Media coverage around the topic of electrification has significantly increased, often highlighting fleet conversion as a critical first step in the transition to electric power. Driven by federal policy, state regulations and individual company goals, there’s a growing desire to reduce carbon emissions and operating costs by way of electrifying fleets.
California, for instance, requires that 10% of registered vehicles be zero emission by 2025. Sixteen states are following its lead. Auto manufacturers are trending that way as well. Audi, a Volkswagen brand and one of the largest manufacturing companies in the world, will cease research and development of internal combustion engines by 2026, with plans to be all EV by 2032. Ford, General Motors and Toyota are converting their fleets as well.
Then comes the question of how to make the switch. For any fleet electrification project, business owners must understand the facts, technology and potential impacts to business; proactive planning, consulting and timely procurement are key to a successful transition. After compliance, site layout options and vehicle manufacturers have been researched, an EV fleet — cars, buses and/or trucks — must have sufficient charging stations, including Level 2 and DC fast chargers, for overnight and rapid charging. Proper maintenance facilities, data and network systems, and electrical upgrades are other critical components for maintaining an electric fleet.
But upgrading electrical infrastructure comes with its own set of challenges. No site or city is the same, and electrical components, such as transformers and semiconductors, remain in high demand. Plus, many areas will need grid enhancements to support the additional load from fleet charging stations.
This increase in — and understanding of — power load for an electrified fleet has many owners in unknown territory. Not many have interacted with the utility in this capacity and might need to double or triple their load on-site. Knowing how to navigate these conversations is imperative. If vehicles are purchased before charging infrastructure is in place, new (and expensive) electric vehicles could sit idle on the lot.
If incentives and industries continue to progress in this direction, many fleets will be impacted by this transition: commercial fleets, food and beverage, ports, rail, mining, airports and more. Moving toward a more electrically powered future brings the potential to redefine how we power our daily lives and operations.