A step-by-step guide to transforming your electric vehicle fleet

Making electric mobility more manageable

Electric vehicles (EVs) are the future of the automotive industry as they eliminate emissions and are easy to maintain. However, for companies with tight budgets, the transition can be challenging. How to convert your fleet to electric trucks?

Here’s a step-by-step guide to making changes more manageable.

1. Set a schedule

First, a schedule must be set and a decision made on how quickly the vehicles will be converted. Here, a company’s fleet size and budget matter most. A sweeping overhaul will likely require significant upfront investment, so a gradual transition may make the most sense. Some national regulations, e.g. Advanced Clean Fleet Rules In California, it may determine how quickly you transition.

Logistics managers should also consider their operations and downtime when switching to electric trucks. A staggered strategy allows companies to minimize disruption and keep vehicles on the road. Drivers may also need time to learn and adjust to a new truck.

2. Calculate driving requirements

A key factor for electric truck fleets is range. Electric vehicles can only be on the road for a certain amount of time before needing to be recharged, so fleet owners should calculate their driving needs. How long are your routes? Are there charging stations? These factors can affect the feasibility of these tools for your business.

Charging stations deserve special attention because trucks need them for long-distance transport. Study shows U.S. is over 168,000 public charging pilesalthough not all are suitable for trucks. Some highways have stations, but not many at the moment. This is changing to Bipartisan Infrastructure Act Funding for commercial infrastructure development has spurred a surge in the construction of new charging stations.

3. Set a budget

Ultimately, your budget determines which electric trucks are right for your fleet. These heavy-duty vehicles are expensive upfront, so be prepared to make a substantial investment. That said, logistics managers should consider long-term financials, as electric vehicles generally have lower maintenance costs.

The cost per truck can be expensive, especially if you choose one of the top electric vehicle manufacturers. For example, all-electric Tesla Semi sells for $250,000 (Reportedly, few products have reached the market so far). Other electric big rigs from major players like Freightliner and Volvo are even more expensive. This can be a burden for most fleets. Prices may subsequently drop as competition intensifies, but the upfront cost remains high.

4. Leverage financial incentives

While electric trucks are expensive, logistics companies should consider internal and external financial incentives. Reduced fuel costs are an immediate benefit since you no longer need to add diesel. Many fleet owners can take advantage of state and federal purchasing incentives to ease the burden.

The most significant federal incentive is the commercial cleaning vehicle credit. Fleet owners are eligible for Credit limit of up to $40,000 If they meet the criteria. For example, the company must use the vehicle primarily in the United States and may not resell it.

5. Get charging equipment

Battery capacity and charging times may make some fleet owners nervous. However, you can control some of this by getting charging equipment for your home base. These charging stations ensure drivers charge before setting off and save time before hitting the road, increasing uptime.

Electric trucks require powerful chargers because of their huge batteries. The most efficient option for your fleet is a DC fast charger, although it is the most expensive. This site provides Recharges 80% in 30 minutes For a typical vehicle with a range of 100 miles. A typical 250-mile range big rig takes several hours to fully charge, but Faster charging standard It will come in a few years and some charging equipment has already been installed. 240V Level 2 chargers can be used for overnight charging, but fleet owners should avoid using Level 1 devices.

6. Prepare for EV maintenance

Electric vehicles have a reputation for low maintenance costs. Because there are fewer moving parts, the machine doesn’t need to be on the shop floor for long periods of time. However, electric trucks still need to be examined to remain viable in the long term. Logistics companies should train employees on best maintenance practices.

The most pressing maintenance task for electric trucks is checking the battery. Given its importance to uptime, regular inspections are required to assess its capacity. Your team should check surrounding charging cables and other components for damage and overheating issues.

7. Optimize battery usage

If range is a concern, fleet owners should optimize battery usage to get the most out of their trucks. One of the best ways to maintain your battery is not to fully charge it. experts say Charging limit is 80% to extend battery life and improve its long-term balance.

Another way to help electric truck batteries is to minimize waste. Fleet managers should remind drivers not to deplete their vehicle’s capacity by idling or speeding on the highway. Electrified fleets benefit from telematics devices because they track driver metrics and send the data to the company.

8. Track savings over time

Depending on fleet size, the transition to electric trucks could take months or even years. Regardless, logistics managers should track savings over time to ensure financial accountability. Patience is necessary because you may not break even for several years.

Measuring the cost savings starts by comparing the new costs to the old fossil fuel-powered trucks. For example, fleet owners should monitor charging costs and understand how they measure their diesel spend each quarter. Businesses should also track savings on maintenance, emissions and other important benchmarks.

Building an electrified fleet

Converting truck fleets to electric vehicles is critical to the entire trucking industry. However, this transformation won’t happen overnight. Fleet owners should carefully plan the transition to maximize company benefits.

With effective planning, you can electrify your fleet and minimize operational downtime.

The post A Step-by-Step Guide to Transforming Your Electric Vehicle Fleet first appeared on Clean Fleet Report.