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    How to choose the best EV for your fleet

    Many fleets are switching to EV’s for their business. But how do you choose the best EV for your fleet?

    With the government setting a target to ban the sale of petrol and diesel vehicles by 2030, electric vehicle sales are rising rapidly, faster than originally predicted. Most vehicle manufactures are setting their own targets to ramp up the sales of their electric vehicles, with many planning to sell only electric vehicles before the 2030 deadline.

    With this in mind, now is the time to start researching and looking into switching your fleet to electric vehicles. But with more EV choice on the market, we look at how to choose the best EV for your fleet.

    EV technology is more advanced

    EV technology has been around for a while. The first electric car was developed by the Scottish inventor Robert Anderson in the 1830s. Since then, technology has improved massively. Electric vehicle competition is ramping up, and most vehicle manufactures are now working to improve their technology to be the best out there. 

    It is only in the last few years that electric vehicle technology has been available at competitive prices. More affordable car manufacturers are building electric vehicles, which means they are now more widely available to people and business with all budgets.

    Choosing the best EV

    Here are some factors to consider when choosing the best EV for your fleet.

    Price of EV

    When it comes to purchasing or leasing vehicles, you usually get what you pay for. To know how much you need to spend on EV's for your fleet, you first need to understand the main purpose of your fleet vehicles, whether it's for deliveries, client visits or taxi services.

    Prices of EV’s are becoming more affordable, and it is now a more available option for many fleets, especially if you take into account the government incentives. Even though electric vehicles are more expensive than petrol or diesel versions, the running costs and incentives can outweigh the upfront costs. There is an estimated saving of between 20-30% in upkeep and repair costs for electric vehicles, compared to petrol or diesel.

    What do you use your vehicles for?

    There are particular considerations you have to think about when choosing the best EV for you. Any future vehicle purchases must tick all the boxes before you commit to a make or model of vehicle.

    What distances will the vehicles be driving?

    You should consider the amount of mileage your vehicles do each day when choosing the best EV for your fleet. If an electric vehicle has a 250-mile range, this type of electric vehicle will be beneficial for fleets that frequently drive long distances. However, electric vehicles with a high amount of range would not be suitable for last-mile deliveries or spouts of short-distance driving. Vehicles that offer more range tend to be more expensive, and there is not much point in paying extra for a feature your drivers will not benefit from.

    The frequency of driving

    You will also have to look at the range on different models if your fleet drives more frequently. For example, city-based taxi fleets will need to find vehicles with a medium amount of mileage range. Whereas fleets that need to drive longer distances, but less often, will need an EV with more mileage range, this is to help them reach their destination without worrying about stopping for an hour to charge their vehicle.

    Where will the vehicles be driving?

    Charging points are becoming more accessible, but you will have to consider where there are charging ports on each journey to ensure your drivers can get from A to B. You also need to factor in the time it takes to charge electric vehicles, which will have to be added to delivery or working hours. 

    What size vehicle do you need?

    EV’s come in all shapes and sizes. You can even lease or purchase electric vans and trucks. When selecting your electric vehicles, look at the capacity and think about what size you will need for your fleet to operate effectively.

    Larger electric vehicles, such as vans and trucks, are becoming a realistic option for fleets. Choosing the best EV for your business allows fleets to reduce their carbon footprint and become more eco-friendly.

    Is it worth switching to EV?

    The short answer is - yes. Especially after the phasing out of petrol and diesel vehicles. Electric vehicles, no matter which one you opt for, are becoming much more advanced and powerful. The advancement in electric vehicles is creating exciting times for the motor industry. And there are a lot of benefits from having an electric fleet, which outweighs all the negatives that come with having an electric vehicle.

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