The electric vehicle (EV) revolution is more than just cleaner vehicles. It represents a transformative shift and goes beyond transportation and is about creating a greener and more efficient world where everyone is actively contributing to a sustainable future.
Below we have pen down few “EV fleet technologies” that offer tangible benefits today, rather than at a future date because we want to explore realistic scenarios and their implications 🙂
Top trends in fleet electrification for 2024 that forward-thinking fleet managers should be actively integrating into their strategies :-
Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology
Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology allows electric vehicles to not only consume power from the grid, but also return excess power back to the grid, enabling them to serve as energy storage devices.
Some new electric vehicles, such as the GMC Hummer, Ford F-150 Lightning, Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, Nissan Leaf, and Volvo EX90, can support vehicle-to-grid (V2G) capability. The upcoming electric Chevy Silverado will also possess this feature.
V2G technology is expected to become more advanced and widely used in the future, leading to increased efficiency and cost savings. However, currently it is considered a novelty and not a major factor when choosing a vehicle.
A new generation of fleet management tools, from telematics to OEMs
The adoption of electric vehicles requires fleet managers to update their systems for managing large amounts of data. New software solutions from telematics providers and OEMs not only track vehicle condition and location, but also provide additional features to enhance efficiency like predictive maintenance using real-time diagnostics for electric vehicles.
Additionally, these tools can improve route optimization by considering charging station locations, vehicle charge levels, and charging times. These enhancements result in cost savings and enhanced fleet availability. It is crucial to take this into account when choosing vehicles for your fleet.
Faster charging innovations
Charging technology continues to improve each year, with ultra-fast chargers now able to quickly and affordably provide high levels of charge. This is especially beneficial for fleet managers who want to ensure their vehicles are always available and minimize the time spent charging in public.
Advancements in battery cooling technologies allow electric vehicle batteries to endure frequent fast charging without experiencing significant deterioration, thus maintaining their longevity and efficiency.
Home-based fleet charging solutions
Fleet managers are realizing that prioritizing home charging for electric vehicles is a more cost-effective and quicker solution. Charging electric vehicles at home eliminates the need for expensive on-site charging infrastructure, reduces strain on the electrical grid during busy periods, and provides a decentralized approach to adopting EV fleets on a large scale.
Home charging typically costs 30% to 60% less than charging at commercial locations, but businesses need a way to reimburse employees for their electricity expenses. This will result in cost savings, happier employees, and less downtime for fleet vehicles.
The era of EV fleets is already here, not just a future possibility. The challenge for fleet managers in 2024 is to choose the most effective technology that saves costs and fits practical needs. By staying updated with emerging trends, fleet managers can outperform their competitors and lead their organizations towards a more environmentally friendly future.
Reference- Forbes, IEEE, Clean Technica, Wikipedia, Mercom India, The Guardian