Five steps to transition fleets to electric

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 EVs is expected to be the biggest change in our lifetimes, and fleet professionals have been working hard to make this shift possible. From their efforts, a consensus is emerging on how to approach electrification.

By talking to fleet members and sharing best practice ideas, it becomes clear that many are following a common path. While the process is not complicated, it provides a structured approach to a challenging subject. In this article, we will outline the five key steps of fleet electrification.

The first step is to profile your fleet. This involves asking fundamental questions such as why you need vehicles, how they are used, and how well they meet your needs. Only after answering these questions can you begin the process of electrification. Understanding your current fleet will help you determine which electric vehicles are suitable and identify any operational changes required.

Next, it is recommended to start with the low-hanging fruit. Fleet managers 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. Making these drivers early adopters of electric cars will demonstrate the practicality of EVs and alleviate any fears. More challenging areas of your fleet can be addressed later.

Choosing drivers who will be advocates is another important step. Employee buy-in is crucial for successful electrification. Select drivers who you believe will support and promote EV adoption within your business. Additionally, educating employees about the strengths and weaknesses of EVs will ensure a smooth transition when they receive their first electric vehicle.

Electrification also provides an opportunity to rethink your fleet structure. Consider not just the use, but also the structure of your fleet. 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 major opportunities to substitute smaller electric vans for larger diesel models, especially with careful consideration of racking. Although current vehicle shortages may pose challenges, it is still worth pursuing this aspiration.

However, it is important to recognize the limitations of current technology and the availability of EV models. Some businesses may face restrictions due to high mileage drivers in areas with poor charging infrastructure. Certain types of vehicles, such as pickups, may have limited or no electric options. In these cases, good use of telematics data can help minimize the use of legacy internal combustion engine vehicles and inform future EV adoption. It is crucial to understand that electrification is a long-term project that will not happen overnight.

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FutureCar Staff