Fleet EV Conversion: Key Challenges & Big Questions

You’re a fleet manager and you want to convert your fleet to electric. You’re asking yourself, “Is it really possible?” Yes, young grasshopper—it is. And you’re in the right place to learn more about it. Businesses everywhere are having the same thought, and with it, new ideas about the right way to attack their transformations.

Shifting your entire fleet to electric is a big move—a smart one. But unless you’re planning on completely scrapping your current fleet in favor of a brand new electric one, it’s not as simple as swiping your credit card.

So, how do you make sure your fleet conversion goes well? You ask the right questions and tackle the real challenges upfront. At Fuel2Electric, we’ve seen it all—and we’re going to guide you through it. Let’s get into details.

Challenges of Fleet EV Conversion

1. Range Limitations

Range is probably one of the first things that come to mind when you think of EVs. And you’d be right to have that thought—range is a big deal, especially regarding route planning and time constraints. EVs generally have a more limited range compared to their gas-powered counterparts. However, there are exceptions like school buses and last-mile delivery vehicles. Inner-city deliveries or transport are the perfect candidates for electrification because their routes are shorter and more predictable. While intercity routes may be a bit trickier due to longer distances, charging can often happen during freight loading and unloading times.

Daily mileage calculation and route planning are going to be your winning strategies here. As long as your team has reliable access to charging stations along their routes—or can charge during scheduled stops—you can give this section a check.

2. Charging Infrastructure

This point is closely related to range concerns and route planning. Fleet vehicles operate on tight schedules with minimal downtimes. Plotting out when and where your fleet can charge up is key to proper scheduling. Typically, drivers don’t charge at public stations—they’re often too expensive and unreliable. Instead, charging will happen between routes or when the truck is parked at the company office or warehouses.

Your fleet operates during certain hours and has specific mileage needs. Answer logistical questions about charging station placement, speed, and frequency before proceeding. Ensuring that your vehicles can charge efficiently during idle times is crucial to maintaining your operations without delays.

3. Auxiliary Power Demands

Most fleet vehicles perform jobs beyond just getting your people from point A to point B. Your fleet will likely pull power from the battery for more than just driving. This includes auxiliary equipment such as wheelchair lifts, lights, radios, and HVAC systems. For instance, delivery vehicles may need to maintain cargo temperature, while trucks with cranes may require constant power throughout the day.

Evaluating the number of hours of use and the cost savings of using electricity versus gas to power these auxiliaries can be a game changer—especially when these systems are used while the truck is charging at the same time. Think construction sites or warehouses where every auxiliary system, including AC, lifts, and cranes, can operate when the vehicle is idle and charging. This not only improves operational efficiency but also maximizes the benefits of electrification.

4. Idling & Operational Efficiency

Fleet vehicles spend a considerable amount of time idling compared to the average car, whether it’s to keep the cabin comfortable or to power your auxiliary equipment. While idling is often seen as a drawback due to fuel consumption and emissions in gas vehicles, electric vehicles turn this on its head. EVs can actually benefit from idling periods by charging while stationary and running auxiliary systems without burning extra fuel. By taking advantage of onsite idle times for charging and auxiliary use, you enhance power efficiency and reduce overall energy consumption.

5. Fleet Service Life & Maintenance

One of the primary perks of fleet conversion is that EVs require less maintenance than gas-powered vehicles. This adds up significantly in the long term. The maintenance schedule and wear and tear of gas engines can’t compare to the simplicity of electric drivetrains. Under certain conditions like extreme weather, batteries may need to be temperature-controlled (cooled or warmed up), and this aspect is key in saving money by extending the endurance of the battery pack. Plus, say goodbye to oil changes forever.

Big Questions of Electric Vehicle Fleet Conversion

So, now that the main challenges are on the table, it’s time to gather information. There are a few questions that Laurent Frugier, the CEO of Fuel2Electric, will always ask fleet managers to learn more about the fleet’s detailed needs. We’re going to lay them out clean and simple here:

1. Daily Mileage: How far are these vehicles driving every single day?
   What is the total mileage range required to complete daily routes without interruptions?

2. Stops Per Mile: How frequently does the vehicle stop during its route?
   What is the average time spent at each stop, and does the vehicle need to idle while at these stops?

3. Service Life: How long do you expect each vehicle to remain in service?
   Are there long-term goals for fleet replacement or phasing out older vehicles?

4. Days & Hours of Operation: How many days per week and hours per day are the vehicles in operation? Do you operate in shifts, and if so, what is the time between shifts for vehicle charging?

5. Idling Time: How much time is spent idling during a shift, and what kind of power is needed during this idling period?

6. Auxiliary Equipment Needs: What additional equipment (wheelchair lifts, HVAC systems, lights, radios, etc.) requires power during operation? How many hours per shift is this equipment running, and does it need to operate while the vehicle is stopped?

Planning Your EV Fleet Strategy

The purpose of converting your fleet to electric is profound, and deep. It’s good for your brand image, sustainability, and can potentially have big impact on your long-term savings. But the last is only true if you plan correctly.

It’s about asking the right questions, knowing what you and your business needs, and making sure you’ve got everything you need to support this move. Having the right partner can mean the difference between a big win and a confused experiment, so ask yourself: are you ready to go electric the right way?

Plan your fleet’s future today.