Are Electric Vehicles Suitable for All Regions of Operation?
Fleets nationwide are showing an interest in electric vehicles – more than ever before. But are they really suitable for all regions of operation?
Is 2021 the year to begin adopting electric technology?
If you ask any fleet manager today, they’ll tell you that the electrification of fleets is no longer simply on the horizon – it’s here. Whether you’ve already begun adopting this new technology or are looking to make use of the ICE data you already have to become more sustainable – 2021 will certainly be a year where we’ll begin to see this movement embraced even more than ever before. Especially when large auto manufacturers like General Motors are making pledges to be carbon neutral by 2040.
Current concerns for electric vehicle adaptation
With any new technology, there are always going to be differences of opinions and potential concerns. Electric vehicles are no different. But what are the main questions that a fleet manager might have when it comes to electrification?
- Will my mechanics need new training to maintain an electric fleet?
- What if my data isn’t a direct translation to ICE data, making the true ROI or cost comparisons harder to read?
- How often will I need to replace an electric fleet? Is there enough real-life data rather than anecdotal on the topic yet?
- Will they be more efficient than a traditional ICE fleet?
- Is there charging infrastructure available to support a fully-electric fleet in my region?
- How long will it take to charge a fleet vehicle?
Are electric vehicles suitable for all regions of operation?
It depends. The truth is, most of the data currently available is either for sedans or it’s anecdotal from manufacturers when it comes to vehicles that could be used in utility or municipality fleets. There’s a potential that the charge range would decrease in colder climates – as could be said with any battery-powered piece of equipment.
Electric fleet management and traditional fleet management are more similar than one might think – but also come with a few key differences. The differences are managed by looking into the data that not only comes from manufacturers, but also that of industry peers that are also pursuing electrification.
How Utilimarc works with EV data
Electric vehicles are making their way towards the ranks of fleets internationally – which means, fleet managers need to understand how they could potentially operate within their fleet, whether they’re a fan of the new technology or not. Over the last few years, Utilimarc has been working with electric vehicle data with the aim to help fleets understand their options and their data when considering new vehicle additions for their organizations in the future.
If you’re interested in learning more about how Utilimarc can help you make the most of your electric vehicle data, schedule a live demo with our analytics team.