The switch from internal combustion engine vehicles to electric vehicles is quickly changing from a possibility to an inevitability. Despite recent years of stalled or rolled-back regulatory changes, it’s become clear that OEMs are still committed to a gradual shift to EVs as a mainstream option. IHS Markit predicts that there will be as many as 130 available EV models by 2026, offered by 43 different brands.
At long last, we may be entering the era of mainstream EV options. This transition has the potential to bring sweeping infrastructure changes, and forward-thinking fleet managers are already tackling some of its challenges.
The Challenges of EV Charging
Non-EV drivers do not realize that keeping an EV “fueled” is much different from just filling their tank in 5 minutes. Charging an EV with a traditional wall plug can take over a day to fully charge the vehicle. Currently, additional charging options are needed for the average driver to switch with confidence.
Many fleet managers are already exploring charging options and learning that there are many factors to consider with charging. Some have realized that their location on the grid cannot receive enough electricity to recharge their fleet. As a result, the changes required to make some fleets EV-friendly can be costly and invasive.
Many charging companies manufacture very similar charging stations, which need to be tied to a grid and installed into the ground or wall. It does not require much research to understand that most charging stations are very similar; they charge at level 2 (240 volts, 16 to 30 amps) and can charge a vehicle at the rate of 18-20 miles per hour).
Finally, there is the effect on square footage. For every EV charging location you create, you sacrifice a spot for your non-electric vehicles. You can no longer move things around. That loss of flexibility will require very different thinking during the period of change over from internal combustion engine vehicles to EVs.
Enter the Roadie, by SparkCharge
The Roadie Charging System, created by SparkCharge, is a portable charging solution that does not require installation or a special grid connection. Its modular design makes it easy to carry by hand or by cart and bring it to the vehicle, eliminating the need to keep moving cars around. Best of all, the system can charge up to 1 mile every 60 seconds, up to 3 times faster than traditionally installed charging systems.
The Roadie was featured on the ABC television show Shark Tank, where they signed a partnership deal with Mark Cuban and Lori Greiner. Since then, they have also launched BoostEV, an on-demand charging app where charge providers go to vehicles and charge them wherever they are - parking lots, street parking, roadside, and more.
The fleet management world will be undergoing a lot of change in the next few years. Staying flexible will be a challenge. The Roadie system’s portability allows fleet managers more flexibility, giving vehicles the capability to keep charging. At the same time, other maintenance is being conducted or to rescue out-of-charge vehicles without requiring a tow.
There are many options for EV fleets, with more to come over time, but no one solution will fit all situations. In the long term, electric vehicles are predicted to be less costly. According to Consumer Reports, the typical total ownership savings over the average EV lifespan is $6,000 to $10,000. These savings primarily come from reduced maintenance required, the savings on fuel, and the regulations over traditional gas-powered fleets.
Whether you choose to invest in hardwired, grid-reliant charger installations, portable “charge anywhere” options, or a combination of the two, it is essential to understand your immediate and long-term needs. Thinking about where your company will be in 2030 will ease the transition when many states begin restrictions on the sale of non-electric vehicles.
With reliable on-demand EV charging, you can transition to all-electric with greater confidence. Download the BoostEV app on iOS or Android and get your first charge for free with the promo code BOOSTEV.
If you’re interested in bringing convenient EV charging directly to your fleet, reach out to Spiffy to learn more!
Posted in Fleet, Vehicle 2.0, Spiffy Green
