The AFP's electric fleet transition in five steps.

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 facilitate this shift. From these efforts, a consensus is emerging on how to approach electrification.

By speaking to fleet members and learning from their best practices, it becomes clear that many are following a common path. While the process is not overly complex, it does offer a structured approach to a challenging subject. In this article, we will outline the five key steps for fleet electrification, also known as Fleet Electrification 101.

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 your existing vehicles meet your needs. Answering these questions will lay the foundation for the electrification process.

Once you understand your fleet and its usage, you can start exploring the available electric vehicle options and how they align with your needs. It's also important to consider any operational changes that may be required to accommodate the limitations of electric vehicles.

A common recommendation from fleet managers is to start electrification with easy wins. Identify a group of drivers who have the ability to install off-street chargers at home and rarely exceed 100 miles in a day. Making these drivers early adopters of electric cars will demonstrate the practicality of EVs and dispel any fears or concerns.

Employee buy-in is crucial for successful electrification. Choose drivers who are likely to be advocates within your business for EV adoption. While there may be EV skeptics in every company, identifying ambassadors can help drive acceptance and enthusiasm. Additionally, educating employees about the strengths and weaknesses of EVs will ensure a smooth transition when they are given their first electric vehicle.

Electrification also provides an opportunity to rethink your fleet structure. Drivers may become more receptive to electric vehicle options from brands outside the established fleet mainstream. In the case of vans, there may be opportunities to replace larger diesel models with smaller electric vans by optimizing racking and load capacities.

It is important to recognize the limitations of current technology and the availability of EV models. High-mileage drivers in areas with poor charging infrastructure may face challenges with EV adoption. Certain vehicle types, such as pickups, may have limited or no electric options available. Utilizing telematics data can help minimize the use of legacy internal combustion engine vehicles and inform future EV switch plans. Electrification is a long-term project that requires patience and realistic expectations.

While transitioning to EVs may seem daunting, following these five key steps can simplify the process and pave the way for a greener fleet.

FutureCar Staff