More than swapping out fuel types, electrifying your truck fleet is a strategic shift that might touch every part of your operation. Whether you’re feeling the pressure of sustainability targets or exploring long-term savings, asking the right questions up front can set you up for success.
At ETHERO, we help fleet owners explore whether electrification makes sense for their business. Our energy solutions team will help you determine your infrastructure needs and how this transition will impact your business.
Before you dive in, here are five essential questions to guide your journey toward a cleaner, more efficient fleet.
1. What Does Your Fleet Look Like Today?
Start with the basics. How many vehicles are in your fleet, and what’s the mix of chassis and body styles? Do you own or lease your trucks?
Understanding your current fleet composition helps identify the right electric vehicle (EV) configurations and your replacement strategy. It also designates servicing needs by considering things like whether you handle maintenance in-house or rely on a third-party provider.
Don’t forget about lifecycle expectations. How many years or miles do you typically keep trucks in service? Have you tested any zero-emission vehicles already? These insights help determine which EV model best fits your fleet.
2. What Are Your Sustainability and Emission Goals?
If your company has carbon reduction targets, zero-emission fleet goals, or a commitment to ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) metrics, make those objectives clear. Who’s accountable for them? Having measurable outcomes, and knowing who owns them, helps keep progress on track.
Now is the time to take advantage of available incentives. Are you familiar with federal or state-level EV grants? Have you started an application? While your dealer can assist, having a working knowledge of these programs helps move things along faster.
3. Is Your Site Ready for EV Charging Infrastructure?
Fleet electrification requires serious infrastructure planning. Do you own or lease the facilities where your trucks are housed? Can you install EV charging stations on-site, or do you need a modular setup? Will trucks charge while hitched to trailers?
Understanding your site’s electrical service (voltage, phase, amps) and its proximity to utility lines can prevent costly surprises later. You’ll also want to consider how many trucks need to charge at once and for how long between shifts. If you’re a union shop, you will want to identify whether internal labor would be involved in charger installation or maintenance.
4. Do You Know Your Routes and Duty Cycles?
Electric trucks thrive in specific use cases, and fleets with consistent routes, centralized overnight parking and moderate payloads often see the fastest return on investment.
Don’t forget environmental factors. Cold weather, steep terrain and high-speed routes can all impact range and efficiency. These factors help determine if EVs are the right fit, or which ones are.
5. What’s Your Business Case for Going Electric?
Are you willing to demo a vehicle to determine if performance meets your needs?
Understanding your stance on total cost of ownership is critical. Are you comfortable with a higher upfront investment for long-term savings, or do you need immediate parity with diesel?
And don’t overlook operational readiness. Will you need employee training, financing or temporary charging solutions while waiting on utility upgrades?
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you’ve considered these questions, you’re already ahead of the curve. Bringing this information to the table can help your dealer tailor solutions that match your goals, operations and budget. With smart planning and the right partners, your fleet’s transition to electric can be smooth, strategic, and successful.
Let’s talk about your fleet goals – ETHERO can help you take the next step.