Fleet Readers Sound Off on Industry Issues

Automotive Fleet seeks to facilitate discussion of today’s challenges through the exchange of diverse industry voices. This regular column is designed to provide a platform to let fleet professionals share their differing voices with peers and other industry professionals.

Here’s what’s been top of mind for fleet professionals lately:

Relevant & Timely

I watched the State of the Industry video on how “Model Availability Derails Fleet Standardization but Signs Emerge that Sourcing is Improving.” Thank you, Mike Antich, for always bringing relevant and timely information to light. Thank you for all that you have done for our industry and continue to do!

Corey Woinarowicz, Chief Revenue Officer, Nocell Technologies, LLC, Austin, Texas

Spoiler Alert

Controlling spend is still a top priority across the fleet industry. Checkout Episode 134 of the State of the Fleet Industry video series entitled “More Fleet Cite Cost Containment Pressures from Management.” Spoiler alert, viewing fleet as an investment versus individual cost silos is the key! What are you doing or what’s changed in your operations to help you achieve success?

Revenell “Rev” Kuris, District Sales Manager, Holman, Charlotte, N.C.

Budgets are Not Aligned

Check out the State of the Fleet Industry video entitled “More Fleet Cite Cost Containment Pressures from Management,” written by Mike Antich from Automotive Fleet Magazine.

Fleet costs are consistently increasing; however, fleet budgets are not being aligned. So as a fleet manager, the expectation to drive down fleet costs and generate an overall savings has become significantly tougher.

I help fleet owners and managers measure and increase fleet profitability by using fleet data for simple and actionable results. Using software like Fleet IT helps you identify where you can focus your efforts and pinpoints what changes are working.

However, now more than ever, fleet managers need to take a more hands-on role in working with managers and drivers to improve behavior whilst making smarter decisions.

Steve Bure, Co-Founder, FleetIT and Trojan Corp., Durban, South Africa

Absolute Truth

I watched the video entitled “Fleet Managers Speak on the Need to Restore Trust Lost Between Buyers & Sellers.”

It is the absolute truth.

Lisa Kneggs, Fleet Manager, Fleet Pride, Dallas

How to Calculate EV vs. ICE Vehicle Cost Per Mile

You're making this a comparison of averages, which on average, isn't close enough. Simplify: electricity consumed/miles driven (kilowatts per mile or KPM). However, to compare an EV with an ICE vehicle, go further and do the GGE (gallon of gas equivalent): one gallon of gas is equal to 33.7 kWh.

Here in Colorado, gross costs of a gallon of gas is around $3; electricity is at 14.3¢/kWh. To put it on an energy equivalent: 14.3¢ x 33.7=$4.82 GGE ($1.82 higher than gasoline.) This can now easily be put on a cost-per-mile for an energy cost comparison.

Bill Hougland, Transportation Fuels Administrator, Denver Metropolitan Area, [email protected]

Repair of Home EV Chargers

I have promised to give honest feedback as an EV driver in Canada, good and bad. Well, after a year almost to the day, I have what I would call my first “bad” experience.

Two nights ago, I plugged my 2023 Bolt EUV into my ChargePoint Home Flex and walked inside, never giving it a second thought. I woke up the next morning, went in the garage and noticed the battery had NOT charged, and I was only at about 190km of battery range. I had a meeting 45km away, so I was ok and also had enough to get to the office another 70km away and plug in there.

When I got home, I connected the car again, and it did charge, but the Wi-Fi on the charger did not connect to the ChargePoint app so I had no visibility to how much electricity I was using, which is an issue as I need that to be reimbursed as part of our policy for my usage.

So, 30 minutes of tech support later, countless reboots of the app and at the breaker, it was determined I would need a new charger to be sent to my home. Yes, it is being sent free, under warranty, so no worries, right? Except, my charger is hard-wired to my house so an electrician will now be required to “swap” it out.

As a fleet driver, this poses an interesting question. Who should pay for the work? Me, as the driver, it is in my house after all. Or my company that paid for the charger and installation for a vehicle they provide?

I am interested to hear how many other fleet drivers have had this happen, and how was it resolved? As fleet providers launching an EV pilot or using EVs for some time, how have you addressed this issue? What does your policy state for “repairs and maintenance” of your drivers’ home chargers?

Can’t wait to hear your feedback!

Jennifer Chapman, CAFM, Central - Regional Director, Sales and Client Services, Foss National Leasing, Markham, Ontario, Canada