Electric Vehicle Adoption Goes Beyond the Vehicle
Acquiring a battery electric vehicle (BEV) is just one aspect of transitioning to zero emissions. Successful deployments require a comprehensive approach that includes identifying optimal applications, installing infrastructure or partnering with existing providers, maximizing incentives and properly maintaining the technology once it is in use.
“AS AN INDUSTRY, WE EXPECT TO EDUCATE THE CUSTOMER BASE SO THEY UNDERSTAND WHAT CAN WORK WITHIN TODAY’S TECHNOLOGY AND WHAT CAN’T,” SAID TRAVIS HILL, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF PENSKE ENERGY.”
Key Considerations
Here are some key considerations for your transition to zero emissions.
APPLICATIONS
Determining which vehicles to electrify starts with examining the fleet’s applications and routes. Establishing operational requirements, estimating BEV range and identifying existing charging infrastructure can all help determine areas of opportunity. The State of Sustainable Fleets 2024 Market Brief found that fleets running shorter, local and/or lightweight routes have identified, and in some cases even smoothed, critical obstacles to commercial BEV adoption. The past year saw commercial BEV deliveries nearly double across a growing number of applications and states.
For more information, view our eBook, Find the Routes that Work for Battery Electric Vehicle Adoption Today.
INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT
Charging infrastructure is one of the biggest bottlenecks facing EV adoption today, but there are significant incentives available for fleets to install charging infrastructure. When developing infrastructure, fleets should consider charging speeds, electricity costs, power availability and future EV adoption plans. Fleets may also be able to tap into existing charging infrastructure to make routes feasible.
For more information, view our eBook, A Commercial Fleet Guide to Charging Infrastructure.
OPERATIONAL ADJUSTMENTS
The use of BEVs can require adjustments to fleet management practices. Route planning must include vehicle range, payload, dwell times, potential route charging opportunities and actual vehicle charging times. Finding the ideal application within a fleet is key to reducing the number of operational adjustments required for BEV adoption.
REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS
Zero-emission vehicle adoption requirements vary across different parts of the country. “There is a lot of confusion about regulations,” Hill said. “One of the most frequent questions we get is, ‘How am I going to be compliant in the state of California, or how will Advanced Clean Truck affect my fleet replacement strategy? ‘” Fleet owners need to understand both EV adoption regulations and associated reporting requirements. Penske Energy is here to keep you informed about zero-emission regulations at both the state and national levels.
TOTAL COST OF OWNERSHIP
Understanding the total cost of ownership is essential to assess the overall financial impact of BEVs. Heavy-duty BEVs have higher upfront costs than diesel trucks, but TCO analysis goes beyond the upfront purchase price. It is also important to consider fuel savings, energy costs, operational expenses, reduced maintenance costs and available grants and tax credits.
INCENTIVES
Taking advantage of incentives can help fleets improve the total cost of ownership for equipment. When utilizing incentives, it is crucial to understand what is required of the fleet. “A lot of utility programs require actionable steps their customers must complete to comply. If they don’t, they may have to pay those incentives back,” Hill said, adding that public and private grants and funding opportunities continue to be developed and introduced. “Often finding the confluence of vehicle and infrastructure funding can help fleets get closer to TCO parity.”
TRAINING
EVs offer drivers several benefits, including quieter operation, a smoother ride and relief from exposure to emissions and odors associated with diesel vehicles. Initial driver training can help drivers understand unique features such as regenerative braking, range management and charging processes to maximize the vehicle’s potential.
VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
BEVs have different maintenance requirements than diesel vehicles. Maintenance teams need to be trained on the specific components and systems of electric vehicles, which differ significantly from those of traditional diesel vehicles. “There is specific tooling, primarily around safety, that we require shops to have to work on EVs,” said Chris Hough, vice president of maintenance design and engineering at Penske Truck Leasing.
