The Road to Electric: What Fleet Managers Need to Know About Transitioning to EVs

The shift to electric vehicles (EVs) is gathering pace, and for good reason. With lower running costs, reduced emissions, and growing government incentives, switching your light commercial vehicle (LCV) fleet to electric makes a lot of sense. But while the long-term benefits are clear, the transition isn’t without its challenges.

From charging infrastructure to insurance costs, moving from internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles to EVs requires careful planning. So, what should fleet managers be aware of before making the switch? Here’s what you need to know.

The Challenges of Moving to Electric

Transitioning to an electric fleet isn’t as simple as swapping out your diesel vans for battery-powered alternatives. There are several hurdles to navigate:

• Charging infrastructure: You’ll need to plan how and where vehicles will charge. Depot-based charging requires investment, while relying on public chargers can introduce unpredictable wait times and availability issues.
• Range limitations: Unlike ICE vehicles, where a quick refuel gets you back on the road in minutes, EVs need careful range management. Factors like payload, weather, and driving style all affect how far an EV can travel on a single charge.
• Higher upfront costs: EVs generally come with a higher purchase price compared to ICE vehicles. While the total cost of ownership (TCO) can be lower over time thanks to fuel and maintenance savings, the initial investment is a key consideration.
• Drivers: Not every driver is instantly sold on EVs. New systems, unfamiliar handling, and things like regenerative braking can be a lot to adjust to. Without the right training, resistance can creep in.

Planning for the Switch: Where Do You Start?

Understanding where your fleet stands today is crucial to making the right decisions for tomorrow. That’s where Lightfoot’s EValuation tool comes in. Designed specifically for fleet managers, our EValuation tool uses real-world journey data to assess which vehicles are ready to go electric – and which aren’t. It provides a data-driven roadmap to electrification, showing you:

• Which vehicles can be replaced with EVs based on actual usage patterns
• Where charging infrastructure may be needed
• What the potential cost savings could look like over time

With this insight in hand, fleet managers can plan their transition more confidently, avoiding costly missteps and ensuring the shift to EVs is both practical and cost-effective.

The Hidden Cost of Insurance and Repairs

Fleet managers making the switch to electric vehicles might be in for a surprise when it comes to insurance and repair costs. A recent study by Audatex found that EV repairs are, on average, 29% more expensive than those for ICE vehicles. And that’s not all:

• Insurance claims for EVs take up to 14% longer to process – meaning more downtime and disruption to operations.
• EV breakdown costs are nearly three times higher than ICE vehicles, often due to specialist parts and repair expertise.

With more expensive battery packs and complex electronic systems, even minor damage can lead to significant repair bills. This highlights the importance of proactive maintenance and driver education to help reduce avoidable incidents, and wear and tear.

Driver Familiarisation: The Key to Efficiency

One of the biggest knowledge gaps when switching to EVs is driver behaviour. Many fleet drivers are given no formal training on how to handle an electric vehicle, leading to inefficiencies and avoidable wear and tear.

For example, regenerative braking – a feature that allows EVs to recover energy when slowing down – works differently from traditional braking systems. Without proper guidance, drivers may find the braking response unpredictable, leading to harsher stops and potential safety risks.

Similarly, harsh acceleration and braking can drastically impact an EV’s range. Without real-time feedback, many drivers may unknowingly reduce the efficiency of their vehicles, increasing fleet operating costs.

How Lightfoot Can Help

This is where Lightfoot comes in. Our in-cab coaching device, and real-time feedback helps drivers adapt to EV-specific driving techniques, making the transition smoother and more cost-effective, increasing range by around 15%.

• Live feedback on driving style ensures drivers avoid excessive acceleration and braking, maximising range and reducing wear.
• Driver training tools provide education on regenerative braking and energy-efficient driving, helping fleets get the most out of their EVs.
• Performance monitoring gives fleet managers full visibility over driver behaviour, enabling targeted coaching and ongoing improvements.
• Incentivising better driving behaviours  incentives and rewards programmes use gamification to engage drivers, encouraging safer and more efficient driving through competitions, leaderboards, and tangible rewards.

By optimising driving habits, Lightfoot not only improves safety and efficiency but also helps reduce insurance claims and repair costs – a win-win for any fleet making the switch to electric.

The Bottom Line

Switching to EVs isn’t just about the vehicles; it’s about understanding the wider impact on operations, costs, and driver behaviour. While the transition comes with challenges, the right technology and approach can make it a whole lot easier.

With Lightfoot by your side, you can ensure a seamless shift to electric, maximising efficiency and keeping costs under control. So, if you’re considering making the move, let’s talk about how we can help you get there.