For many companies, switching to an electric fleet is a logical move: it’s more sustainable, future-proof, and often comes with attractive tax benefits.
But one factor can significantly increase or reduce your costs: your drivers’ charging habits.
When, where, and how they charge has a direct impact on your Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) and your overall fleet cost control. With a well-designed EV charging policy, you can avoid unnecessary expenses, extend vehicle lifespan, and strengthen your sustainability image.
1. Energy costs: more than just kilowatt-hours
When transitioning to electric, many companies focus on purchase prices and lease contracts. But your electricity bill can escalate quickly due to irregular or inefficient charging.
Key factors to consider:
- Charging times: charging during peak hours is more expensive than during off-peak hours.
- Charging locations: home or workplace charging is often far cheaper than public charging.
By tracking when and where employees charge, you can take targeted action to lower energy costs.
2. Extending battery life
The battery is the most expensive component of an EV. Frequently charging to 100% or letting the battery run completely flat accelerates wear, leading to earlier replacements.
A smart EV charging policy helps:
- Reduce battery degradation
- Lower replacement costs
- Extend overall vehicle lifespan
3. Keeping maintenance costs under control
While EVs have fewer moving parts than combustion vehicles, poor charging habits can still cause technical issues and drive up maintenance bills.
Clear charging guidelines help reduce wear and tear, prevent costly repairs, and keep vehicles on the road longer.
4. Improving operational efficiency
An effective charging policy aligns routes, charging needs, and available charging points.
This coordination allows you to:
- Minimise downtime
- Increase vehicle availability
- Boost overall fleet productivity
5. Strengthening your sustainability image
Charging with renewable energy sources not only reduces your fleet’s environmental footprint but also sends a positive signal to customers, employees, and stakeholders.
Efficient charging is not a minor detail. It’s a strategic element of cost control in EV fleet management.
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