Managing Mixed Fleets for a Sustainable Future

The rapid transition towards electric vehicles (EVs) is transforming the landscape of fleet management.

As businesses across Australia move to decarbonise their operations to meet carbon emissions reporting requirements, fleet managers find themselves managing mixed fleets, where traditional fuel vehicles and EVs coexist.

As vehicles take up a significant proportion of most company carbon emissions, fleet managers must look beyond cost efficiency to meet sustainability targets. And while offsetting carbon or buying carbon credits may also be an alternative method of carbon reduction, transitioning to EVs is an essential component in reducing carbon footprints, especially when organisations will increasingly require emissions reporting of themselves and from suppliers.

This mixed fleet management shift comes with its own set of challenges, particularly for small businesses where cost and operational concerns often take precedence. FleetCard has always been about Vehicle Expense Management regardless of the type of fuel required.

While our new FleetCard +Electric product is EV specific, our position is to assist customers with fleet management, company-wide sustainability goals, and decarbonisation requirements. To do this, we are developing products that help companies of all sizes meet their sustainability goals while navigating policy changes.

Fleet renewal a time for transition

EVs are not only better for the environment but also more cost-effective. Over a five-year period, the operating costs of an EV are generally lower than those of a petrol or diesel vehicle, and as businesses prepare for fleet renewals, understanding these cost savings will be key to driving the adoption of EVs.

Additionally, the importance of education for both fleet managers and drivers will be key. As EV adoption moves past the early adopters phase, there remains a significant knowledge gap in the market. EV operation, recharging, and maintenance training will be crucial for ensuring a smooth transition.

What is holding Australia back?

Fleet renewal presents an opportune time to consider EVs in their fleet, but the challenges of EVs which fleet managers must consider include the tyranny of distance and regional re-charge infrastructure.

As Australia accelerates towards a more sustainable future, collaboration between businesses, government, and industry leaders will be critical to overcoming some of these challenges.

The All-Energy Australia 2024 conference will provide actionable insights into how companies can embrace mixed fleets, meet their sustainability goals, and prepare for the future of transportation. Join us and other industry leaders on October 23-24 at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre.