How Fleet Managers Can Evaluate Heavy-Duty Truck Electrification

When fleet operators are making decisions about electrification, one of the key considerations is when is mid-route charging feasible and when is it too much of a burden on your operations.

Fleet analytics provide operators with the data needed to make informed decisions about fleet electrification. In other words, telematics provides an additional layer of information that can help fleet operators make the best decision for their drivers. By leveraging data, teams can accurately determine the best times to charge, as well as which routes are best suited for electric vehicles and if their needs will be met by making the switch to electric. So how can fleet managers evaluate this information to make the best decision for their needs?

Purchase Price, Incentives & Operating Costs

Although the upfront cost of buying an electric semi is higher than a traditional diesel semi, fleet operators should be sure to consider the true purchase price - including incentives. Many governments provide incentives and tax credits for green fleet initiatives like fleet electrification, and fleet managers should take advantage of this if they are looking to make the switch.  

The following resources provide information on available grants, loans, and incentives. Check them out to see if your operation could benefit from one of these:

•               California Hybrid and Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project (HVIP)

•               Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) Program 

•               Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Incentives

•               AFDC Federal and State Laws and Incentives

Another cost to consider is the operating costs. It’s simply cheaper to drive a mile on electricity than diesel. Thus, electric heavy-duty trucks have lower operating cost than traditional diesel semi-trucks when you take into account significantly less maintenance and fuel costs associated with them. This can result in significant savings over time and is why it’s so important to consider the total cost of ownership (TCO) when making vehicle procurement decisions.

Recognizing Potential Data Limitations

Simply put, when fleet managers adjust their bottom line to factor in cost-savings and green initiatives, electric semis start to look a lot more attractive from a TCO perspective. Many fleet analytics firms will leave it at that. However, at Sawatch Labs, we know that each of your vehicles has a unique operation and supporting your drivers is of the utmost importance. This is why we specialize in understanding minute-by-minute operations for each of your vehicles and utilize complex analytics models to provide exceptionally customized results rather than averaging mileage driven. Using our software means you don’t have to plan for the average day but can determine if an EV will you’re your needs every single day, providing your team the confidence they need in knowing you're making an investment toward successful EV deployment.

Analysis and ROI

By using fleet analytics to understand each vehicle’s daily energy needs, fleet operators can identify the best times to charge their fleet, as well as which vehicles are best suited for electric vehicles. Sawatch's ezEV software allows fleet managers to compare the total cost of ownership (TCO) between diesel trucks and EVs based on actual driving. With this analysis, you can accurately identify and assess potential operational impacts and identify exactly where and how much each vehicle will need to charge, each day. Additionally, our ezIO software identifies exactly where and how charging ports you will need to support your near-term and long-term fleet electrification goals.  

Currently, electric semi-trucks coming to market have ranges between 200-500 miles on a single charge. This range is ideal for local and regional routes but falls short for over the road long-haul applications that can exceed 1000 miles. Fast-charging options exist and make refueling possible while drivers are taking a lunch break, though it’s still slower than filling a diesel tank. The other barrier? There are very few public fast-charging stations for electric trucks. So, it’s critical to understand how, when where and how much charging is necessary to maintain each fleet’s duty cycles and daily and weekly route scheduling.

Making the Right Choice for Your Specific Needs

Fleet analytics can help fleet operators identify areas where fleet electrification is most beneficial. By leveraging data, fleet operators can get a better understanding of the total cost of ownership associated with fleet electrification and make an informed business decision. However, EV comparisons to diesel semis are oftentimes not a simple yes/no choice. There are multiple factors, time frames, and cost/benefits to consider. Unfortunately, there is no one right solution that fits all fleets. That's why Sawatch focuses on the vehicles as the single point of truth. Our goal is to give each unique fleet the information needed to make an informed decision on the future of their fleet based on their unique operations.