Energy professionals, manufacturers and every corporation utilizing fleets must consider electrification to meet organizational goals. Electric vehicles in fleets bolster corporate social responsibility and adherence to worldwide legislation as nations head closer to reversing the climate crisis. Experts must learn the advantages of corporate electric fleets as a comprehensive solution to business needs and environmental boons.
Sensible Inclusion in Electrifying Corporate Fleets
Fleets haul varied loads yet have similar goals and challenges, despite industrial focus. The transportation sector accounts for 27% of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States. Many global organizations face scrutiny from lawmakers and environmental allies to make the percentage zero. Transitioning to electric fleets powered by fuel cells or batteries removes the stressors.
The switch is the most tangible way to reduce carbon footprints, improve air quality and contribute to better public health. Entities catalyzing change become recognized as innovators and thought leaders, rewriting the competitive landscape.
Electric fleets meet both sustainable and practical needs. Computerized vehicles connect to the Industrial Internet of Things (IoT), informing companies the status of fleet routes, emissions and safety. Reducing fossil fuel reliance is cost-effective, allowing for more budgetary exploration in continued digital transformation and smart tech.
Installing tech to support electric fleets reinforces digital asset training, literacy and workforce readiness. The revolution in fleet management empowers drivers and companies with meaningful oversight and prompter deliverables from data-driven fleet enhancements.
Benefits of Electric Fleets
A case study explored the effects of electrifying Californian shuttle bus fleets. Removing diesel from the equation formed a better customer experience. Rides had less noise and air pollution and more tech-infused commutes with improved WiFi and temperature control. The scalability of electrification allows them to expand services even with charging infrastructure. The adjustments change lives, reducing commute times to under an hour for 90% of employee riders. Commercial fleets with passengers must consider electrification for comfort, health and brand loyalty.
The financial benefits are plentiful and diverse. The upfront cost seems severe, but assistance mitigates it. Federal governments incentivize electrification through tax credits and rebates. More grants and assistance exist on local and state levels. Charging an electric vehicle is one-third of the cost of fueling an internal combustion engine, filling needs for companies needing to save money for other growth ventures. The benefit is in addition to decreased maintenance and operational costs, which is essential for vehicles receiving extensive wear and tear.
The eco-conscious impact of electrification provides myriad benefits too. Customers appreciate companies that are considerate of the planet, boosting commitment and trustworthiness — qualities leading to brand resilience.
The intrinsic value of helping the planet is enough of a benefit. Companies must engage with environmental stewardship to dismantle toxic assumptions about the transportation sector and related industries. Maintaining regulatory compliance for making transactions and business relationships transparent and ethical is more straightforward.
Improvement Opportunities for the Electric Transition
Electric fleets meet corporate needs, but transitioning also helps the sector’s needs. It has room for improvement, and electrification can only scale and grow for modern needs and environmental requirements with widespread testing.
Growing greener means making recycling infrastructure more comprehensive. Lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles are a worry as some argue it deters EV adoption. Worldwide, startups strive to make batteries easier to disassemble and sort to discourage overmining raw materials.
Scaling electric fleets requires a simultaneous scaling of charging infrastructure across countries. Having in-house charges is valuable, but reducing range anxiety is another. Corporations see the mission as an opportunity for collaboration, advocating for accessible, frequent, fast charging points, including in rural areas. More stations equal streamlined fleet routes and consistent vehicle performance.
Municipal fleet electrification efforts in Florida demonstrated how to overcome charging concerns by retrofitting existing infrastructure. It reduced startup costs and encouraged greener construction by reducing material and labor requirements.
Fleets With Global Awareness
Corporate fleets benefit from switching to electric vehicles because of how many business areas it positively influences. Sustainability is the most obvious, but it makes workers and commuters happier, heals bottom lines and makes research endeavors for electrification more productive because of wide-scale implementation.
Reducing transportation emissions is an urgent matter fleet managers cannot rest on to align with green frameworks and upcoming legislation. Maintaining market relevance relies on committing to green commercial vehicles, so begin adoption now.
About the author: Jane works as an environmental and energy writer. She is also the founder and editor-in-chief of Environment.co
Energy in Demand - Sustainable Energy - Rod Janssen 