a driver is in the vehicle, they’re always watching the power gauge and wondering where they can get the vehicle charged up and not be stranded somewhere, unable to work. He adds that, just as with any other new vehicle, there is a learning curve. Once the drivers get into the vehicles and drive them, they will get used to trusting the EV range. Mark Goody, manager, electric vehicle programs for FleetCarma (www.fleetcarma.com) – a connected car platform that helps organizations effectively deploy, utilize, monitor and smart-charge electric vehicles – says there are three key barriers to EV adoption: • Lack of public and workplace charging infrastructure. “This results in the phenomenon of range anxiety, in which consumers fear running out of range, and thus look at electric vehicles as a risk.” • Availability of different EV models. “While OEMs have recently made a huge push towards growing the number of electric vehicles available to the market, there are very few electric SUVs or trucks, which would be very appealing to different fleet needs or applications.” • Uncertainty. “When considering the purchase of an electric vehicle, I believe most people raise too many questions or concerns that they are not able to satisfy, leaving them skeptical and unsure of how the technology would work for them.” Goody adds that additional concerns can include: • What will my electricity costs be? • What is my operating cost per mile? • How long will I need to charge for? When an EV is used in the appropriate application, there is no need to worry about range anxiety or being stranded somewhere. Photo from iStock • Will I need an EV or a PHEV? • What is my payback using my criteria? By answering these questions before considering an EV, the fleet will have more confidence in the capabilities of an EV and be more likely to invest, as they will know how it will perform, rather than hoping for the best, he says. IDENTIFY YOUR NEEDS To determine whether or not an EV makes sense for your fleet, you have to look at application, says NAFA’s Barton, and know what job are you trying to do with it - What is this vehicle is going to be used for? It is helpful to find a partner – such as a fleet management company or someone with knowledge with EVs? – to help with the decision. If EVs are a fit, they “can’t be beat in terms of the emissions and GHG reduction and petroleum consumption reduction that they offer.” To determine if an EV makes sense, fleets must do their homework, adds FleetCarma’s Goody. “This includes understanding how many miles will be driven each and every day, as this will help determine if an EV or PHEV is more suitable. Look up the different models on the Internet to evaluate which particular models are best suited for your particular needs. “It is also important to understand how much charging your vehicle will need, if you will be able to charge at work and what your electricity costs will be. In a fleet application, the answer to | Light Duty 26 FLEET MAINTENANCE ❚ APRIL 2016 ❚ VehicleServicePros.com VehicleServicePros.com/10095038
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