Fleet managers now have more complex responsibilities due to the addition of electric vehicles

Sign up for daily news updates from CleanTechnica on email. Or follow us on Google News!

---

Fleet managers have multiple responsibilities to ensure that vehicles and drivers are optimally utilized in a safe and cost-effective manner. Today's fleet managers use data to sharpen processes, create efficiencies and maintain fleet budgets. As electric vehicles (EVs) become increasingly part of many fleets, new and increased demands in connectivity, software management and data mining have been added to the tasks of fleet managers.

As state and federal governments continue the rigorous drive to electrify the automotive sector, many in the fleet sector are undergoing a slow transition process, introducing electric vehicles into their fleets. EV fleet management is the business tracking and monitoring the activities of electric fleets – including all fleet-related data – to improve productivity while minimizing costs.

Whether it is monitoring electric vehicle charging, understanding battery charge status, managing electricity rate fluctuations, assessing public electric vehicle charging, managing charging equipment or interpreting data from individual drivers: fleet managers now have to monitor computers on wheels.

As electric vehicles become increasingly popular among commercial fleets, the question arises as to what are the best ways to do so meet charging needs for fleet drivers. When these drivers take their vehicles home, a whole new level of responsibility arises. For EV fleet integrations of all sizes and different makes and models, integrating multiple systems seems pragmatic holistic solutions always welcome, so that fleet managers are pointed in the right direction.

David Lewis, founder and CEO of Move EVapproached CleanTechnica with some ideas on the recently improved EV roles for fleet operators. Lewis believes that charging EV vehicles at home can be an excellent strategy to save employees time and reduce operating costs. However, he acknowledges that “many companies are hesitant to deploy their electric vehicles because they mistakenly believe that expensive Level 2 home chargers are a necessity.”

This misconception, Lewis explains, could delay the transition to an efficient, cost-effective solution for fleet charging. Instead, by taking a thoughtful approach to employees' individual situations, fleet managers can design a home EV program that meets the needs of their drivers and benefits the company's long-term profitability.

The feasibility of level 1 charges for drivers with low mileage

For many fleet drivers, especially those who travel less than 10,000 miles per year, the standard Level 1 charger that plugs into a 120V (standard) outlet and comes with their EV is perfectly adequate. This solution incurs no additional hardware costs, reduces the hassle of employees leaving the company, and reduces concerns about corporate liability.

The main benefit of relying on Level 1 charging is its simplicity and cost-effectiveness, as no additional investment in charging infrastructure is required. By using the charging cable that comes with the vehicle, companies can minimize their financial expenses while still effectively supporting the charging needs of their employees. Drivers can do that insert the plug into a three-pole socket in a garage or the side of a shed for example, and get some charge depending on the EV model. This is known as slow charging and helps extend an EV's range when a more powerful charger isn't available.

Choose non-network level 2 chargers for drivers who drive a lot of kilometers

For drivers who drive more miles and need to charge faster, a non-networked Level 2 charger is “an attractive option,” Lewis said. In one scenario, the employee pays for the unit and installation and is then reimbursed by the company.

This approach has several advantages:

• Tax credits and incentives: Employees may qualify for various tax write-offs and incentives not available to businesses, making installation of a Level 2 charger more affordable.
• Ownership and choice: Employees select and own the charging port, choose the contractor and pay for the installation, limiting company liability and reducing costs.
• Improvement of home value: Installing a Level 2 charger can increase the value of the employee's home, giving him or her additional benefits and easy access to charging.
• Accurate refund still possible: Modern electric cars record charging data, eliminating the need to get charging summary information from a smart charger. Software can connect the dots and accurately calculate consumption, costs and reimbursement.

This Level 2 approach provides a cost-effective solution with lower liability that benefits both the company and the employee, making it an attractive option for higher mileage drivers.

The disadvantages of proprietary and network chargers

Lewis outlines how installing company-owned chargers, especially on a network, may be the least beneficial option – for several reasons.

• Increased costs and liability: Installing and maintaining network chargers significantly increases costs. Additionally, owning the charging infrastructure poses liability issues, especially regarding data security.
• Connectivity and compatibility issues: Networked chargers can suffer from connectivity issues, which can lead to inaccurate charging data and other operating and compliance issues.
• Risk of fraud: Many smart chargers do not know which vehicle is connected. They therefore also run the risk of being used by vehicles outside the fleet, further complicating cost and energy management.
• Brand lock-in: A number of networked chargers are tied to specific OEM brands, limiting flexibility in vehicle selection and potentially leaving the company in a less dynamic fleet mix.

The disadvantages associated with company-owned and on-network chargers underscore the importance of carefully evaluating charging needs and choosing solutions that provide flexibility, reduce liability and control costs, according to Lewis.

Decision tree for fleet managers

When fleet managers use a decision tree approach to determine the most suitable charging solution for their needs, Lewis says they have the greatest chance of success.

This decision-making process includes assessing fleet drivers' annual mileage, access to charging, the benefits of tax incentives, and considering the long-term implications of owning a charger and ongoing obligations. By taking a thoughtful, structured approach to home charging decision-making, fleet managers can identify the most cost-effective and efficient charging solutions that fit their business's operational objectives, culture and needs.

Moving to an EV fleet and providing robust home charging solutions for EV fleet drivers does not have to be a major operational bottleneck that requires massive investments in charging infrastructure and home installation costs. Instead, by understanding the specific operational requirements of an EV fleet and the unique circumstances of a particular group of EV drivers, effective, efficient charging solutions for the home that save time, reduce costs and minimize liability, while supporting workers' transition to electric mobility.

---

David Lewis is the founder and CEO of MoveEV, an AI-powered EV transition company that helps organizations convert employee-owned fleets and gasoline vehicles to electric by accurately reimbursing EV home charging. Dave is an experienced B2B software executive with significant experience in systematically creating value through new product offerings, mergers and acquisitions, and transforming technology-based services to SaaS.