According to Deloitte Canada, electric vehicle (EV) fleets cost approximately 30-40 per cent less to operate than their combustion-powered counterparts.
As such, more and more business owners are adopting EVs for their fleet-powered operations, eager to see the financial gains for themselves.
Managing an EV fleet, however, presents unique challenges and opportunities that you don’t see with traditional gas and diesel-powered vehicles. It’s important for business owners to understand the finer details of EV technology to maximize their benefits when making the switch to an EV fleet.
This article will guide you through the best practices for effective EV fleet management, ensuring your fleet is not just environmentally friendly, but also cost-effective and efficient.
Fully Understand Your Specific EV Fleet
This may seem like an obvious point, but it’s easy to lose out on potential cost savings without a thorough understanding of the electric vehicles themselves.
Each EV model has its own range, charging requirements, and performance characteristics, making it crucial to familiarize yourself with the details of each vehicle in your fleet.
Range refers to the distance an EV can travel on a single charge. This varies significantly between models and is influenced by factors such as driving conditions, weather, and vehicle load. Understanding the range of your vehicles will help you plan routes more effectively and avoid unexpected charging stops.
Knowing the charging requirements of your EVs is equally important. Some EVs may require a Level 2 charger, while others may be compatible with DC Fast Charging. The charging speed can vary based on the charger level and the vehicle’s onboard charging capability.
Performance characteristics are another important consideration. How does the vehicle perform under different conditions? How quickly can it accelerate? How does it handle steep inclines? Getting to know the ins and outs of your vehicles’ performance can help you make the most of their capabilities and ensure they are being used in situations where they can perform best.
Lastly, it’s important to stay updated on any changes or advancements in EV technology. Manufacturers often release software updates that can improve vehicle performance or add new features. Regularly review the manufacturer’s guidelines and ensure your vehicles are always running the latest software.
By taking the time to understand your vehicles, you can ensure that your EV fleet is well-managed and ready to meet the demands of your business.
Future-Proof Your EV Charging Infrastructure
As your fleet grows, your charging infrastructure should grow with it. It’s not just about having enough chargers for your current fleet, but also planning for future expansion.
When setting up your charging infrastructure, consider solutions that are scalable. This means choosing charging equipment that can easily be expanded as your fleet grows.
One way to maximize space and efficiency in your charging area is to install dual charger pedestals or wall mounts. These EV charging pedestals hold two chargers, allowing two vehicles to charge at the same time. This not only saves space but also reduces the overall cost of your charging infrastructure.
Plan Out Your EV Fleet Charging Schedule
Effective fleet management requires careful planning of charging times and vehicle rotation. This is a crucial aspect of EV fleet management, as it ensures that your fleet is always ready to go when needed.
The first step is to develop a charging schedule. This involves determining when each vehicle will be charged, based on its usage patterns and the availability of charging stations. For instance, vehicles that are used heavily during the day could be charged overnight, while those used less frequently could be charged during the day. The goal is to ensure that each vehicle is fully charged, avoiding downtime.
Another important consideration is the cost of electricity. Many utility companies offer time-of-use rates, which means the cost of electricity varies depending on the time of day. Typically, electricity is cheaper during off-peak hours (usually at night). By charging your vehicles during these times, you can significantly reduce your electricity bill.
Make Time for Maintenance
Just like any other vehicle, EVs require regular maintenance to keep them running smoothly. This includes not just the vehicles themselves, but also the chargers and EV charging pedestals.
Along with the routine maintenance that any vehicle needs, electric vehicles will require special attention to the battery, monitoring the state of charge (SoC) to ensure proper health. It’s also important to avoid exposing the battery to extreme temperatures, as this can degrade its performance and lifespan.
Keeping up with software updates is also important, as these often include performance improvements and new features.
In addition to the vehicle, the EV chargers and pedestals also need regular maintenance. This includes checking for any signs of damage or wear, and ensuring that all connections are secure.
Train Your Drivers
Training is a crucial aspect of EV fleet management. It’s not just about knowing how to drive the vehicle, but understanding the unique aspects of driving an electric vehicle. Drivers should be educated on EV-specific topics and driving techniques, as they can significantly extend the range of your EVs and reduce wear and tear.
Regenerative braking, for instance, allows the vehicle to recover and store some of the energy lost during braking. This can be a new concept for many drivers accustomed to traditional vehicles. Training sessions should include practical demonstrations and opportunities for drivers to practice and become comfortable with these techniques.
Efficient acceleration is another key aspect of EV driving. Unlike conventional vehicles, EVs can provide instant torque. However, rapid acceleration can drain the battery faster. Drivers should be trained to accelerate smoothly and steadily to conserve battery life.
In addition to driving techniques, drivers should also learn how to charge the vehicles. This includes understanding the different types of charging (Level 1, Level 2, DC Fast Charging), and how to use the charging equipment.
Training should be ongoing, with regular updates as new EV models are added to the fleet and as technology advances. A well-trained driver is essential for the efficient and cost-effective operation of your EV fleet.
Context-Aware EV Fleet Route Planning
Context-aware route planning involves using route planning tools that consider various factors such as vehicle range, charging station availability, and traffic conditions. These tools can help you optimize routes to minimize charging stops and maximize efficiency. For instance, they can help you plan routes that pass by charging stations at the right intervals, ensuring your vehicles can stay powered up without going too far out of their way.
But it’s not just about where the charging stations are. It’s also about when to charge. Many route planning tools can also consider real-time traffic data, helping you avoid congested routes that can lead to unnecessary idling and wasted energy.
Remember, the shortest route is not always the most energy-efficient. A slightly longer route with less traffic could end up saving both time and energy. Similarly, a route that passes by a fast-charging station could be more efficient than one that requires a longer stop at a slower charger.
In essence, successful EV fleet management is a blend of comprehensive understanding, careful planning, and the right equipment. With these, you can turn the challenge of EV fleet management into a strategic advantage for your business.
Arcpoint Install can support you in this with high-quality, durable EV charging pedestals that help keep your fleet charged and ready to go, no matter where your route takes you. Contact our team today to talk to our experts and select the right pedestals for your needs.