electric vehicles (EVs) may seem daunting, but according to Paul Hollick, chairman at the Association of Fleet Professionals, it can be as easy as one, two, three (plus four and five!). In the fleet sector, the switch to electric cars and vans is expected to be the biggest change of our lifetimes. Fleet professionals have been working diligently to facilitate this shift, and a consensus is emerging on how to approach electrification.

By speaking with fleet members and sharing best practices, it becomes evident that many are following a common path. While the process is not overly complicated, it does provide a structured approach to a complex subject. In this article, we will outline the five key steps to fleet electrification.

The first step is to profile your fleet. It is crucial to ask fundamental questions such as why you need vehicles, how and where they are used, and whether your existing vehicles meet these needs. Only by answering these questions can you begin the electrification process.

Once you understand your fleet and its usage, you can start exploring the electric vehicles currently available and how they align with your requirements. You may also need to make operational changes to accommodate any limitations.

Next, it is recommended to start with the low-hanging fruit. Fleet managers often advise beginning electrification with easy wins. Identify a group of drivers who have the space to install off-street chargers at home and rarely cover more than 100 miles in a day. These drivers can become your early adopters of electric cars. This approach allows your business to see that EVs are practical and nothing to be afraid of, setting the stage for tackling more challenging areas of your fleet later on.

Employee buy-in is essential for successful electrification. Choose drivers who you believe will be advocates within your business for EV adoption. While there may be EV naysayers, it is crucial to identify those who will act as ambassadors. Additionally, educating your employees about the strengths and weaknesses of EVs will ensure that there are no surprises when they are given their first electric car or van.

Electrification also presents an opportunity to rethink your fleet structure. For example, drivers have become more receptive to brands outside the established fleet mainstream that offer strong electric choices. In van operations, there may be significant opportunities to substitute smaller electric vans for larger diesel models by reevaluating racking and other factors. While current vehicle shortages may pose challenges, it is still worth considering these possibilities.

It is important to recognize the limitations of electrification. Some businesses may face restrictions due to the current technology and availability of models. For drivers who cover high mileages in areas with poor charging infrastructure, adopting EVs may be challenging. Additionally, certain vehicle types, such as pickups, have a limited selection of electric models. Utilizing telematics data can help minimize the use of legacy internal combustion engine vehicles and inform future switches to EVs. It is crucial to understand that electrification is a long-term project that will not happen overnight.

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FutureCar Staff