As the country begins to turn towards fully-electric solutions, there has recently been a focus on providing electric vehicles for fleet operators. However, this could pose a serious problem to ongoing operations. There is a chance that this change will cause severe short and long-term financial and operational disruption. Not only for engineering van fleets but, for fleets of hire cars as well. There are a number of factors that have to be considered, including EV charging services.
Find out the biggest challenges of this change and how portable EV chargers can assist in the matter.
The Lack of EV Infrastructure
As we get closer to the 2030 ban on new fossil-fuelled vehicles, there are more and more EV charging points being installed. However, there still is a lack of EV infrastructure, compared to how many electric vehicles there are predicted to be on the road. Especially if fleets are also making the switch.
This problem could solve with the inclusion of more charging stations accessible for fleet vehicles. However, what about in remote areas or off-grid locations? Portable EV chargers are a great way to have a guaranteed charge no matter the journey.
Limited Range
How do we solve a problem like “range anxiety”? One of the major issues that drivers may face when considering switching to electric, is the fact that charge can run out very quickly. It can put off drivers from taking longer journeys or have to divert their route to find suitable charging locations. And this problem is maximised for fleets where potentially they are driving from the top to the bottom of the country.
The solution? Well, there are ways around this issue. Switching to electric will mean educating fleet drivers on electric vehicle behaviour. Show them how to properly optimise their charge and not waste it on elements such as air conditioning or the heating system.
Setting a Business Example
The dilemma is the same for smaller and larger businesses alike: fleets must set the example for electrifying road transportation while minimising the impact on their regular company operations. Fleet operators will be compelled to think about new factors in their operations that can directly affect their financial line, due to the impending petrol/diesel deadline.
This can be a great opportunity to help the country lower its carbon footprint. The chance for businesses to turn green and make company transportation more environmentally friendly. But, the challenge is to maintain profitability.
EV Charging Solutions
The largest obstacle to fleet operators switching to electric vehicles continues to be the logistics of EV charging operations. Whether they are return-to-base (RTB) or return-to-home (RTH), commercial fleet owners face immense complications.
RTB charging has problems with space and the grid. Whereas, RTH charging has to decide whether to put equipment in an employee’s home or rely on the public infrastructure’s rollout to charge on the street. However, as mentioned previously on Elite, the public EV infrastructure can be unreliable. If there is a lack of charge points, there will be long waiting times. But, there is an alternative.
Portable EV chargers give the driver the ultimate control. They can decide when and where to charge their vehicle and not have to wait on any other driver. This will not only cut queues down at public charging stations, but it will also lower the risk of any driver feeling “charge rage”. For more information on our EV charging services, click here.
Elite Electric Vehicle
Elite EV Charge provides temporary and permanent mobile EV charging services for drivers across the UK. Whether this is destination charging or hiring charge points for events. We advocate the use of portable EV chargers to help lower the planet’s carbon footprint.
To receive a quote on our EV charging stations, or to speak to one of our specialists, fill in our online form. Alternatively, follow us on Instagram. Our social media team posts daily updates on the best-selling EVs and the benefits of destination charging.