8 Mar 2023

The importance of electric vehicle selection: Journey to Carbon Zero - Step Three

The vehicle selection for your fleet is an important step in your carbon zero journey to ensure that the vehicles work for the purpose intended. There are several things to consider when selecting more sustainable vehicles for your fleet.

What models of low and zero carbon vehicles are in the market now?

Find out what’s available and what their carbon emission profile is. Most importantly, keep a focus on how it would fit the intended business purpose and assess the available options that meet your ‘non-negotiable’ needs.

Analyse your existing fleet movements.

You should review how your vehicles perform in terms of average journey length and peak times of use. This will help you to then select vehicles that will perform for what you need in your business.  

Consider the whole of life costs for the vehicles you are interested in.

Electric Vehicles (EVs) have a higher capital cost but lower operating costs than Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) and hybrid vehicles. Your fleet analysis will let you determine the relative costs of various hybrid and EV options including fuel, Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT), maintenance costs, and resale values.

Do your vehicles need additional fit outs to ensure they can perform the task intended?

You will need to decide if your vehicles need any bespoke fitouts in order for them to do the job you need them to do. Are there certain accessories, or special features required which will enable them to be more fit for purpose?

What image do you want to portray to staff and to customers?

If brand and reputation is important for your business, then how does that impact your choice of make and model? And consider whether your vehicles should be branded to help spread awareness about your business. 

Consider the make and models of vehicles that might keep staff more engaged.

Consideration should be made on health and safety features, as well as how the vehicle will fit in with your employees' lifestyle. If vehicles have traditionally been provided as part of an employees' benefits package, will a move to an EV work for that person? Are there any potential lifestyle or range shortcomings that could override that benefit? You might need to revisit how these benefits are packaged. 

Consider the maintenance required for charging vehicles and their battery power.

Types of Electric Vehicles 

Here is an overview of the different hybrid and battery-electric vehicles. You should aim to get pricing on options covering different price points and capabilities such as range, charge speed, seating and cargo capacity.

1. Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV)

A hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) is a type of hybrid vehicle that combines a conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) system with an electric propulsion system (hybrid vehicle drivetrain). The presence of the electric powertrain is primarily intended to achieve either better fuel economy than a conventional vehicle or better performance.

2. Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)

A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle is a hybrid electric vehicle which battery can be recharged by plugging it into an external source of electric power, as well as by its on-board engine and generator. PHEVs use electric motors and motor controllers as well as an internal combustion engine.

3. Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV/EV)

A battery electric vehicle (BEV), pure electric vehicle, only-electric vehicle or all-electric vehicle is a type of electric vehicle (EV) that uses chemical energy stored in rechargeable battery packs. BEVs use electric motors and motor controllers instead of internal combustion engines (ICEs) for propulsion. They derive all power from battery packs and thus have normally no internal combustion engine, fuel cell, or fuel tank. Some BEV’s do have a petrol powered range extender which can provide further range if required through generating additional charge to the battery system.

GET ON THE JOURNEY TO CARBON ZERO

We help businesses lower their carbon emissions through their vehicle fleet.

1. Your Carbon Journey - your goals for your carbon footprint.
2. Fleet Mission – define the purpose of your fleet and what you need it to do.
3. Vehicle Selection – sustainable vehicles that are fit for their purpose.
4. Charging + Infrastructure – informed independent advice from experts.
5. Vehicle Policy & Employee Engagement – ensuring a smooth transition and getting the team on board with change.

Check out our latest hybrid and electric vehicles offers on right now and don’t hesitate to get in contact with us to discuss how transitioning to EV’s can help you on your carbon journey.

Download our 5 Step Journey to Carbon Journey eBook. Our program gives you an overview of all the things you need to consider and a pathway to get started. 

Important Information: Current at time of publishing and may be subject to change.