this question is more complex. There are more vehicles to consider and bigger spending budgets, which mean a lot more risk to the bottom line.” FleetCarma offers an EV suitability assessment technology to automate fleet total cost of ownership calculations custom to each of the fleet’s duty cycles, and uses this data to model and simulate the suitability of different plug-in vehicles in each of those duty cycles. This allows the fleet manager to evaluate EV risk and reward, identifying areas for EV adoption and total cost of ownership savings, says Goody. The EDTA offers a similar guide (http://goelectricdrive. org/home/plug-in-roadmap). The group’s Cullen says: “As with any other vehicle purchase, consumers need to identify their driving needs (use, size, cost) and match the options to their needs.” TAX BREAKS AND ADDITIONAL INCENTIVES There is a federal tax credit currently available for the purchase of plug-in electric drive vehicles, up to $7,500, as well as an incentive for installing charging infrastructure – a credit scheduled to expire at the end of 2016, says the EDTA’s Cullen. She says there are also numerous state incentives, which can be found on the EDTA’s website: http:// goelectricdrive.org/selectcountry/ united-states. These rebates make it very attractive to offset that initial cost of EVs, says NAFA’s Barton. Although, he adds that the cost of EVs is dropping, in general. Another incentive to purchasing an EV is that, compared to conventionally fueled vehicles, gas prices are constantly fluctuating, but electricity always will be cheaper than gas, says NAFA’s Barton. “Particularly if you are generating the electricity yourself. If you’re a fleet manager and have your own infrastructure developed – say you have a solar canopy and you’re able to charge off that canopy, that’s your own power and you can, often enough, sell that back to the grid.” Although many agree that most rebates will come from the government, vehicle manufacturers and dealers also may offer limited-time incentives. Check automaker websites and local dealers to check availability, says Cullen. EVs can be a great opportunity for fleets to reduce emissions and cost on fuel. The initial cost of the EVs may seem higher than conventionally fueled vehicles, but with federal tax incentives, the lower cost of electricity when compared to gas and the lighter impact of electricity on carbon emissions than petroleum, EVs are a viable option for many fleets. When it’s hot outside, FleetPride has everything you need to stay cool. FleetPride offers a complete line of A/C parts and refrigerant. Whether late model or hard-to-find, FleetPride has the parts you need backed by a nationwide replacement warranty. With over 260 locations across 45 states, FleetPride is there when you need us. WWW.FleetPride.com VehicleServicePros.com/10120810 Light Duty |
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