How Businesses Can Effectively Use Electric Vehicles

Electric vehicles are a trending technology that more and more of us are turning to. To use electric vehicles effectively it is important that we have some basic understanding of EVs and how they work. We can choose from several light-, medium-, and heavy-duty electric vehicles. These vehicles can either be all-electric or plug-in hybrids. This means that we can find electric vehicles that meet all our business needs. 

General Benefits of Electric Vehicles

Transitioning to electric can help us reduce the cost of owning vehicles, creating transportation networks, or maintaining public transportation fleets. Electric vehicles can help our business save money in the long term by lowering our gasoline expenses. In addition, they can enable us to enjoy the benefits of government subsidies and tax breaks. Businesses and government agencies are encouraging broader EV adoption by developing EV charging infrastructure like EVgo Tesla and migrating fleets to EVs. This means electric vehicles can play a vital role in lowering global greenhouse gas emissions

Specialized Electric Vehicle Needs

For some industries specialized EV trucks are needed. For example, ambulances and fire trucks require specialized equipment that is not found in typical vehicles. If we need these types of vehicles, we may wonder whether we can benefit from electric vehicles in the long run. We will be glad to hear the answer is Yes. A variety of specialized electric vehicles are available today.

Medium- And Heavy-Duty Electric Vehicles

In the past it has been a challenge to create medium- and heavy-duty vehicles. Electrification has been slower in this segment because of its higher energy needs. These vehicles are larger than their light-duty counterparts, haul bulkier loads, and often work harder than other vehicles. In recent years we have seen more medium- and heavy-duty vehicle options.

Public Service Electric Vehicles

Today we can choose electric vehicles for many of our public service vehicle needs. We can have fleets of battery-powered ambulances, garbage trucks, and fire trucks. For instance, electric fire trucks are being used in cities like LA. We do not have to sacrifice the health and safety of our communities as we transition to electric vehicles. 

Electrified Public Transportation 

In addition to electric school buses and electric delivery trucks, buses have also made progress in the move towards being electric. Transit operators across the US have adopted almost 3,000 electric or hybrid transit buses thanks to state incentives like vouchers, grants, and exemptions. In addition, electric school buses are a growing topic of discussion in the transportation industry. Groups are providing technical support programs aimed at schools interested in adding electric school buses to their fleets.

Powering Electric Vehicle Fleets

Electric vehicles can fulfill many daily driving needs, making them a great solution for fleets. They offer many benefits and can fill roles in light-duty, medium/heavy-duty, and even off-road situations. The unique challenges of maintaining a fleet mean we must think before starting the process of switching to electric vehicles. For example, our fleet managers must understand the complexity of charging multiple vehicles while maintaining fleet operations. 

Our fleets have many options to choose from when it comes to charging. Level 1 charging equipment may be sufficient to meet the changing needs of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. Level 2 equipment can easily recharge a typical EV battery overnight, making it a viable fleet option. Opting for portable Level 1 or 2 units can help us add flexibility and reduce overall project costs.

Effectiveness of Electric Vehicles

Not only can EVs match or surpass the performance of their conventional counterparts, but they are also much quieter to run. This is useful for us if our business is in an area with noise laws. Electric vehicles also produce maximum torque and smooth acceleration from a full stop, which can be especially useful when hauling heavy loads. Additionally, some electric vehicles can even serve as an energy source for off-board equipment like power tools or lights, providing several kilowatts of electricity through multiple electrical outlets.

Electric Vehicle Maintenance and Safety 

Maintenance needs and safety specifications for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and hybrid electric vehicles are similar to those of conventional vehicles. Moreover, all-electric vehicles require less maintenance. We will be glad to know that manufacturers are designing electric vehicles and developing maintenance and safety guides. This means we can safely depend on our electric vehicles to work when we need them to work.