Is it time to explore EVs for your fleet, is there enough signals suggesting EVs are the preferred means of transportation in the not-too-distant future?
Well…here are a few signals.
- Automakers are continuing to ramp up the production of electric vehicles worldwide.
- Subsidies, tax breaks, and other incentives for electric vehicles are being offered by an increasing number of governments around the world.
- EVs’ initial costs are decreasing as their popularity and numbers grow, and battery costs also keep falling.
- Several countries, ranging from China to the United Kingdom, have proposed banning the sale of petrol and diesel cars over the next twenty years and some as early as 2025.
So it is pretty clear that the future of personnel transportation would be electric. But is it feasible to add EVs to your fleet?
The high initial cost might concern you a bit but in the long haul EVs are the best and here are some facts to help you to make an informed decision.
Huge Reduction in Gasoline bill
Electric vehicles have several advantages, including the fact that they do not require gasoline or engine oil. Because the price of oil swings every day, drivers of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles are at the mercy of variable gas costs when natural disasters or market disruptions disrupt supply. However, there is no need to be concerned about global crude oil costs with electric vehicles. Your electric vehicle, on the other hand, is powered by electricity from your local energy system and utility company.
Well…what does it cost to fuel an electric vehicle?
The average cost of charging an electric vehicle is $1 per gallon of gasoline… Prices haven’t been this low since the 1990s. You can save money on fuel by switching to an electric fleet and installing commercial charging stations on-site. You can even take advantage of your utility’s off-peak electricity costs if you have load management capabilities.
Maintenance Costs are Reduced
A traditional powertrain is more functionally complex than an electric drivetrain. A battery-electric car, for example, has only one moving part which is the electric motor. Transmissions on electric vehicles are also simpler, and oil change is not required as much as for a gasoline car. Techniques such as regenerative braking reduce wear and tear on essential vehicle components. Electric vehicles have a maintenance cost reduction of more than 50% for commercial fleets operating them today, across all vehicle classes.
Emergency repairs and routine maintenance on ICE vehicles can cost up to four times more than on EVs. Internal combustion engines, after all, require engine oil and a variety of moving parts to function properly. According to Consumer Reports research, electric vehicle owners save between $6,000 and $10,000 throughout their ownership. EVs still require tires and wiper fluid, but they save thousands of dollars in the maintenance department.
On a side note, some police departments in Indiana and California have already realized new cost savings by purchasing Teslas for their fleets, despite paying a higher initial purchase price.
Reduction in Overall Operational Costs
Commercial fleets have observed a slew of operational benefits connected with plug-in vehicles. Electric trucks, for example, eliminate trips to the petrol station. This decreases employee downtime for various parcel delivery fleets, especially in densely populated areas. According to utility and other service vehicles, electrically powered buckets reduce ambient noise at the job site and contribute to a safe working environment.
Improve Your Image
EVs feature cutting-edge car technology and produce zero emissions. Customers and staff are drawn to forward-thinking, tech-savvy, environmentally conscious businesses, so these traits help you appear suitable. At the same time, EVs assist you to accomplish your company’s waste reduction and environmental goals by allowing you to design a more energy-efficient fleet.
There Will Be More Improvements
In recent years, advances in electric car technology have resulted in lighter and longer-lasting batteries. The newest light-duty cars for 2021 are aiming for ranges of 200-400 miles, and they’re just getting started. Another advantage is that you do not have to convert your entire fleet at once. Fleet managers can start their new EV pilot programs with just a few electric fleet vehicles, just as many commercial properties start with just one or two charging points. You can continue to replace older gas vehicles over several years as you optimize your EV program and budget.