The future of transport is electric
An electrified fleet is made up of electric vehicles (EVs) or zero-emissions vehicles (ZEVs). Driving an EV is more energy-efficient than a gas-powered car, because EVs are more efficient at converting electricity into forward motion. However, there are some drawbacks: EVs have high upfront costs, diminished battery performance in cold weather, and negative social and environmental impacts from the resource extraction required to make batteries.
On average, SMEs that electrified their vehicle fleet took 21 months to recoup their investment.
Roadmap to electrifying your fleet
Study your fleet needs
Study your current vehicle use to help you switch to an EV fleet. Electric vehicles have different refuelling and maintenance needs than fossil fuel-powered vehicles. This means you may need to adapt your current driving routes, refuelling times and overhead cost projections to ensure a smooth transition when your EVs hit the road.
Search for opportunities to optimize your current energy use by altering your routes or redeploying vehicles. Then, with the help of research, make a list of EVs and types of charging stations that best suit your needs.
Set transition goals
For some companies, a successful transition to an EV fleet may simply mean making the switch from fossil fuel- to electricity-powered vehicles. Others might define “success” by a certain amount of money saved on fuel and maintenance. Deciding how you will quantify success will help you track your progress and bring your staff along on the journey.
Apply for incentives
There are many government incentives designed to encourage businesses and consumers to buy EVs, but as we start to see more and more EVs rolling on streets, government incentives may dry up. Canada has banned in 2021 the sale of fuel-burning new cars and light-duty trucks from 2035. Getting started on your fleet electrification plan now will allow you to take advantage of rebates before they are phased out.
Get moving
Consider installing more chargers than are immediately necessary when you buy your first EV. This will save you recurring installation costs as your EV fleet grows. Also, decide who will have access to your chargers. Your employees for their personal cars? Your customers? What about business visitors?
Finally, remember that EV ranges diminish over time. Having a fleet management plan that accounts for older EVs by assigning them to shorter routes will help you get the most out of your fleet. Consider as well what you’ll do when cold weather diminishes the battery performance and lowers the driving range—an unavoidable reality in Canadian winters.
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