Fleet regulations are essential for ensuring public safety and mitigating negative impacts on our environment. In July, fifteen states and the District of Columbia signed an agreement pledging to develop a plan to eliminate diesel emissions by 2050. Collectively, they will lead the way for the remainder of the U.S. in areas of policy and regulations imposed on fleets across the country.
Electric vehicle technology from only five years ago is already outdated. Many of these regulations require specific vehicle technology and infrastructure. Will you be ready? Do you know where to begin?
Here’s 10 easy steps to help you prepare for Zero-Emission Fleet Regulations and Start Planning.
1. Determine Motivations and Objectives
Outlining your Operational Performance is key to creating your plan, aside from the basic regulatory requirements for fleet electrification. What is the motivation behind it? If it’s to reduce costs, extend the range, reduce charge times, expand & maximize infrastructure, utilize more automated software, or even to simplify routes, make sure those objectives are identified and communicated clearly as you review vehicle options.
Secondly, make sure your organization’s net-zero plan or other sustainability initiatives are outlined and communicated so that your suppliers can ensure they address those initiatives, This can help you cut through suppliers that don’t meet your standards.
2. Fleet Infrastructure Audit
Understanding what you have and how you currently operate will ultimately dictate what you need to purchase for vehicles and infrastructure. But, this is also a great time to utilize your potential supplier to help you optimize your fleet, routes, infrastructure and energy usage. Lean on potential suppliers for their ideas and expertise in designing an electric fleet program that maximizes efficiency both operationally and financially. Items to consider outlining before reaching out to suppliers include:
Number of current vehicles
Routes (including range, charge and break times if available)
Type and scope of current electrical infrastructure
Total mileage per vehicle unit per day
Total cost of ownership for current fleet
3. Incentives and Subsidies
Reach out to your local and state energy groups to discuss subsidies and incentive programs available so you know what you’re working with before you start shopping. Many electric vehicle suppliers also know about programs in your area, so add that to the list of questions you’ll ask when you reach out.
4. Determine the Right Vehicle
The following items are what will determine the right vehicle for your fleet. Make sure you have an idea on these items and get a thorough understanding of each to ensure you know all of your options.
Seating capacities
Range requirements
Spacial considerations for parking and charging
Cost
Charging time
Range capabilities
5. Determine Needed Infrastructure
Aside from the vehicle, infrastructure is probably the most important consideration you’ll make in this process. Make sure you understand the difference between Level 2 and Level 3 charging. Main differences are charging times, which are also impacted by weather conditions, and amount of voltage that is transmitted. Level 3 is usually more prevalent for commercial vehicles.
6. Location of Infrastructure and Vehicles
Since you already have a fleet, look at how you could rearrange current storage yards to accommodate for new or additional infrastructure. Furthermore, assess what kind of electrical setup you have in your current maintenance shops, and parking yards. Leveraging existing EV-compatible technology and infrastructure is key to ensuring your EV deployment is set up for success early!
7. Total Cost of Ownership
It’s important to remember that although electric vehicles and infrastructure are more expensive than gas counterparts, you’ll start to see the total cost of ownership is lower for electric fleets over 3 to 5 years, when compared to gas powered fleets. And it’s not just the fuel source, it’s the maintenance cost, leases and many other factors. Make sure your supplier can pencil out this information for you as it’s important to know from an ROI perspective.
8. Fleet Technology
When selecting a vehicle supplier, look at their AI telematics solution as many suppliers have some variation of technology to streamline dispatch, data aggregation, reporting, and other automated processes. Although there may be a cost for the technology, it saves on labor in the long run and enhances your overall operation.
9. Maintenance
There are a couple of considerations when it comes to maintenance. First, make sure your supplier can service your equipment locally, are available for assistance and will stand by their product through long term warranties. Secondly, make sure that the supplier will train your team thoroughly as well as help change the perception of maintenance on shuttles. Professional maintenance and monitoring of the health of your batteries and overall electric system is key to ensuring the longevity of your new EV fleet.
10. Get Stakeholder Buy-In & Set Clear Expectations
Once you’ve completed the previous nine steps, you’ll be able to present a complete package to our stakeholders for their buy in and set clear expectations with your chosen supplier. Lean on your supplier to be your partner, working side by side on the process.