Overcoming Barriers to Successful Fleet Electrification

The rapid development of battery technology, with longer driving ranges and shorter charging times, has made EVs a more cost-effective and environmentally conscious decision for business fleets. Many governments around the world offer incentives to encourage the adoption of EVs, such as tax credits, grants, and access to high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes with dedicated “green stickers”.    

As a result, the number of EVs in businesses has been steadily increasing in recent years and is expected to continue to grow. However, successful electrification has a prerequisite: Charging infrastructure.   

Sustainability vs Accessibility   

Different companies approach charging from different perspectives; some charge their fleets of company-owned vehicles, while others want to provide the infrastructure for their employees and customers, driving their sustainability ambitions.    

While businesses are attracted to electric driving due to different drivers, several obstacles exist. Sustainability targets are setting grand expectations while infrastructure development might lag. Legislation on one end sets targets for CO2 cuts and transition to zero-emission; companies & infrastructure providers face other legislative pieces that obstruct infrastructure deployment, such as rigid legislation, fire safety guidelines, planning guidelines, etc.   

Those obstacles could significantly slow down the deployment of the charging infrastructure, which is still one of the primary areas of concern for new EV (Electric Vehicle) drivers.  

Business vs Employees   

Soaring energy and fuel prices demand careful calculations and switching to electric is usually a budget-friendly alternative, especially if the company has its own energy production/spare capacity that could be utilized for EVs, and fleet patterns are favourable.    

On the other hand, the cost of onboarding employees to the new technology and use patterns is often overlooked. And employee satisfaction is one of the critical success factors when implementing new technologies in the working process, especially ones that influence or disturb daily patterns, way of work and interactions.   

 

How to approach the electrification project:   

 

Determine your charging needs: Consider factors such as the types of EVs in your fleet, their driving patterns, the amount of time they spend at your facilities, and the distance between your facilities and charging stations.

 

 

Evaluate your current infrastructure: Consider the availability of electricity at your facilities and whether your existing electrical system can support EV charging. You may need to upgrade your electrical system or install additional power outlets.

 

 

Consider the different types of charging stations: There are various types of charging stations available, including Level 1 (110/120V), Level 2 (220/240V), and Level 3 (DC fast charging). Determine which type of charging station is most suitable for your needs.

 

 

Select a charging station provider: Research different charging station providers and compare their offerings, including the cost of equipment and installation, maintenance and support, and any financing options.

 

 

Plan the location of your charging stations: Consider factors such as the availability of parking spaces, the proximity to building entrances, and the visibility of the charging stations.

 

 

Develop policies and procedures: Establish policies and procedures for using the charging stations, including who is responsible for paying for the electricity, how to reserve a charging station, and how to report any issues.

 

 

Provide training and education: Educate your employees about the proper use of the charging stations and the benefits of electric transportation.

 

 

 

Implement and monitor the charging plan: Follow your charging plan to install and maintain the charging infrastructure for your fleet. Regularly monitor the charging equipment to ensure that it is operating correctly and meeting the needs of your fleet.

 

 

Use your infrastructure as an additional revenue stream: By connecting your fleet chargers to a larger e-mobility network, you can offer them to the public outside of your working hours. This way, you can contribute to EV charging accessibility in your local community while accelerating the ROI on sustainable investment. 

 

 

For those willing to succeed in electric transition in the long term, there is a lot to learn, a lot to monitor and plenty of questions to ask. Exceeding expectations of your clients and customers in 

today’s and tomorrow’s market boils down to educating - yourself, your employees and your customer community.