For many businesses, electric vehicles are an opportunity to save money on company cars and boost corporate image. Not only are EVs cheaper to maintain, but with home and commercial chargers, fleet managers can save thousands on fuel costs. If you’re considering electrifying your take-home fleet, here are a few questions to plan now.
How will you adapt your take-home vehicle policy for EVs?
If your company already provides vehicles to your fleet drivers, your new take-home EV program will require a few changes. If they’re new to EVs, your drivers may need a quick lesson on how to use and charge an EV. Secondly, drivers must have a reliable place to charge their EVs. In addition to issuing a company car, we also recommend issuing a home charger with all EV drivers with access to a home garage. With a home EV charger such as the HQ 150 and HQ 200, your fleet drivers can start every day charged and ready to go.
How do you want to track your EV fleet fuel costs?
With gas vehicles, your employees most likely submitted a monthly expense report which included fuel. With electric vehicles, “fueling” most often switches to the home. Blink offers two solutions for North American fleet managers looking for home chargers (with additional solutions for commercial and global customers). The HQ 150 is an affordable home charger for fleets that provide a per diem for fuel. Want to reimburse your employees for actual energy used? The wifi-enabled HQ 200 home charger allows drivers to track their vehicles’ energy usage to submit for reimbursement.
How will you install the home charger?
The earliest fleets to issue home chargers gave their employees stations that could be hardwired into the electrical system. We recommend that a licensed electrician installs the home charger if drivers decide to hardwire the unit. However, today’s fleet managers are now buying EV chargers that can be plugged into a NEMA 14-50 plug. This charger is easier to install and uninstall if an employee later leaves the company.
Are your employees ready for charging an EV at home?
The final consideration for planning your take home EV fleet is the employee home. Employees who live in apartments or condominiums may be unable to install a home charging station. These employees must use workplace, fleet depot, or public chargers to keep their vehicles charged. However, it’s easier for employees with a home garage or carport. Blink partners with companies that can help prepare and install EV charging stations at your employees’ homes. Your EV drivers and electrician will discuss:
If they need permission from a landlord or HOA to install a charger
Distance from the breaker panel to the proposed charger location
Available amperage on the breaker panel
If any electrical upgrades are required for installation
Whether you plan to electrify your fleet this year or over time, it’s essential to begin to update your take-home vehicle policy now. Need help getting started? Blink is here to help with at home, depot and fast charging solutions. Click here to get started with a consultation today.