Jumpstarting Your Fleet Electrification: 5 Crucial Steps to Take Now

With electric vehicles (EVs) becoming increasingly affordable and accessible, there has never been a more opportune moment to make the switch to electric power.

The transportation sector is currently witnessing remarkable technological advancements and a widespread embrace of the transition toward fleet electrification. While this transformation may seem unfamiliar and different from acquiring traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, the shift to electric offers fleets in the United States remarkable prospects. If you're contemplating electrifying your fleet, consider these five essential steps to begin your journey.

Define your Electrification budget

Undoubtedly, embarking on your electrification project necessitates an initial financial commitment. Factors to take into account include the expenses associated with acquiring electric vehicles, setting up charging infrastructure, design and installation fees, as well as utility rates. All these elements collectively contribute to your overall cost of ownership (TCO) calculation, a crucial estimate to establish at the project's outset.

While the initial expenditures may seem daunting, there exist various strategies to alleviate these costs. You can explore opportunities such as grants and incentives that are currently available, and utilize charge management software to minimize fluctuations in electricity expenses.

Investigate Funding Opportunities

As government regulations continue to target emissions reduction across various U.S. states, government agencies and nonprofit organizations are increasingly providing a wider array of funding prospects. Collaborating with your original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and local agencies can facilitate the identification of suitable opportunities, their prerequisites, and the associated application deadlines.

As you embark on your exploration of these opportunities, it's prudent to initiate the collection of data concerning your fleet operations promptly, as this data is often a mandatory requirement for most funding applications. For additional guidance, we recommend perusing our blogs on constructing a grant application and strategies for securing grant funding. Furthermore, our team of experts is eager to assist customers in identifying available funding opportunities tailored to their needs. Don't hesitate to reach out to us for more information!"

Optimize your Fleet Planning

To pinpoint the ideal electric vehicles (EVs) for your needs, initiate the process by evaluating your existing fleet of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. Delve into the prospect of integrating EVs into your fleet and carefully examine elements such as your fleet's driving patterns, required vehicle range, cargo capacity, and pricing to streamline your selection of electric vehicle options.

After establishing these initial criteria, collaborate with your Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) dealers to engage in comparisons and test drives of various EV models.

Consider charging infrastructure early on

While you refine your selection of the ideal EV models and determine the appropriate quantity for your fleet, it becomes crucial to shift your focus towards establishing the necessary charging infrastructure to support these vehicles. Many fleets that have already embraced electrification can attest to the fact that obtaining permits and installing charging infrastructure can be among the most time-consuming aspects of the process. After all, what good is an EV without a reliable way to charge it?

Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) encompasses the charging equipment essential for recharging your EVs. When selecting the right charger, several factors should be taken into account, including the installation location, fleet size, the specific EV models you're using, and more. If you're unsure about where to begin, you can kickstart the process by requesting a free estimate. This estimate will help you identify the optimal charging infrastructure solutions and provide you with an estimated cost tailored to your fleet's needs.

Start a conversation with your local utility provider

Utility providers play a pivotal role in the electrification process because they are the ones who supply the essential electric power. Once you've defined the scope of your electrification project, it becomes imperative to initiate communication with your utility provider. This communication is essential because you will require the necessary permits to install charging infrastructure and access the required amount of power to charge your electric vehicles (EVs).

Many fleets that have undergone this transition have encountered the common challenge of extended lead times in dealing with utilities. Therefore, it's wise to commence this process early, equipped with the right questions and leveraging your project partners to facilitate the acquisition of necessary permits. In our Charging-as-a-Service solution, we not only handle site design, installation, ongoing operations, and maintenance but also take on the responsibility of coordinating all communications with the utility. This approach aims to relieve you of the additional burden associated with this phase of the process.

The transportation sector, along with its EV partners, has made significant strides in broadening opportunities for electrification. Fleets now have access to a wide array of partners who can provide support, ranging from public entities and industry associations to private organizations. When it comes to shaping the future of transportation, it's a collaborative effort, and we are all in this together.