7 Advantages of EV Fleets

In August of 2022, the California Air Resources Board announced that the state will ban the sale of new gasoline-powered vehicles beginning in 2035. As a result, automakers will need to speed up the production of cleaner vehicles beginning in 2026. The new rule is intended to combat the negative effects of greenhouse gas emissions on the environment. With the way other states like New Jersey and Pennsylvania have previously adopted California’s other clean-car standards, it can be expected that this new rule will eventually have an impact on states nationwide.

Although California is the first state to introduce such a rule to the United States, several countries have already implemented zero-emission zones (ZEZs) which permit only zero-emission vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists. International cities like London, Paris, and Oslo have created these ZEZs in an attempt to provide support in the shift away from internal combustion engine vehicles. 

As more and more cities are leaning toward ZEZs and prohibiting the sale of new gas-powered vehicles, some people may be wondering how impactful electric vehicles and EV fleets really are in their communities. Already, the U.S. is pivoting toward expanding EV sales and building out charging and other EV infrastructure at a rapid rate. Here’s how this shift may positively benefit individuals and their communities: 

Lower Maintenance Costs

In a previous blog, we mentioned the lower maintenance costs associated with electric vehicles. When looking at California, for example, charging an EV costs only about half the price of filling up a tank of gas on a standard vehicle. EVs also do not require standard maintenance expenses like oil changes, new spark plugs, and fuel filters. Therefore, your EV fleet is able to be maintained for a longer period of time at a lower cost than a standard gas-powered fleet.

Ecological Impact

An EV produces zero tailpipe emissions and, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, even when taking power plant emissions into account, EVs still have lower emissions compared to conventional gasoline and diesel-based combustion engine vehicles. According to California Air Resources Board Chair Liane Randolph via CNBC, the state’s new rule will lead to a 50% reduction in pollution from cars and light trucks by 2040 in California alone. So, it’s no surprise that states like California and cities like London, Paris, and Oslo are encouraging and incentivizing residents to fully make the switch to EVs. 

Brand Reputation

In today’s consumer market, many Gen Z and Millennial consumers are prioritizing brands that align with their own personal social views. Specifically, when looking at brands to buy from, potential consumers are looking for companies dedicated to supporting the reduction of climate change. By switching your company’s fleet to electric vehicles, you are communicating to prospective customers that you recognize the negative effect that standard combustion engine vehicles have on the environment just as much as they do. As a result, this may aid in generating a positive reputation that is associated with your brand. 

Tax Credit

The introduction of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) bill aims to make new and used EVs more affordable for buyers. According to The Washington Post, as of now a $7,500 tax credit could be applied to new light electric vehicles at the point of sale beginning after December 31, 2022. Additionally for commercial fleets, this $7,500 tax credit applies to any light-duty electric vehicle, used or new. On top of that, medium and heavy-duty vehicles receive a 30% subsidy, up to $40,000. It is important to note that this tax credit will vary depending on the manufacturer and their ability to meet predetermined standards as well as consumer income and other nuanced factors. However, the introduction of this bill is an important first step in making EVs more affordable to a wider demographic.

Parking Priority

If you’ve ever parked somewhere that offers electric vehicle charging, you’ve probably noticed that the EV parking spots are much closer to the storefront than other parking spots are. This is because the charging stations require a lot of electricity and need to be within close reach of a barrier-free access aisle, according to Lifewire. Many businesses have recently opted to pay for the cost of hosting EV charging stations in an attempt to attract more EV drivers to their stores. Additionally, many cities provide free or discounted EV parking at charging stations in municipal garages.

HOV Lane Access

In standard cars, drivers may only reap the benefits of the HOV lane if they are driving with at least one other passenger in the vehicle. For EV drivers though, many states allow HOV lane access regardless of if you are with a passenger or not. States like California, Colorado, and Maryland identify EVs with a special sticker which grants them legal access to drive in the HOV lane all the time. This can be incredibly beneficial, especially if you live in a densely populated city with a lot of traffic.

Internet Connectivity

Many electric vehicles have the capability to connect to the Internet. This function comes in handy especially when using EV fleet management tools like Standard Fleet for remote diagnostics and controls, or Tesla for Business. In our last blog, we talked about how to get the most out of your EV fleet using EV fleet management capabilities such as implementing performance restrictions, setting up geofence alerts, setting up battery levels and alerts for charging, and utilizing Standard Fleet telemetry. The Internet connectivity of an EV is what makes this digitized vehicle management possible.