Thinking about electrifying your fleet? Smart move! It's a big step, but it's also one of the best decisions you can make for your business and the planet. 

At Octopus Fleet, we've got you covered. We've simplified the entire process, from getting your drivers charged up to providing a single, seamless platform that makes messy admin a thing of the past. Our mission is to make the green transition refreshingly simple, so we've pulled together this guide to give you the lay of the land for best practices in fleet electrification. 

Let's dive in!

Why bother? The benefits of an electric fleet

First things first, let's look at why so many businesses are making the switch. Beyond the environmental benefits, electrifying your fleet can bring plenty of additional benefits you might not have thought about.

Financial savings

While the upfront cost of EVs can be higher, don't get caught up in that. Look at the bigger picture: the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). EVs have significantly lower running costs. That means no more petrol or diesel to buy, and maintenance is a breeze since EVs have fewer moving parts. Fewer oil changes, less wear and tear... it all adds up to a healthier bottom line.

Future-proofing your business 

With regulations like Clean Air Zones and the eventual ban on new internal combustion engine vehicles, the future of transport is going to be electric (pardon the pun!). Getting ahead of the curve means you'll be ready for what's next and pioneer a more sustainable way to do business.

A greener picture

Your customers, investors, and even your own employees care about sustainability. A green fleet is a powerful statement about your company's values, helping you stand out from the competition and attract top talent.

Building your fleet electrification strategy

Electrification isn't a one-size-fits-all solution. It’s about finding the right mix of tools and partners to bring a holistic approach to fleet electrification.

Step 1: What does your current fleet look like?

Before you buy a single EV, you need to understand your current fleet inside and out. 

• Route analysis: What are your vehicles' typical daily routes? What's the average and maximum distance they cover? Are their routes predictable?

• Vehicle usage: How are your vehicles used? Are they for long-haul deliveries, city logistics, or something else entirely?

• On the go, depot and home charging: Where do your vehicles park overnight? Do your drivers take their vehicles home? This is crucial for planning your charging infrastructure.

This data will tell you which vehicles are the best candidates for electrification right now. You can then build a rollout plan that puts the behaviours of your fleet at the core.

Step 2: Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)

Do the maths. Calculate the TCO for both your current vehicles and the EVs you're considering. Don't forget to factor in things like:

• Purchase price (and any government grants or incentives!)

• Fuel costs (electricity vs. petrol/diesel)

• Maintenance and servicing

• Insurance and road tax

• Resale value

When you look at the total picture, you'll see why the switch is a no-brainer.

Getting your charging infrastructure right

This is often the part that gives fleet managers a headache, but it doesn't have to. Getting your charging infrastructure right is critical to a smooth transition.

Home charging reimbursement

If your drivers take their vehicles home, managing charging and expenses can be a nightmare. We know. Enter Home Charging Reimbursement - the simple way to credit your fleet driver’s home energy accounts for any business charging they do at home. Not only are you keeping your drivers happy by giving them flexibility, you’re unlocking cheaper charging tariffs to help your business save more.

Fleet charging on the go

For many fleet drivers, charging on the go is a necessity. The good news is that there are plenty of options across the UK and Europe for fleet charging! On Electroverse alone, over 1.2 million charge points are available for fleet drivers, in a range of charging speeds to suit any kind of schedule. 

There are also innovative ways to save more, from charge point operator subscriptions and discounts to Plunge Pricing at times there’s more energy on the grid. Having a blend of these options gives your drivers choice when they’re out and about, rather than binding them to just one provider or network.

Depot charging

If your fleet returns to a central depot, you'll need to install chargers on-site. The key here is to make sure your charging strategy is as efficient as possible. Whilst we don’t support depot charging, some of our trusted partners can help with exactly that. 

• Smart charging: Consider charging to avoid peak electricity times and high costs. A way to do this is to schedule charging to happen overnight when electricity is cheaper, ensuring your vehicles are ready to go in the morning without breaking the bank.

• Load management: Charging multiple vehicles at once can put a strain on your power supply. Investigate intelligent load management solutions, so you don't need expensive electrical upgrades.

Getting your fleet drivers on board

Fleet electrification isn't just a technical challenge; it's also a people project. Your drivers are on the front lines, so making your fleet electrification rollout work for them will only help it’s success! 

• Training & support: EVs are different to drive. Make sure your drivers are comfortable with the new vehicles.

• Address range anxiety: This is a big one. Drivers worry about running out of charge. With our massive public charging network and a simple-to-use app, you can show them that they'll always have a place to charge, no matter where they are.

• Make it easy: Using a platform (like ours) provides a single card and app, eliminating the complexity of managing multiple charging apps and cards. This means your drivers can focus on their jobs, not on charging logistics.

We believe that a successful electric fleet is a happy one. Let us partner with you to make your green transition a breeze.

Frequently Asked Questions