EV Mobility and Cost Efficiency: How Businesses Can Save with Electric Vehicles

Electric vehicles (EVs) have emerged as a transformative solution for businesses aiming to improve cost efficiency and embrace eco-friendly practices. Recognizing the benefits, the Indian government hopes to reach 70% commercial EV penetration by 2030. Backed by incentives and subsidies to promote EV adoption, now is the time for businesses to turn their attention toward electric fleets and the opportunities they offer.

Reducing Operational Costs

EVs offer reductions in fuel and maintenance costs. Unlike traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles that convert only 17 to 21% of stored energy, EVs boast a 60% conversion rate. Although initial EV costs may be higher, their economical electricity consumption leads to long-term savings compared to fossil fuel-dependent ICE vehicles.

Additionally, fewer moving components in EVs translates to lower maintenance costs. Integration of predictive maintenance applications in EVs ensures optimal servicing schedules, extending the lifespan of the vehicle and its components.

Tax Incentives and Subsidies

Commercial fleet owners often hesitate to adopt EV mobility due to the large upfront costs. However, the Indian government provides incentives and subsidies to reduce these costs and facilitate a smoother transition to EV fleets. The following opportunities are available to businesses ready to make a change:

• Purchase Incentives: Direct cost reduction for electric vehicles
• Coupons: Later reimbursement for financial incentives
• Interest subventions: Discounted loan interest rates
• Road tax exemption: Waived road tax during purchase
• Registration fee exemption: No new vehicle registration fee
• Scrapping incentives: Given for deregistering old ICE vehicles

These incentives can vary between states and include alternatives like interest-free loans, top-up subsidies, and special perks for electric 2- and 3-wheelers. Additionally, state governments like Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Chandigarh, and Goa have implemented or proposed EV policies with directives and guidelines to support EV fleet owners.

Investing in EV Charging Solutions

Fleet-dependent businesses may face financial losses during unplanned vehicle downtime. Moreover, India’s EV charging infrastructure is currentlynot keeping pace with growing EV adoption, so relying solely on public charging may not always be feasible.

Initial costs of setting up an EV fleet depot include:

1. Acquire land: Once space is leased or purchased, remove debris and vegetation and level the land to ensure structural stability.
2. Perform civil work: Lay concrete foundations for charging stations. Trenching, conduit installation, and cable routing must also be completed.
3. Determine charging needs: Select EV charging points that best meet fleet needs.
4. Assess charging costs: Calculate costs based on the charging points selected and create charging schedules to prioritize charging during off-peak hours.
5. Invest in a charging management system: A charging management system can forecast charging demand, optimize network efficiency, and provide unique features like remote monitoring and automated diagnostics.

Fleet Management and Optimization

Let’s look at effective fleet management strategies that can lead to optimized electric vehicle usage and reduced operational costs.

Telematics and V2G

Using cloud-based platforms and in-vehicle hardware, Telematics gathers and transmits historical and real-time data, providing fleet managers with insights for smooth business operations. Specifically, Telematics can offer fleet managers enhanced route management, driving analyses, and battery management systems for optimized energy use and extended vehicle life.

Vehicle-to–grid (V2G) technology also aids in the charging and discharging of the vehicle battery so that stored energy can be released back into the grid during peak demand.

Automated Problem Resolution

Streamline business operations by implementing automated problem-solving features. With advanced diagnostics and remote maintenance capabilities, minimize downtime and reduce the need for costly repairs. Identify and address potential issues before they escalate to minimize charging interruptions.

OTA Firmware Updates

Keep EV charging infrastructure up-to-date with Over-the-Air (OTA) firmware updates. This technology enables businesses to improve charging performance without on-site support, saving time and resources. Eliminate disruptions to charging services and ensure that EV charging points consistently meet the latest standards and requirements.

Centralized Management

A central location for enhanced coordination and management grants businesses easier oversight and control. It can simplify administrative tasks, monitor performance, and respond promptly to any issues.

Take Charge of Your Fleet Electrification

From superior fuel efficiency to government incentives, EV mobility presents a compelling case for cost efficiency for businesses. The shift to EVs not only aligns with environmental goals but also positions businesses at the forefront of a transformative and cost-effective mobility revolution.