Overcoming operational challenges in EV Fleets
Electrification is accelerating in the UK. Driven by government regulations, tax exemptions, environmental and financial benefits. Fleets are currently leading the transition, registering the majority of new electric vehicles (EVs). While the benefits of EV fleet investment are clear, the transition presents new operational challenges for businesses. We’ll take a look at some of the most common operational challenges in EV fleets and provide strategies.
EV charging challenges for fleets
A big part of the transition to EVs for business fleets is creating a successful fleet charging strategy. Picking the right charging mix across home, depot, and public infrastructure is key to keeping vehicles on the road.
Each charging type has its own advantages and drawbacks. Slow and fast charging are perfect for overnight depot and home charging, often using cheaper off-peak electricity tariffs. Rapid or ultra-fast chargers work well for quick top-ups on the road, minimising delays during business hours.
The industry top tip is: charge where your vehicle naturally stops; do not stop your vehicle just to charge.
Range anxiety and downtime
The term range anxiety is a commonly less-heard term, especially with newer vehicles offering higher ranges. Today’s data confirms that modern EVs can comfortably cover most typical daily fleet routes; the real issue is managing charging sessions to prevent unplanned downtime.
Telematics is a particularly useful tool, transforming the conversation from perceived range anxiety to managing actual vehicle range. This data-driven approach helps reduce driver stress and improve driver engagement.
Fleets also implement route-planning showing real-time battery data against the routes being taken, in turn predicting charging needs accurately. For instance, route software factoring in hills and payload ensures a van arriving with 20% charge completes its job without needing a last-minute, unscheduled stop, reducing unnecessary downtime.
Financial barriers: investment & total cost of ownership
While investing in EVs for fleets, the focus moves away from the initial purchase price, which is often mitigated due to leasing, to looking at the longer-term picture. The electric vehicle ROI fleet is high because the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) can often be significantly lower. Fuel savings are high and electricity is cheaper than traditional fuel on a per-mile basis. EVs also require less maintenance; fewer moving parts translate directly into lower wear and tear costs.
EVs have many grants and tax advantages to help push fleet-wide adoption in the UK. Grants such as the Depot Charging Scheme (DCS) and the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Grant (EVIG) are key. Tax advantages, such as Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) tax, remain low for company car vehicles, making them highly attractive to employees. Avoiding charges like ULEZ provides instant savings for fleets, especially those based in cities.
Conclusion
The transition to electric vehicles in the UK fleet sector is a true business case. The key to a successful transition lies in proactive planning and a clear EV fleet strategy that addresses these operational hurdles.
Ready to overcome these operational challenges? Find out how by downloading The Business Case for EVs here.