Challenges in procurement and utilisation of EV ’ s in fleets
WORDS BY PAUL SINCLAIR
Data released by the Electric Vehicle Council in March 2021 indicate Australian Electric Vehicle ( EV ) sales were approximately zero-point six percent ( 6,718 ) of total vehicle sales in 2020 . However , the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries state , 72 % of total vehicle sales in 2020 were SUV ’ s ( 49.6 %) and light commercial vehicles ( 22.6 %). The three bestselling vehicles in 2020 were the Toyota Hilux , Ford Ranger , and Toyota RAV4 .
The challenges
We have been led to believe , through decades of marketing and advertising , that Australians enjoy four-wheel driving and travelling long distances across rugged terrain . The other side of the equation is the city SUV - a best seller - because it fits the kids , sports equipment , and the dog . These larger vehicles and the desire to travel long distances pose a problem for electric vehicles because charging stations are sparse or nonexistent . If you run out of charge in rural Australia , unlike fuel , the next vehicle down the road can ’ t give you a jerrican of electricity !
Councils , government departments and innovative private businesses are moving to EVs to reduce their running costs and take a responsible approach on carbon emissions . However , the nature of their operating terrain , on-road hours and their requirement for utes and 4x4s limit their EV procurement opportunities .
Making EVs part of the fleet management ecosystem
Another problem businesses face is that EV fleets require different data acquisition and delivery . Intelematics , as a telematics solution provider , is seeing a significant lift in demand for EV specific data , especially state of charge , which is not widely available . Organisations are also asking that EVs be incorporated into their carpool booking systems .
Organisations with the intent to move to more sustainable transport options want an integrated fleet management solution ( FMS ). The solution must manage fleet optimisation , carpool bookings , and provide real-time information about charging levels . Managers and employees also
22 ISSUE 28 APRIL 2021 / WWW . AFMA . ORG . AU