By Chris Knosp, director of fleet electrification at Mike Albert Fleet Solutions

Chris Knosp, director of fleet electrification at Mike Albert Fleet Solutions

Electrification and decarbonisation continue to be two of the most discussed topics within the fleet industry and rightly so. More OEMs are adding electric vehicles to their lineups each year, and sales of EVs surged by two-thirds in 2022. With so many electric vehicles entering the market, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that many fleet managers are making the decision to electrify part, if not all, of their vehicles in the near future.

Embracing electrification can bring a host of benefits to fleet owners – from reducing maintenance costs and TCO to delivering on corporate ESG initiatives – but making the transition can also present some significant challenges. Trust me, I know from firsthand experience. I’ve spent the last 12 months visiting public charging stations around the globe and bringing the data back to my team.

Fortunately, the challenges of fleet electrification are not insurmountable, as long as you do your due diligence. If you’re still in the early stages of electrifying your fleet, here are some of the top considerations to keep in mind.

Current infrastructure is sparse but improving

Many fleet owners are eager to incorporate electric vehicles into their arsenal. Unfortunately, the US’s existing EV infrastructure leaves a lot to be desired. Public fast charging stations are often plagued by machines that are not operational, leaving drivers who have just a few miles left on their battery in a difficult position.

While the current infrastructure is lacking, we should see considerable improvements over the next five years. The government and private sector are both making significant investments, including strategic initiatives on behalf of the utility companies to best build, support, and scale the existing grid. In the meantime, navigating the existing mix of ad hoc charging options will require planning and patience.

Plan charging strategies now, not later

If you’re considering electrifying your fleet in the near future, don’t put off planning for on-site charging infrastructure. Relying on public charging options is risky due to the issues detailed above, and while home charging is convenient, it is not a realistic solution for every business or fleet.

All things considered, building a reliable charging system at your headquarters is the easiest and cheapest way to power your EV fleet. Unfortunately, doing so requires intensive planning – including an analysis of your current electrical setup, the amount of power you’ll need, and the ideal number and types of chargers for your business. You’ll also need to work closely with your local utility provider if any infrastructure improvements are necessary on their side of the meter.

Expect the unexpected

EV technology has improved dramatically in the last decade, so it’s easy to forget that electric vehicles are still relatively new. Even if transitioning to a fully electric fleet goes smoothly, it’s essential to prepare your drivers for unexpected bumps in the road.

For example, I recently made a four-hour drive in an EV that produced an array of logistical challenges. Over the nearly 300-mile trip, I:

• Was turned away from a Level 2 charger at a vehicle dealership (despite driving a vehicle manufactured by said dealer).
• Encountered two separate charging stations that were both being updated and unable to charge my vehicle.
• Found an energy company with a free DC fast charger where my new vehicle wouldn’t perform the electronic “handshake” that was required to start the charging process.

While all drivers should receive proper training and prep for their transition to EVs, it’s equally important to prepare them for circumstances that are out of their control that they will inevitably face.

The time to start electrifying is now

While the world of EVs is still evolving, my best advice for fleet owners is to not overthink the process of transitioning to an EV fleet – just get started. A few of the big OEMs have already committed to full conversion to EVs by 2030; if you don’t make the leap now, you’re going to be behind the curve.

The process of fleet electrification might seem daunting, but it’s a worthwhile endeavour that can pay dividends for your business. Just plan ahead, be patient and enjoy the ride.