Managing a fleet is a complex process. It takes time to get full efficiency within a set framework. So, introducing a new technology into the mix can be difficult. And EV is one of those things, considering the challenges it poses, regardless of the benefits.

Despite this, EV adoption is fast increasing, driven by rising fuel prices and federal and state subsidies. This is an encouraging trend, but the EV business faces seemingly unbeatable obstacles. Here are seven biggest EV charging challenge that must be addressed as the industry evolves.

Biggest EV Adoption Challenges for Commercial Fleets

Sure, EV adoption might be set to revolutionize the electric vehicle fleet management industry, but that doens;t mean that it fdoesn;t come with its own set of challenges. Fleet managers and owners have been slow in EV adoption for the following reasons.

High Cost of Purchase

The most difficult challenge for the EV sector is the high cost of car acquisition. Electric vehicles are more expensive to manufacture. To give a minimum range for most owners, EV batteries must store a large charge, requiring expensive raw materials for production.

Even after accounting for battery prices, fueled vehicles in the United States are comparatively inexpensive. Although electric vehicles are less expensive to operate than fuel vehicles, they must first be purchased, and there are currently few models on the market with a sticker price of less than $30,000..

This situation will improve as overall EV sales increase and more EV owners reach the trade-in stage.

Low Running Range

Range phobia is a real thing. Americans are accustomed to hopping in their cars and driving wherever they want (and wherever long) without having to worry about finding a gas station for a quick fill-up when necessary.

People are concerned about how far an EV can travel before locating a charging station and having to wait through a lengthy charging session. This issue is especially concerning during the winter, when below-freezing temperatures can significantly reduce an EV’s usual battery range.

In warm weather, EVs can run for a range between 200 and 300 miles on a single charge. When you consider an average travel of 216 miles per day , that is not enough. Furthermore, an EV user may require a charge every 3-4 hours for lengthy days on the road, weekend trips, driving vacations, or just chilly weather.

Bad Charging Infrastructure

The scarcity of charging facilities in many parts of the country is a huge issue why EV adoption is a problem. Even though the number of EVs are increasing on the road, the number of charging stations is not growing at the same pace – causing an inefficient deficit.

Fleet managers have to use an EV fleet management software in a manner that they plan routes according to the EV infrastructure. After all, what is the point of running vehicles if they cannot well… run?

The bad infrastructure can be a huge contributor to unnecessary vehicle downtime as well.

There are around 56,000 EV charging stations in the United States, with 52,000 of them open to the public. (Thanks to EV charging location apps like PlugShare, finding them is becoming easier.) These stations support around 148,000 EVSEs (individual charging ports), with approximately 80% being Level 2, 8% being fast-charging DC units, and the remaining 2% being Level 1 ports.

Despite all of the public charging options, most EV charging still occurs at home, posing a dilemma for individuals who live in multi-unit dwellings (MUDs) or must park on the street.

According to research, accessible, onsite charging can influence an EV driver’s decision to move into or remain in a specific residential property. California, the state with the highest EV penetration, already requires that 3% of new MUD parking spaces be “make-ready” for EV charging.

Fewer Technicians

In a commercial fleet, it is obvious that there will be frequent breakdowns. And when there are breakdowns, who will fix them? Technicians!

However, most EV issues require dedicated technicians. And since the technology is so new, managers might not be able to find the right technicians for the job.

Because the EV business is still young, there are few skilled EV repair technicians and even fewer certified individual shops. Fortunately, electric vehicles require less maintenance than fueled vehicles.

Summing Up

Yes, EV adoption is not child’s play. But you know what can make it simpler? An Electric Vehicle fleet management software. Make sure you use this revolutionary technology before everyone else does, so that you have competitive advantage.
Looking for a good EV fleet management software? Try TrackoBit!