A Smooth Transition to EVs
Moving from ICE to EVs requires forethought, planning, and the right policies.
Requests for assistance to transition fleets to electric vehicles are increasing. In fact, MCG has assisted more than a dozen organizations with Electric Vehicle (EV) Master Plans or Transition Roadmaps in the past eighteen months. We have developed a ten-step process, which we are continuously refining to generate better results.
One area that has received a lot of recent attention is policy development.
Most organizations are aware of the need for an accurate inventory and right-sized fleet. They also keep up-to-date on EV availability and order timelines, and ensure selected EVs meet job requirements. In addition, most will have phased charging plans to accommodate EVs as they are purchased. Fewer organizations, however, have developed the comprehensive policies needed to guide EV implementation and operations.
Based on our experience, here are some suggestions for areas to develop policies as EVs are introduced in your fleet.
•EV First. Fleet purchasing policies should provide guidance on vehicle selection criteria. Organizations with clear emissions reduction goals should prioritize the selection of electric vehicles wherever possible. Their policy should state that if an electric vehicle is available that meets the use case of the asset being replaced, it should be the default option. Exceptions to the policy should be approved at the executive level.
•EV Charging. Policies on charging should describe when, where and how charging should be managed. Charging times should be established to benefit from non-peak electricity prices. In most cases, fleet vehicles should be charged at company-owned facilities and not public chargers. A charging management system should manage the process and provide alerts when a vehicle is completely charged, and needs to be moved to permit other vehicles to charge.
•Take-Home EVs. When electric vehicles are taken home, there is a need for extensive policies covering all aspects of eligibility, charger installation and ownership. Policy topics include:
- Define who is eligible to take their vehicles home and under what circumstances.
- Describe who will be responsible for home charging capabilities.
- Define electricity reimbursement.
- Define hardware requirements, and who will pay for installation costs, including trenching and repairs to lawns and driveways.
- Explain charger ownership and what happens if an employee is terminated.
•Maintaining EVs. The maintenance policy should differentiate the requirements of an EV from the conventional equivalent, and explain where maintenance should be performed, when and by whom.
•Driving EVs. EV operators should know their full range of responsibilities. The policy should describe pre- and post-trip inspections, and obeying the rules of the road. Factors specific to EVs such as quick acceleration, silent tide and regenerative breaking should be described.
With more EVs on the road, employees can be expected to be more knowledgeable and comfortable with their use. This does not replace the need for formal policies that they can refer to when questions ari
