The best time to start planning for your fleet’s transition is now. Mass Fleet Advisor will help you on your way to a successful plan.
The Advisor process follows these basic steps:
1. Understand your zero-emission options
Zero-emission trucks come in two categories: battery-electric and hydrogen fuel cell. Battery-electric vehicle models are widely available, and the technology has advanced significantly since introduced in the 1990s, including improved range to meet many truck duty cycles. Hydrogen vehicles are a newer technology, relatively expensive, and not as available in all vehicle classes. Mass Fleet Advisor program is focused on battery-electric vehicles because there are more vehicle options for a wider variety of fleets. For a look at what types of vehicles and classes are available, see CALSTART’s Zero-Emission Technology Inventory.
2. Research your fueling needs
Public electric charging stations are the next big thing, especially with significant funding on the way from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, but that timeline and those options might not be right for your fleet. Before procuring vehicles, develop an understanding of where you will charge your vehicles – likely at your own site by installing charging infrastructure. Connecting with your local utility is important to understand what upgrades may be needed and what rate options are available for keeping your fleet going.
3. Gathering and analyzing your data
Your business decisions need to have a return on investment. The transition to zero-emissions can result in total cost of ownership savings with reduced fuel costs. To understand the costs of your transition, including vehicles, infrastructure and charging, you will need to collect and analyze data on milage, the type of terrain and fuel use. Additional data collection on how long your vehicles operate, how far each trip is and how long they idle will be important in choosing the right vehicle.
4. Consider all benefits
In addition to total cost of ownership and fuel savings, zero-emission vehicles offer additional benefits for your business. These include:
- Decreased maintenance costs
- Improvements in driver satisfaction, health and work environment because there is less noise and fumes
- Benefits to your business’ community and public health
- Increased market competitiveness by being a sustainable brand for consumers
5. Choosing the right vehicle
Using your collected data, you will be prepared to make good choices about the right vehicle. Sometimes, fleet owners may find that a different class of vehicle will better meet their needs, especially if your vehicles are at maximum payload.
6. Finding funding and incentives
Fleets don’t have to go it alone in their transition. Mass Fleet Advisor provides up-to-date information on available incentives and rebates.
7. Start now
Don’t get caught behind of the changing regulations or miss out on incentives and opportunities. Even if you don’t plan on purchasing a zero-emission vehicle this year, start gathering information and make your plan to modernize your fleet. Mass Fleet Advisor can help.