Jay Collins, SVP & GM, EV & Mobility Simplify business fuel cards, employee benefits, & payment solutions Thu, 08 Jan 2026 14:59:44 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.5 /wp-content/uploads/2023/06/cropped-favicon-150x150.png Jay Collins, SVP & GM, EV & Mobility 32 32 Mixed-energy fleets: How to best incorporate EVs into your business fleet /resources/blog/mixed-energy-fleets-how-to-best-incorporate-evs-into-your-business-fleet/ /resources/blog/mixed-energy-fleets-how-to-best-incorporate-evs-into-your-business-fleet/#respond Thu, 07 Mar 2024 15:20:19 +0000 /?p=10303 According to experts, electric vehicles (EVs) will make up at least a third – or even half – of all light vehicles sold yearly in the United States by 2030. This is up considerably from what was about 7% of all sales in 2022. For companies who have a fleet of vehicles, these projections are […]

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According to experts, electric vehicles (EVs) will make up at least a third – or even half – of all light vehicles sold yearly in the United States by 2030. This is up considerably from what was about 7% of all sales in 2022. For companies who have a fleet of vehicles, these projections are significant in order to stay competitive as others are adopting and experiencing the benefits. It’s time to strategize and adopt an EV integration plan. As you start to fold EVs into your fleet, those with EV fleet experience advise gradual adoption: start with a mixed-energy fleet of both EV and internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles to ensure the smoothest and most economically viable transition. In this article, we’ll talk about why a mixed fleet is a good place to start, and what to look for in a fleet card provider when creating a strategy for your EV adoption plan.

Why start with a mixed fleet?

Building a mixed fleet – an integration of both electric and traditional vehicles – provides a pragmatic approach for businesses navigating through the initial stages of fleet electrification. With a mixed fleet your business can strike that delicate balance between innovation, operational reliability, and efficiency. While EVs offer undeniable advantages, the infrastructure – namely charging stations and a grid to support them – is not yet developed enough to sustain a full population of EV users. A mixed fleet provides a safety net, ensuring uninterrupted service coverage even in areas where electric infrastructure is sparse. This mixed fleet adoption strategy allows businesses to gradually familiarize themselves with the nuances of electric vehicle operation, maintenance, and management without undertaking an all-encompassing shift. It also affords the flexibility to capitalize on the strengths of different vehicle types based on specific operational needs and route characteristics, ensuring that the fleet’s efficiency isn’t compromised during the transition period. Adopting a mixed fleet is a risk-mitigated, calculated introduction to electric mobility, offering businesses the latitude to adapt, learn, and eventually transition fully when the infrastructure is fully in place.

What is the advantage to an EV over an ICE vehicle?

Electric vehicles (EVs) offer substantial cost savings in comparison to their internal combustion engine (ICE) counterparts, primarily through lower operating and maintenance expenses. Electricity as a fuel source is generally cheaper than gasoline, and the efficiency of electric drivetrains reduces the cost per mile driven. Additionally, EVs have fewer moving parts than traditional vehicles, which results in less wear and tear and subsequently, lower maintenance costs. The absence of oil changes, exhaust system repairs, and transmission services further contribute to their economical operation. Governments around the world also offer various incentives, tax credits, and rebates to promote the adoption of electric vehicles, reducing the initial purchase price and making them more financially accessible to consumers. Over the lifespan of an electric vehicle, these cost savings can offset the typically higher upfront cost, resulting in a more economical and environmentally friendly transportation option for your fleet.

How can I integrate my EV data into my existing fleet card data?

Some fleet card companies, like ɫ, offer payment products for mixed fleets. Your strongest choice is to partner with a company with consolidated solutions specifically built for mixed fleets allowing your fleet and operations managers to best manage billing, payments, discounts, and reporting as they incorporate EVs into their fleets. Connecting your ɫ account to our RFID or DriverDash app offering mobile payment, provides one invoice and one set of reports using one credit line for all of your vehicles.

Looking to fill up and charge through a single account?

Fleet managers are often in need of a unified solution for fueling their vehicles and tracking the accompanying data. Customers with mixed fleets of both ICE vehicles and EVs are now required to navigate a system of multiple apps, credit lines, invoices, and interfaces. With the ɫ customers access an interface that integrates both EV and ICE fueling data and reporting. With DriverDash, ɫ customers have access to both quality EV chargers and select fueling locations across the U.S., along with fraud controls, and Level III transaction data for any type of vehicle – both ICE and EV – all in one interface. ɫ customers with mixed fleets can activate the EV portion of the app, enabling commercial fleet drivers to locate ɫ’s in-network EV charging locations and process payments for those charging sessions. Payment via DriverDash leverages ɫ’s proprietary closed-loop payments network, increasing the security of each transaction while transmitting charging behavior, driver identification information, vehicle mileage, and other details to the fleet manager.

How do I decide which charging network is best for my fleet?

Charging networks for EVs provide a rapidly growing infrastructure that allows EV drivers to recharge their vehicles in public locations. These networks operate by positioning charging stations at accessible and strategic locations, including urban areas, shopping centers, and along major highways. Users can locate a nearby charging station through mobile apps where they can see real-time availability and sometimes even reserve a charging slot. Charging stations within these networks typically offer various charging speeds, ranging from slow Level 1 charging, suitable for overnight use, to ultra-fast Level 3 charging, which can replenish most of an EV’s range in under an hour. 

Payment is often handled digitally, either through membership cards, credit cards, or mobile apps associated with the respective charging network, providing a streamlined and convenient experience for the users. Some networks also have roaming agreements with others. These agreements allow members to use different networks (different brands of charger) seamlessly, expanding the accessible charging infrastructure for EV drivers. These networks play a crucial role in promoting the adoption and use of electric vehicles by alleviating range anxiety and facilitating long-distance travel.

ɫ has expanded its EV charging network in the United States. An estimated 85% of chargers across America’s roads will now be discoverable through DriverDash where users receive ɫ’s full complement of industry-leading reporting capabilities.

The above data visualization provided by ɫ senior data analyst Jake Jaworski illustrates how accessible ChargePoint chargers – a ɫ partner – are in the contiguous U.S.

and get your fleet operations ready for a mixed fleet that makes the most sense for your business.

ɫ is a leading, global fintech solutions provider, simplifying payments and back-end business processes in the fleet management, benefits management, and corporate payments areas. To learn more, please visit the company’s About ɫ page.

Apply for a fleet card today!

Resources:
Wall Street Journal

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Considering a hybrid or EV for your fleet? Here are 3 steps to take /resources/blog/considering-a-hybrid-or-ev-for-fleet/ /resources/blog/considering-a-hybrid-or-ev-for-fleet/#respond Wed, 20 Dec 2023 10:42:00 +0000 /insights/blog/uncategorized/considering-a-hybrid-or-ev-for-fleet/ Whether it’s the ebbs and flows of fuel prices or the surge in electric vehicle (EV) sales, you’ve perhaps thought about the potential of an electric vehicle within your fleet. After all, electric vehicle sales in the United States are up year over year and they’re going to surpass over a million units of new […]

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Whether it’s the ebbs and flows of fuel prices or the surge in electric vehicle (EV) sales, you’ve perhaps thought about the potential of an electric vehicle within your fleet. After all, electric vehicle sales in the United States are up year over year and they’re going to surpass over a million units of new EV sales in 2023, which is record volume. If you’re just beginning to think through the potential of an EV for your fleet, here are a few factors to consider.

Talk to someone who owns an EV in their fleet

EV fleet steps

The infrastructure to support EVs has grown and will continue to grow after the U.S. Transportation Department approved a plan late last year to install EV charging stations that would cover 75,000 miles of American highways over the next five years, with stations in all 50 states. By 2025, the number of EVs in fleets globally is expected to increase nearly five-fold from just four years earlier. 

A great first step would be to reach out to someone who has an electric vehicle in their fleet and ask questions like:

  • Are they getting the value they anticipated when acquiring their EV? 
  • How do they charge their EV? 
  • What else have they learned since adding an EV to their fleet? 

We’re happy to talk through your EV questions, too. But a fleet owner with an EV will be able to provide you with a first-hand perspective. And if you don’t know anyone who has an EV, ɫ can connect you with an EV user.

Have one of your drivers test drive an EV via a short-term lease

EV fleet steps

While you’ll be managing the EV, your drivers are the ones tasked with operating the vehicle. You could explore short-term or temporary ways to incorporate an EV into your fleet to see how it goes. For example, if one of your fuel-powered fleets is in an accident, consider signing a short-term lease or long-term rental of an EV. Ask your EV driver what their experience was like.

Assess your company’s EV readiness

EV fleet steps

What would your timeline be for jumping into the growing EV environment? Prior to purchasing an EV, assess your business’s EV readiness. Here are three steps to take to assess readiness: 

  • Evaluate your area’s charging infrastructure. While fueling stations are often sprinkled all over your driving routes, what about EV charging stations? Depending on the part of the country you’re in, they may or may not be frequently available for your drivers. For example, California has roughly five times more charging stations than the next closest state. The East Coast is also well-covered in many areas, but EV infrastructure is less developed in the Midwest.
  • Review your EV maintenance capability. Not all mechanics accept or have experience with EV repairs. Whether you have an in-house mechanic or use a dedicated repair shop for your fleet, you’ll want to find out if your current mechanic or any in your area have the skills needed to maintain any EVs in your fleet. 
  • Analyze your EV use cases. What do you intend to use the EV for? If it’s going from Point A to Point B every night but the charging infrastructure on that route isn’t built out yet, then that will influence your timeline. But if your driver would charge the vehicle at their home each night, you could evaluate how long it would take to purchase and install a home charger. 

All fleet cards are not the same, and different types of fuel cards suit the needs of different kinds and sizes of businesses. View ɫ’s fleet card comparison chart to see which fleet fuel card is right for you. 

Apply for a fleet card today!

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EVs for small business: Potential for long-term savings and one source of truth /resources/blog/evs-for-small-business-potential-for-long-term-savings-and-one-source-of-truth/ /resources/blog/evs-for-small-business-potential-for-long-term-savings-and-one-source-of-truth/#respond Wed, 08 Nov 2023 15:41:25 +0000 /?p=10068 As reported by McKinsey & Company earlier this year, production of electric vehicles (EVs) in the light commercial vehicle (LCV) category is expected to experience a significant upswing in the coming months, providing small businesses ever more options as they strategize about building out a mixed-energy fleet. With the total cost of ownership for EVs […]

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As reported by McKinsey & Company earlier this year, production of electric vehicles (EVs) in the light commercial vehicle (LCV) category is expected to experience a significant upswing in the coming months, providing small businesses ever more options as they strategize about building out a mixed-energy fleet. With the total cost of ownership for EVs expected to outperform traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles by 2025 and mounting pressure on businesses to decrease their carbon footprint, small businesses are increasingly developing EV adoption strategies and adding EVs to their commercial vehicle fleets. I was honored to speak recently as part of a panel entitled “Evolution of Fleet Payments” at the Fleet Forward Conference where we are covering a broad range of fleet topics including many of the topics discussed here in this article. I’m sharing them with you now because they are fundamental to how we all will need to move forward building our commercial vehicle fleets of the future.

Mixed-energy: The near future of commercial vehicle fleets

As we enter a new era of transportation, one thing seems certain: the future will not be solely dominated by a single energy source. The push for electrification has undoubtedly gained momentum, but the presence and reliability of ICE vehicles cannot be ignored. This transitional phase towards a more sustainable future will feature a mixed-energy fleet, where ICE vehicles and EVs coexist. It’s a symbiotic dance of technology, requiring an integrative approach from all stakeholders, especially from those in the fueling industry.

The realities of a mixed-energy fleet

Over the next decade, while the adoption rate of EVs is expected to rise, ICE vehicles will still hold significant market share. Many factors contribute to this:

  • Use cases: There are many use cases illustrating the practicality of a commercial EV fleet — one example is a team of sales reps all driving less than 200 miles per day and returning home to the same address every night. There are also use cases that favor ICE vehicles – an example of this is a fleet of heavy duty F350s towing dump trailers each day on unpredictable routes. As infrastructure improves and the EV market expands, more EV use cases will become feasible.
  • Infrastructure: Charging infrastructure for EVs is still in its nascent stage in many parts of the world. Until it can match the convenience and ubiquity of gas stations, ICE vehicles will continue to be a practical choice for many.
  • Economic Factors: While the price of EVs is becoming more affordable, the initial cost is still higher than many ICE vehicles. Moreover, in regions where governments haven’t provided incentives for EVs, consumers might lean towards the more economical ICE option. In fact, journalists Alexa St. John and Nora Naughton, in a recent Business Insider article reported that in last week’s GM “third-quarter earnings call, Barra (CEO Mary Barra) and GM struck a more sober tone. The company announced with its quarterly results that it’s abandoning its targets to build 100,000 EVs in the second half of this year and another 400,000 by the first six months of 2024. GM doesn’t know when it will hit those targets.”

An imperative for fuel card providers

To prepare for the increase of mixed energy fleets, fuel card providers need to evolve. They must make significant technological advancements and adapt to the changing landscape. Here’s what’s at stake:

  • Technological Advancements: Traditional fuel card providers will need to adapt and embrace the energy transition. This requires investment in the technology necessary to ensure that customers can easily use fuel cards when operating a mixed-energy fleet. 
  • Data Integration: With the rise of smart vehicles, data plays a pivotal role. Fuel card companies will need to integrate data analytics to predict demand, manage supply chains efficiently, and ensure smooth operations. This could mean forecasting when and where charging stations will be most needed and helping utilities strategize on how to optimize power usage during peak times.
  • Commercial Experience: The experience of ‘refueling’ an EV differs from filling up a gas tank. By educating your drivers on not just the charging process but also the payment system and how it will be used, fuel card companies will ensure that the transition drivers and fleet managers experience is as seamless as possible.

Forging New Partnerships

The integration of EVs alongside existing commercial vehicles requires more than just technological upgrades; it demands a whole new set of partnerships:

  • Automakers: Fuel card companies should collaborate closely with automakers to understand vehicle specifications, charging requirements, and consumer needs. This ensures compatibility and caters to the specific needs of each vehicle model.
  • Utility companies: As the demand for electricity surges with more EVs on the road, fuel card companies must form partnerships with utility providers. This ensures a consistent power supply, optimized pricing structures, and, ideally, the integration of renewable energy sources.
  • Tech companies: In an increasingly digital age, software solutions are crucial. Whether it’s for payment integration, data analysis, or station management, tech companies play a pivotal role in the new-age fueling experience.
  • Government and policy makers: Regulations, incentives, and infrastructure development will largely be driven by government policies. Fuel card companies need to remain engaged with policy makers, pay attention to policies as they are being developed, and stay at the forefront of decision-making to shape a conducive environment for the mixed-energy fleet future.

The way forward with a mixed-energy fleet

The transportation landscape is shifting. But rather than viewing it as a replacement of ICE vehicles by EVs, we should envision a future where both will be used. Incorporating EVs is an opportunity for innovation, collaboration, and creating a more sustainable and inclusive future.

Fuel card companies stand at the forefront of this transformation. By embracing technological advancements, fostering new partnerships, and reimagining the commercial fleet experience, they can pave the way for mixed-energy fleets. As we gear up for this change, one thing is clear: adaptation and collaboration will be the keys to success.

The new era of fleet fueling: The push for integrated technology

In today’s rapidly changing transportation landscape, the emergence of diverse energy sources for fleet vehicles poses both challenges and opportunities. EVs and hybrids are becoming staples in small business and government fleets across industries. But with diversity comes complexity. Small businesses and government fleet managers grapple daily with the daunting task of juggling multiple apps, credit lines, invoices, and interfaces to fuel their multifaceted fleets.

However, the future of fleet fueling is evolving with the growing desire for technology that can integrate all forms of fleet fueling. Let’s delve into the reasons behind this need and the benefits of adopting such integrated solutions.

Streamlining operations for your small business, large private fleet, or government fleet

Every minute fleet managers spend shuffling between apps and software tools is a minute lost in productivity. With a unified platform, operations can be streamlined, allowing managers to focus on more strategic tasks rather than administrative intricacies. The ability to see all fueling data in one place expedites decision-making and ensures smooth fleet operations.

Financial efficiency for your small business, large private fleet, or government fleet

Handling separate credit lines and invoices for each energy source is not just cumbersome but can also lead to financial inefficiencies. It’s easy to miss out on discounts, rebates, or favorable terms if you’re juggling multiple payment methods and accounts. With a singular account for mixed-energy fleet fueling, managers can negotiate better terms, track expenses more effectively, and potentially save costs in the long run.

Enhanced data analysis for your small business, large private fleet, or government fleet

For fleet managers, understanding fuel consumption, costs, and vehicle performance is paramount. An integrated fueling system can offer detailed analytics and insights that are not easily attainable with fragmented solutions. This cohesive data analysis can pave the way for better budgeting, vehicle maintenance, and even route optimization.

Sustainable Growth for your small business, large private fleet, or government fleet

As businesses and government entities aim for greener operations, the fleet mix is bound to grow more diverse. Embracing a solution that can accommodate all energy sources ensures that as new technologies emerge or fleet compositions change, the fueling infrastructure is already set up to handle those changes. This makes scaling and evolving your fleet of commercial vehicles far more efficient and cost-effective.

User Experience for your small business, large private fleet, or government fleet drivers

For the business or government fleet drivers on the ground, transitioning between different systems can be confusing and time-consuming. An integrated approach ensures a uniform experience regardless of the fuel type. This not only reduces the learning curve for drivers but can also improve their overall job satisfaction, knowing that the back-end complexities of their work are efficiently handled.

The future of mobility: How a truly integrated mixed-energy fleet operates

In today’s rapidly advancing technological landscape, small businesses and government fleets are aiming for sustainability and efficiency. But what does a truly integrated mixed-energy fleet experience look like, and why is it the next big thing in fleet management? Let’s delve deeper.

Integrated systems and reporting: Getting beyond juggling multiple cards

Traditional fleet management often relied on keeping cards on file, which required manual tracking and led to many inefficiencies. The new age of mixed-energy fleets brings in automated, integrated systems that combine real-time data from all vehicles, irrespective of their energy type. This holistic approach offers a consolidated view of fleet operations. It means fleet managers can now monitor fuel consumption, energy usage, maintenance schedules, and other key metrics in one unified dashboard. No more juggling between different software or spreadsheets – the future is about seamless integration.

Access to quality chargers: An electrifying shift

As EVs become more prevalent in fleets, the need for reliable and efficient charging infrastructure becomes paramount. The best integrated mixed-energy fleet card provider ensures that your EVs have access to quality chargers. This not only extends the range and performance of the vehicles but also helps in reducing “range anxiety” for drivers. The chargers should be strategically placed, ensuring that vehicles can be charged during off-peak hours or when they are not in active use, maximizing efficiency and reducing operational costs. Whether at home, at a depot, or at a charging station, your drivers need to feel secure.

Level III transaction insights for your small business, large private fleet, or government fleet

Level III transaction data is the gold standard when it comes to transaction insights. In the context of mixed-energy fleets, this means getting detailed data on every transaction, including the type of fuel or energy used, the quantity, the price, the location, and even the time of day of the purchase. These granular insights enable fleet managers to optimize routes, reduce costs, and make more informed decisions about vehicle maintenance and replacements. For instance, if a particular EV charging station offers a better rate during certain hours, routes can be adjusted to take advantage of these cost-saving opportunities.

The integration of mixed-energy fleets is more than just a fusion of various energy types. It represents a holistic shift in how we perceive and manage the mobility of our commercial vehicles. By leveraging advanced technologies, small businesses and government fleets can ensure sustainability, efficiency, and security in their operations. As we look to the future, it’s clear that the truly integrated mixed-energy fleet experience is set to transform the world of transport, offering unparalleled benefits, and contributing to a greener future.

Charging en route, in depot, and at home all on one account

In a world rapidly moving towards the adoption of mixed-energy fleets, fleet managers have expressed the need for a simplified solution to address their varying fueling and charging needs. This evolving challenge requires an integrated approach to offer seamless charging and fueling options across the board. The essence of this vision revolves around a unified system where charging en route, in the depot, and at home can be managed through one consolidated account.

Unified access for diverse driver needs for your small business, large private fleet, or government fleet

Imagine a commercial vehicle that begins its day at the depot, travels through multiple routes during the day, and eventually concludes its journey at the employee’s residence. At each of these stops, there’s a potential need for refueling or charging. An innovative approach would ensure that whether it’s a traditional fueling station, a highway-based rapid charger, or a home-based charger, users can access, charge, and manage their expenses from a singular platform.

This unified access is crucial for businesses that operate mixed-energy fleets. Managers would no longer have to grapple with multiple accounts, invoices, and monitoring systems. Every refueling or charging action, irrespective of its location or energy source, would be recorded and billed through one system. This not only simplifies administrative tasks but also streamlines budgeting and expenditure tracking.

Addressing the ICE and EV conundrum for your small business, large private fleet, or government fleet

The world stands at a crossroads, with both ICE vehicles and EVs vying for space. While electric vehicles will help mitigate the catastrophic effects of climate change, internal combustion engines still hold a significant share in the commercial market due to their longer ranges and quicker refueling times. For businesses and government fleets, this means maintaining a balanced fleet to harness the strengths of both types.

ɫ’s vision is particularly transformative in this context. By providing a unified solution, ɫ aids businesses in transitioning smoothly through this period of energy flux. Companies can slowly integrate EVs into their fleets, assured that the infrastructural needs of both ICE vehicles and EVs are well taken care of.

While businesses undoubtedly benefit from this integrated approach, the real winners are the end-users, the drivers themselves. With an integrated system they will no longer need to carry multiple cards, remember various account details, or be concerned about which charging point is compatible with their company’s system. With ɫ’s one-account solution, drivers can confidently embark on their journeys, knowing that they are backed by a network that supports their vehicle’s energy needs, no matter where they are.

In summary, the vision of managing charging en route, in the depot, and at home all on one account isn’t just about technological integration. It’s a philosophy that emphasizes ease and efficiency. ɫ serves as a beacon for other industry players, highlighting the importance of adaptability and the relentless pursuit of innovation in a rapidly evolving sector.

With over 600,000 commercial fleet customers worldwide and nearly 19 million vehicles serviced globally, ɫ is simplifying and integrating its products and networks to accommodate ICE, EV, and mixed-energy fleets.

ɫ speaks the language of small business operators. Whether you’re looking to modernize your insight and reporting efforts, save on fuel costs or take advantage of the latest GPS tracking technologies, ɫ offers solutions to simplify the business of running a business. To learn more about ɫ, a dynamic and nimble global organization, please visit our About ɫ page.

Apply for a fleet card today!

Sources:

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New EV legislation is a win-win for sustainability and fleet’s bottom line /resources/blog/new-ev-legislation-is-a-win-win-for-sustainability-and-fleets-bottom-line/ /resources/blog/new-ev-legislation-is-a-win-win-for-sustainability-and-fleets-bottom-line/#respond Wed, 28 Sep 2022 08:00:00 +0000 /insights/blog/uncategorized/new-ev-legislation-is-a-win-win-for-sustainability-and-fleets-bottom-line/ Worldwide, electric vehicles (EVs) are in higher demand than ever before. Electrek’s Michelle Lewis reported in May that 52% of consumers worldwide seek out EVs, according to the latest EV Mobility Consumer Index (MCI), a spike from 30% just two years ago. In America, consumers’ increasing appetite for electric vehicles (EVs) will soon be heightened […]

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Worldwide, electric vehicles (EVs) are in higher demand than ever before. Electrek’s Michelle Lewis reported in May that 52% of consumers worldwide seek out EVs, according to the latest EV Mobility Consumer Index (MCI), a spike from 30% just two years ago. In America, consumers’ increasing appetite for electric vehicles (EVs) will soon be heightened even further by new legislation introduced this summer that will add incentives such as vehicle credits and fiscal support for a broad expansion of charging stations. Bloomberg NEF projects that plug-in vehicle sales will rise from 6.6 million in 2021 to 20.6 million in 2025. I recently met with Caroline Falls of Fleet Auto News in a podcast discussion about the rise in EV adoption, the new US legislation, and what the future looks like for EVs.

How does this new EV legislation help fleet managers?

Caroline and I met just days after new legislation passed that’s expected to propel consumers towards EVs in the US. In mid-August, President Joe Biden signed new US climate legislation (IRA) that provides substantial tax breaks for electric vehicles and new chargers. The legislation produced an ongoing flurry of optimism and excitement at ɫ, and in the automotive industry.

In the commercial space, ɫ’s conversations with customers about EVs have often reflected a desire to initiate more sustainable business practices. ɫ has recently seen an uptick in customer interest in converting to EVs based on total cost of ownership. Total cost of ownership (TCO) is the purchase price of an asset plus the costs of operation. The August EV legislation responds to two key challenges consumers have been facing with EV adoption: the cost of the vehicle and the expansion of the charging network.

What have we learned in the early phases of EV adoption?

If the Biden administration achieves their goal, half of the American auto vehicles produced by 2030 will be electric. The initial wave of fleet EV purchases since electric commercial vehicles were introduced has given ɫ insight into how best to plan for the introduction and migration of EVs into a fleet. ɫ has learned what questions to ask, and when to ask them, which positions the company to best help its customers enjoy the benefits of the conversion without growing pains.

ɫ believes a bad first experience with EVs will impact adoption, and a bad ongoing experience with EVs will impact its customers’ businesses. We won’t let that happen. This new US legislation will broaden the advantages to converting to EVs, whether it be for reasons of sustainability, total cost of ownership, or other business reasons.

How can companies strategize about the best approach to converting to EVs?

Strategizing over how to approach EVs– which vehicles to convert, how many at once, when to start conversion, if conversion makes sense for a particular business – is one in which many fleet managers have been working to develop a sophisticated understanding. ɫ has developed a few big themes to help its customers best strategize on their approach:

“Look before you leap”

  • to help customers convert the right vehicles at the right time.

“Make it simple”

  • to ensure that EVs are as ubiquitous as internal combustion fueling.

“Measure and control”

  • to ensure the reporting and transaction control needs for EVs are being met the way they are in the fueling space today.

The first theme, “Look before you leap,” came from ɫ’s initial experiences working with businesses that had purchased EVs. Many of those early adopters jumped in before thinking through the use case(s). ɫ looked at the challenges those customers faced and built a comprehensive question set to work with customers who’d not yet jumped into EV ownership.

ɫ’s customer base is vast in its scope, giving ɫ great insight into what companies of all shapes and sizes are grappling with when approaching EV adoption. This breadth of use cases is being used to help all ɫ customers learn from one another.

What kind of credits are included in the new EV legislation?

The legislation, which becomes effective at the end of this year, contains substantial credits for EV consumers. For example, there’s a clean commercial vehicle credit worth up to $40,000 per new commercial electric vehicle, and a refueling credit worth as much as $100,000 per charger. There are also credits for buyers of used EVs. These incentives make electrifying a fleet in the US more affordable than ever.

How is the new legislative policy impacting overall EV adoption?

The EV market has experienced dramatic growth over the past few years, with registrations increasing by 60 percent during the first few months of 2022 alone. This new legislative policy can only serve to increase that drive to EV adoption. For those already focused on sustainability, the legislation will further support a business’s decisions going forward, and will make it easier to execute on existing sustainability goals, especially due to the charging credits included in the bill. The greatest impact ɫ is expecting to see from the new legislation will be with fleets concerned with total cost of ownership: this legislation tips the scales in favor of at least trying an EV or two as part of a vehicle replacement plan.

What is the biggest foreseeable hurdle with US EV adoption?

Demand for electric vehicles will likely be greater than supply for the foreseeable future but that probably won’t be the biggest adoption hurdle. The most pressing issue remains the speed with which companies can build charging stations to meet consumer and business needs.  More EVs on the road will mean a higher demand for charging areas across the country. Contractors will be racing to build charging stations to allow for speedy and efficient service.

How will fuel tracking tools change with EV adoption?

The shift from pumping traditional fuel to charging an electric vehicle drives a need for a new type of tracking: one that allows fleet managers to account for charging costs from various public and private chargers. The payment process is only one part of the charging experience, however, and ɫ is evolving its solution set to meet the growing needs of its customer base by providing a seamless overall mixed fleet management experience.

What are potential EV charging challenges for fleet managers?

Fleet managers will need to change some of the ways they oversee their fleet of vehicles with the introduction of EVs. One question for fleet companies is how to avoid the productivity impact of drivers sitting idle waiting for their vehicle to charge. Managers will want to have a well-developed charging plan for their drivers. Another question: how will expense reporting change with the introduction of at-home charging which will likely become a part of the EV experience? To avoid regression to outmoded and time-consuming expense reporting, having an integrated reporting system under one technology will save time and money over time. A third challenge for fleet managers will be energy management. Effective energy management solutions will be crucial as EVs are introduced into a business’ fleet of vehicles.

There is a lot to digest with this move to electric vehicles. ɫ’s goal has been to create the integrated, connected, and Helping its customers manage and control fuel costs is what ɫ has been doing for four decades, which gives it the tools and expertise to translate that into the most efficient and effective EV adoption path for its customers.

What about EV data collection for things like emissions reporting?

In the United States, fleets are now grappling with reporting on vehicle emissions, and accounting for a company’s overall impact on the environment. ɫ has a service to help fleets collect data to account for their emissions-reporting obligations. With insights into both sides of a mixed fleet equation, not only will ɫ help fleets measure the impact of reduced emissions for conversion but it will be able to help customers determine which vehicles to convert next based on the level of emissions per vehicle in a fleet. This is a meaningful analysis to undergo both for purposes of sustainability and for total cost.

Customers rely on the data ɫ provides today for their business – the need only increases and gets more complex with EVs. Most businesses need data to report on the progress of their sustainability efforts for investors, consumers, board members, and employees, and ɫ provides a single, comprehensive reporting of that data.

Are there sophisticated alternatives to leasing or buying EV fleet vehicles?

The current consumer focus is on leasing and purchasing electric vehicles: ɫ hasn’t yet seen a big shift in subscription to share-car setups like Zipcar in the EV space here in the US. Internationally, there’s a much broader adoption of these types of services. Here in the US, there is chatter in the marketplace about subscription offers and car-as-a-service offers but those EV options are more of a consumer interest than a commercial one at this time. If availability to purchase or lease EVs becomes a significant issue, businesses may be driven to think more about using the subscription or car-as-a-service model.

The EV and mobility transition is changing fleet management, requiring a different skill set, and attracting a new cohort of people

President Biden’s plan calls for construction of a nationwide network of charging stations. Energy management and charging strategies will become a big part of a fleet manager’s job as we see increasing numbers of EVs on the road. For example, in the case where fleets use a depot charging solution, the line between facilities and fleet manager will blur as it relates to the energy required and how to manage it. Solar panels and battery banks will need to be installed and managed. The same technical capacity that was used to figure out fuel efficiency and fueling solutions will be needed to understand energy, peak rates, demand charges, and so much more.

The EV transition is underway – don’t miss out!

According to a recent article by New York Times reporters Jack Ewing and Neal E. Boudette, part of what’s driving the legislative push to EV is that the United States is competing on a geopolitical level with other nation states to develop an emerging technology. The legislation is part of an effort “to drive the electric vehicle future forward, outcompete China and tackle the climate crisis,” according to a White House fact sheet. A comprehensive adoption of EVs is essential to America’s continued position as a world leader in both global stewardship and technology.

More and more US fleets are setting sustainability goals, transitioning their fleets, and even adopting new mobility measures. Now is the time to partner with a company like ɫ and drive your sustainability strategy forward in a smart, efficient, and timely way.

ɫ is excited to be at the forefront of this new era of EV adoption and ready to lead the charge as we develop better ways for our customers to streamline and simplify their business operations.

Explore further with our “EV 101” Infographic.

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To learn more about ɫ, a growing and global organization, please visit our About ɫ page.

Resources:
New York Times
USA Today
Fleet Auto News
Evercharge
How Stuff Works
Engie Impact
Electrek

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