Resources
How to Electrify Your Fleet
Looking to drive sustainability forward within your organization?
Fleet electrification is one way to improve your environmental footprint and help you to achieve your emissions targets. We interviewed one of our EV consultants who specializes in planning and managing fleet electrification to see what advice they had for charting a path forward for the decarbonization of vehicle fleets.
When Should You Start Fleet Electrification Planning?
When Should You Start Fleet Electrification Planning?
Now. If you haven't already started planning for fleet electrification, start today.
The transition is inevitable - EVs cost less to run, are easier to maintain, and can handle most organizations’ operational needs. By starting now, you can also capitalize on infrastructure incentives, such as those offered by BC Hydro, to make the transition easier and more cost-effective.
What Are the Steps In Fleet Electrification Planning?
What Are the Steps In Fleet Electrification Planning?
To plan for a fleet transition, it's important to evaluate each vehicle's usage and the financial impacts of electrification.
Conducting a full utilization and business case analysis on a vehicle-by-vehicle basis will determine which vehicles to prioritize replacing based on which will provide a return on investment through fuel and maintenance savings over the vehicle's lifespan.
This analysis typically leads to three different electrification approaches:
- Reduction Target Focus. Convert the minimum number of vehicles required to meet the company’s emission reduction targets.
- Financial Sense Conversion. Convert all the vehicles that have a positive business case and will save you money over their lifecycle.
- Climate Stewardship Approach. Do the best thing for the environment and electrify your full fleet using the savings from the positive business cases to subsidize the remaining vehicles.
Once an approach has been decided, prioritization and financial planning begins, followed by implementation and reporting. For further details on each stage, download our full whitepaper below.
Why Is It Important To Hire an EV Consultant?
Why Is It Important To Hire an EV Consultant?
Hiring an EV consultant can help you save money, right-size your fleet, and ensure you avoid costly mistakes, such as overpaying for vehicles or underinvesting in charging infrastructure.
As the industry rapidly evolves, it's crucial to have someone who understands the landscape, including the pros and cons of various vehicle models, the business case for electrification, and available rebate programs.
Is There a Difference Between Municipal & Commercial Fleet Planning?
Is There a Difference Between Municipal & Commercial Fleet Planning?
Municipal fleet planning and commercial fleet planning are very similar. The primary difference is that municipal fleets tend to have a broader range of vehicles outfitted for specific tasks, while private businesses usually focus on fewer asset types. Regardless of a fleet’s diversity, market knowledge is required to navigate available vehicles, challenges, limitations, and infrastructure planning.
Are There Any EV Incentives in British Columbia?
Are There Any EV Incentives in British Columbia?
British Columbia (BC) has been paving the way with policies and incentives to promote the adoption of EVs for businesses and individuals. Knowing what incentives are available will help you to make your transition as smooth and cost-effective as possible.
The CleanBC Go Electric Program offers a variety of rebates for different fleet electrification needs, including:
- Passenger Vehicles. Rebates on cars, pickup trucks, and vans for business or community needs.
- Commercial Vehicles. Rebates on cargo e-bikes, buses, medium- and heavy-duty trucks, and other specialty and utility vehicles.
- Commercial Vehicle Pilot Projects. Offers support for businesses to deploy commercial zero-emission vehicles, including medium- and heavy-duty on-road vehicles, rail, marine, aircraft and off-road equipment, along with the necessary supporting infrastructure.
- Workplace Charging. Rebates on the cost of purchasing chargers and installing them in the workplace, along with advisory support.
- More Public EV Chargers. Rebates on the cost of charging equipment and installation in communities to encourage increased access and improvements to local charging networks.
- Fleet Advisors. Access to fleet advisors (including us!) that can provide support, education, and advice as you grow your zero-emissions vehicle fleet.
These are just a few of the fleet optimization incentives available in BC as of August 18, 2023. To learn more or apply, visit the CleanBC Go Electric Program website.
Any Last Tips for Fleet Electrification?
Any Last Tips for Fleet Electrification?
Three last minute tips for fleet electrification planning:
- Utilization is Critical
If you have low utilization of certain vehicles, consider creating a pooled or shared resource to minimize the number of assets needed. - Right-Size Individual Assets
Don’t fall into the trap of increasing standard vehicle size based on occasional requirements. Evaluate how often access to larger vehicles is needed and consider centralized or outsourced options where applicable. - Carefully Consider Your Charging Strategy
Finding the right mix of centralized charging and home charging can provide consistent access to infrastructure, address equity concerns, and ensure access to backup resources in case of emergency.
Download the PDF
Learn more about how to electrify your fleets and meet your environmental goals.
Select Environmental Projects
Interested in working with us? Reach out!
We can help you craft an approach to your challenge, and if we are not the right people for the job, we will recommend someone who is.