How Can Automotive Companies Make a Significant Transition to Electric Fleet Vehicles?

Published on August 11th, 2023

Electric Fleet Vehicles are the Future! In today’s rapidly evolving automotive industry, making a monumental shift to electric fleet vehicles has become a paramount consideration for businesses seeking sustainable and eco-friendly solutions. As the world embraces cleaner energy alternatives to combat climate change, automotive businesses must proactively adopt electric fleet vehicles to reduce carbon footprints and comply with stringent environmental regulations. Embracing this transformative shift not only promotes corporate social responsibility but also offers long-term cost savings through reduced fuel and maintenance expenses. By electrifying their fleets, businesses can take a significant step towards a greener future while setting a positive example for others in the industry to follow.

The exponential expansion of electric car markets continues, according to the IEA 2023 study, with sales topping 10 million in 2022 alone. Over 14% of all new automobiles sold last year were electric, up from 9% in 2021 and less than 5% only two years ago. This trend is certain to continue until 2023, with more than 2.3 million electric vehicles sold in the first quarter alone, representing a 25% increase over the same period last year.

New purchases are anticipated to pick up speed as the year progresses. According to predictions, sales might exceed 14 million by the end of this year, representing a remarkable year-on-year rise of nearly 35%.

With such excellent success, electric automobiles might eventually account for roughly one-fifth (18%) of all car sales overall calendar years in an environmentally aware future.

With the rising advancement of electric cars, automotive companies must prepare for an electric fleet vehicle transition. In this blog, iTechnolabs will outline essential measures that automotive manufacturers may take to help them make this extraordinary change. iTechnolabs will look at critical issues such as infrastructure planning, using technology to manage financial concerns like investment and operating expenses, employee engagement and training, and optimizing electric fleet transition for automotive enterprises. Automotive companies will position themselves as leaders in the constantly changing transportation industry by incorporating these important criteria into their strategy.

Advantages of Switching to Electric Fleet Vehicles for Automotive Companies

Fleet managers that electrify their operations and install electric vehicle (EV) charging stations pave the way for a more conservative and reliable future. Switching to an EV fleet offers several advantages of electric fleet cars that boost clean adoption. Here are some of the benefits of switching to an EV fleet:

• Low Prices

The adoption of electric vehicles in the automotive industry provides several benefits, including decreased operational costs. This involves reducing the total cost of ownership (TCO), as well as lowering fuel costs and optimizing power consumption. Businesses may maximize their bottom line while also contributing to environmental initiatives by pursuing these cost-cutting alternatives.

• Reduced TCO (Total Cost of Ownership)

One of the key driving forces behind the expanding electric fleet adoption strategies of electric vehicle fleets is the lower total cost of ownership (TCO). By 2030, EV fleets are expected to have a 15-25% lower TCO than ICE fleets, according to McKinsey. While there may be greater upfront costs, such as buying new EVs and constructing charging infrastructure, these are mitigated by lower operating costs, government subsidies, and utility rebate programs.

Aside from financial advantages, electric car maintenance expenses are much lower than those of typical gas-powered automobiles. This is attributed in part to their greater dependability and data utilization for preventative maintenance. Once an EV fleet is in place, fleet managers will no longer need to budget for oil changes or engine fluid replenishment. Overall, the expected cost of maintaining an EV is less than 6 cents per mile, compared to 10.1 cents per mile for light-duty ICE cars.

• Reduce your fuel costs

Replacing ICE fleets with green fleets can result in considerable long-term cost savings since EVs are less expensive to acquire, maintain, and operate, as well as to fuel. This is because electricity is a more cost-effective energy source than diesel. Consider the following statistics:

• An EV costs around $485 per year to fuel and maintain, whereas an ICE car costs about $1,177 per year.
• Diesel costs in the United States average $2.96 per gallon, but electricity prices average $1.29 per gallon of diesel equivalent.
• When compared to ICE cars, EVs use less energy. The electric drive system accounts for just 15-20% of energy loss, whereas petrol engines account for 64-75% of energy loss.

Fleet managers can improve their budgeting capabilities in addition to cutting gasoline prices because they are no longer reliant on volatile fuel pricing. Because power costs are consistent, fuel cost estimations may be established more precisely.

• Correct Electricity Utilization

Modern electric car charging options include controlled charging software that helps fleet managers optimize their power use, resulting in even more cost savings. Modern Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) may be designed to avoid peak hour rates and prioritize charging when energy prices are low, ensuring that cars are completely charged at the most cost-effective time.

• Boost Operational Efficiency

Another significant advantage of electric fleet cars is improved vehicle performance. The immediate torque produced by EVs provides a significant advantage over traditional combustion engines, allowing for faster acceleration and better response from a complete stop. This surge of power maximizes speed while using minimal effort, making it excellent for moving freight or persons at high speeds. Using an electric fleet’s rapid torque, operators can keep things moving swiftly and eliminate downtime between operations, resulting in improved overall efficiency in performing duties.

• Reduced Carbon Footprint

The transportation industry, which includes automobiles, trucks, aircraft, trains, and ships, is currently the leading producer of greenhouse gas emissions. It emits a whopping 1.9 billion tonnes of CO2 every year. Conscientious businesses may electrify their fleets to become more eco-friendly and align with the aspirations of their customers. Lowering corporate carbon footprints and emissions from medium- to heavy-duty fleets is critical to fueling a cost-effective and greener energy future while having a beneficial environmental impact on electric fleet cars in automotive industries.

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What Steps Should Automotive Companies Take to Transition to Electric Fleet Vehicles?

Transitioning to electric fleet vehicles requires a well-planned and strategic approach. Here are the essential steps for automotive businesses to make a successful shift toward electric fleet vehicles:

• Conduct a Fleet Assessment

Begin by conducting a thorough assessment of the existing fleet. Evaluate the types of vehicles, their mileage, and usage patterns. This analysis will help identify which vehicles can be replaced with electric alternatives and prioritize the transition process.

• Set Clear Goals and Targets

Define clear goals and targets for the transition. Establish specific timelines for phasing out internal combustion engine vehicles and increasing the percentage of electric vehicles in the fleet.

• Financial Analysis and Budgeting

Conduct financial analysis to determine the costs associated with purchasing electric vehicles, installing charging infrastructure, and potential savings in fuel and maintenance expenses. Develop a budget that accounts for these costs and identifies potential sources of funding or incentives available for adopting electric vehicles.

• Research and Select Suitable Electric Vehicles

Research available electric vehicle models and manufacturers. Choose electric vehicles that align with the business’s requirements in terms of range, payload capacity, and charging infrastructure compatibility.

• Develop a Charging Infrastructure Plan

Install a comprehensive charging infrastructure tailored to the fleet’s needs. Consider the location and number of charging stations required, the charging capacity, and potential options for on-site or off-site charging.

• Communicate and Promote the Transition

Communicate the business’s commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility by promoting the transition to electric fleet vehicles. Share success stories and milestones to build awareness and encourage others in the industry to follow suit.

By following these steps, automotive businesses can successfully make the monumental shift to electric fleet vehicles, contributing to a cleaner and greener future while reaping the benefits of reduced operational costs and increased sustainability.

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Tips for Successful Fleet Vehicle Electrification

Here are a few that will assist you with the transition to electric fleet vehicles:

• Consider starting small and gradually progressing

Local governments’ experiences show that transitioning fleets to electric cars works best when done in phases. Fleet managers sometimes begin by migrating a single type of vehicle, such as sedans or compact SUVs, to examine their capabilities and constraints for multiple applications more rapidly. This serves as a foundation for staff training and managing expectations about gasoline-powered cars.

A phased conversion timetable might start with a modest number of EVs and gradually raise the proportion until your agency’s objectives are fulfilled. Some municipalities are using multi-pronged procurement electric fleet transition methods, such as purchasing EVs for some uses, hybrid cars for others, and renewable diesel vehicles for heavy-duty applications.

Initially, your fleet managers may require additional in-house skills to adequately maintain an EV fleet. To overcome this issue, agencies first outsource maintenance by using service warranties when purchasing cars or transporting them to reputable voltage technicians, such as dealerships.

• Consider Your Procurement Options

Due to increased demand, finding the proper electric car within a reasonable timeline might be difficult. Nonetheless, fleet managers who prepare ahead of time and are open to investigating alternate procurement sources will have a better chance of success. The Washington State Department of Enterprise Services includes electric cars in its Contract Vehicle Menu, along with hybrids and gas-powered vehicles. 

Local governments can also use the Climate Mayors EV Purchasing Collaborative site to get competitive bids for EVs and charging infrastructure. Additionally, WSU Green Transportation Programme employees can assist local governments in locating additional EV sources. 

• Establish EV Charging Infrastructure in Collaboration with Your Electric Utility

Efficient and accessible charging infrastructure is critical for the introduction of electric vehicles in the automobile industry. Local governments must collaborate with their local electric providers to find acceptable locations and assess the need for fleet charging station modifications. Agencies can prepare ahead of time for controlling and changing electrical loads to accommodate EV fleets with early engagement from an electric utility.

Puget Sound Energy, Snohomish PUD, Avista, and Energy Northwest are among the Washington State utilities that provide incentives for the installation of charging stations. In some situations, they may be able to supply start-up charging infrastructure at no additional expense.

Local governments in remote areas might benefit from applying for Washington State Department of Commerce Electrification of Transportation System funding. Until March 6, 2023, this program will subsidize the development of EV and hydrogen infrastructure in rural communities.

The deployment plan established goals for establishing a statewide EV charging network along critical transportation corridors across Washington state, beginning with major roads, and was recently granted $70 million in federal financing via the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. To recommend suitable locations for charging stations on priority routes known as alternative fuel corridors, you can refer to the Washington State Plan for Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Deployment effort or utilize interactive maps supplied by WSDOT (Washington State Department of Transportation).

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CONCLUSION

At iTechnolabs, we agree that an environmentally conscious future is what we all need, and we want to help automobile companies all around the world make this transition as smooth as possible with our electric car software development services. 

To summarise, the transition to electric fleet cars is critical for both automotive companies and the overall health of our world. Companies that migrate to electric fleet cars may gain major benefits such as lower operational costs, a lower carbon footprint, and increased efficiency. Automotive companies must take a systematic strategy for transformation. 

Exploring funding options and maximizing incentives and financing programs, collaborating with energy providers to optimize charging operations and reduce expenses, developing a robust charging infrastructure based on fleet needs and available electric vehicle options, and implementing electric fleet solutions software systems for effective fleet management are all part of this process.  

Automotive companies may display leadership while also benefiting the environment by embracing electric fleet cars. As more people recognize the necessity of sustainable mobility in conserving our world while increasing earnings, the time has come to act. With iTechnolabs Electric Vehicle Software Development Services and the Leadership of Automotive Companies, together, we can lead this historic shift towards electric fleets and achieve greener transportation globally.