More and more fleet managers are incorporating electric vehicles (EVs) into their fleets for various reasons. Some want to take advantage of local and Federal government incentives, while others are looking to hedge against rising gas and diesel prices.
However, with the adoption of new technology, including EVs, comes the challenge of tracking performance, calculating return on investment (ROI), and managing technical assets efficiently. Fleet managers find that managing EVs introduces complexities that traditional fleet management practices may not fully address.
EV fleet management involves tracking and monitoring the operations of the EVs within a fleet to optimize the productivity of their drivers and the performance of the vehicles and minimize overall fuel, vehicles, and maintenance costs. One key element for fleet managers to focus on in EV management is tracking their return on investment (ROI). Cost and return timelines for EVs can often be different than what fleet managers have traditionally become accustomed to. Most obviously, there will be higher upfront costs versus fuel savings over time.
As a fleet manager or owner, it's crucial to evaluate whether:
EV fleet management introduces additional layers of complexity, requiring businesses to continue to track standard fleet operations and new elements like charging schedules, workload distribution, and EV storage.
Managing EV charging is more complex than refueling ICE vehicles. Running out of battery requires a tow to the nearest charger, and charging takes considerably longer than refueling an ICE vehicle. A well-planned charging schedule—incorporating route distances, charging station availability, and the use of quick charging during work hours—can help minimize downtime and prevent battery degradation. But that requires time-consuming planning.
The weight of EV batteries significantly affects vehicle performance, especially in trucking fleets with strict weight limits. "Knowing your load" becomes essential to avoid exceeding gross vehicle weight ratings (GVWRs). Additionally, EVs may outperform ICE vehicles in stop-and-go city driving, whereas ICE vehicles generally do better on highways. Understanding these dynamics can help optimize EV deployment across routes.
Storing EVs in cold climates poses additional challenges. Colder temperatures affect battery performance, reducing range and increasing charging times. Parking EVs in climate-controlled areas can mitigate some of these issues, but cold weather will still impact range, especially when heaters draw on the battery.
EV fleet management systems automate data collection and track and manage electric vehicles. Alongside traditional fleet metrics like expenses, maintenance, and usage rates, EV systems provide valuable insights into charging status, duration, and costs per asset.
Charging data is crucial for maintaining EVs in peak conditions, as battery degradation increases with frequent fast charging. Managers can optimize charging cycles to extend vehicle lifespan by monitoring charging habits and battery health. Additionally, EV systems generate comprehensive reports that help fleet operators maximize the benefits of electrification and streamline EV adoption.
Lower Costs
EVs are cost-effective not only because of government incentives but also due to reduced fuel and maintenance expenses. Electric vehicles, especially in stop-and-go driving conditions, offer greater fuel efficiency and have more predictable electricity costs compared to gasoline or diesel. Moreover, off-peak charging rates can further lower fuel costs, enhancing the financial advantages of adopting EVs into your fleet.
Driving Performance
EVs deliver a strong performance that often rivals or exceeds traditional vehicles. They offer instant torque, providing smooth and powerful acceleration from a complete stop, which is particularly beneficial when hauling heavy loads. EVs also run much quieter than their gas and diesel counterparts. Some EV models even double as mobile power sources, offering several kilowatts of electricity for off-board equipment like power tools or lighting, making them versatile assets in various work settings.
Reduced Maintenance
Unlike conventional vehicles, EVs require less maintenance due to fewer moving parts, no oil changes, and reduced brake wear. In addition to being more efficient in maintenance, EVs must meet the same rigorous federal safety standards as ICE vehicles. This ensures they deliver equal safety while offering an easier and lower-cost maintenance experience.
Flexible Charging Options
EVs can be charged at fleet facilities or public stations, adding convenience for both day-to-day and long-distance use. Charging at fleet locations allows vehicles to charge during idle times, such as overnight. Public charging stations are increasingly available for longer trips, helping extend EV range.
Meeting Fleet Goals and Public Relations
EVs are highly efficient and produce fewer emissions, which makes them ideal for organizations focused on sustainability and environmental goals. Using EVs in public-facing fleets, such as buses, police vehicles, and taxis, can enhance a company’s image and demonstrate leadership in environmental responsibility. Public fleets can also leverage EVs to comply with the Energy Policy Act (EPAct) and state or local transportation policies to reduce emissions.
Adopting EVs into your fleet requires more than just focusing on the upfront costs. Choosing the best EVs for your operation is the first step, and it can be overwhelming if you're not sure which metrics to focus on or how to evaluate performance before making a purchase. To make this process easier, fleet managers can pay special attention to a few key elements of EV fleet management:
*One recommendation: Allow a buffer in your calculations, such as subtracting 10% from OEM specifications. This can provide flexibility when estimating real-world performance metrics.
A fleet key management system is an automated solution designed to control, monitor, and track the usage of vehicle keys within a fleet. These systems typically include secure key storage cabinets integrated with sensors and tracking technology. The embedded technology ensures that only authorized personnel can access the keys and that every key transaction is logged for accountability. These systems also trigger alerts for overdue returns or unauthorized access, ensuring fleet security and minimizing key loss.
But it's not just about physical key and keyfob security. These systems streamline operations by automating tasks that used to fall on fleet managers, such as vehicle key sign-outs, vehicle reservations, and distributing key usage to balance mileage between owned and leased vehicles. By providing real-time insights into vehicle usage, these systems help managers optimize resource allocation, reduce idle time, and maintain regular maintenance schedules.
Fleet key management systems automate key sign-outs and returns, allowing drivers to access vehicle keys securely at any time without needing a fleet manager on-site. By authenticating at a smart terminal, drivers can quickly retrieve the correct key, reducing downtime and eliminating the need for manual key handover. Every transaction is digitally recorded and time-stamped, ensuring there’s no need for paper logs and making it easier to trace missing keys or track usage.
These systems provide real-time data on vehicle availability and usage, allowing fleet managers to see which EVs are in use without physically inspecting the fleet. During key returns, managers can also collect critical data such as mileage, maintenance needs, and damage reports using checklists on the key system’s smart terminal. This detailed insight helps reduce vehicle maintenance costs and ensures vehicles are optimally used and properly maintained.
An automatic audit trail ensures that each key sign-out is tied to a specific individual, allowing managers to track who was responsible for a vehicle at any time. This accountability reduces the likelihood of vehicle misuse, theft, or unexplained mileage ("mystery miles"). It also supports better investigation processes in case of vehicle damage or accidents, improving overall fleet security and reducing risks.