5 Tips for More Efficient EV Fleets

The transportation industry is undergoing a significant shift that prioritizes sustainability and greener operations. In 2023, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced new federal vehicle emissions standards to accelerate the transition to a clean vehicle future. The proposed standards—aiming to cut carbon emissions and combat climate change—are also projected to accelerate the transition to electric vehicles.

Depending on manufacturers' compliance routes to meet the standards, the EPA projects that EVs could account for two-thirds of new light-duty vehicle sales and nearly half of new medium-duty vehicle sales by 2032. At MICHELIN Connected Fleet, our goal is to demystify electric vehicle fleet management and provide the resources to help you transition your fleet or manage your already-established EV fleet as effectively as possible.

In this blog, we provide tips for fleet managers who have already made the switch to electric vehicles, arming them with best practices to get the most out of their EV investment.

1. Support Good Driver Behavior

The first step to running a more efficient EV fleet is to support good driver behavior. When considering EV efficiency, a lot of focus turns to extending the vehicle’s battery range as much as possible. Smoother driving habits – avoiding harsh acceleration, braking and turns – can substantially increase the range of an EV. Being cognizant of speed is also a significant element here. Data shows that turning cruise control down from 70mph to 68mph can yield an 8.4 percent savings in energy consumption for a mere 2.6 percent reduction in speed. These safer driving behaviors also improve overall fleet safety and lessen wear and tear on your non-battery vehicle components like tires.

2. Optimize For Greener Routes

While optimized route planning is also at the top of mind for non-EV fleets, it’s an important consideration for EVs to ensure the range of the vehicles. To plan routes effectively, fleet managers need to take into account energy efficiency. For instance, while EVs are built to handle most road conditions, drivers will get more mileage while driving in and around a city vs. a highway. Most mid-range EVs have a maximum driving range of 200-240 miles on a full charge and can recharge when braking through a regenerative braking mechanism. In addition to being intentional about the types of roads your EVs take, you may need to plan around charging station locations to ensure vehicles stay up and running.

3. Prioritize Battery Care

In general, EV batteries don’t require special maintenance. However, the amount of time your vehicle battery will last may depend on your long-time charging behaviors. For instance, it’s best practice to never charge your battery over 80 percent for daily use (unless needed to travel a long distance). Charging the final 20 percent puts a greater strain on your battery. Likewise, do not let your vehicle battery get down to zero percent of charge – this is equally distressing to your battery components. Generally, it’s normal for an EV battery to degrade to a small degree – roughly five percent per 100,000 miles of travel.

To help reduce the power demand on your vehicle’s battery, you should also be intentional about using the heat, AC and radio. Consider turning these features off when possible to conserve the vehicle range and maximize energy efficiency.

4. Create a Preventative Maintenance Plan

Like any other vehicle, EVs run best when they’re well-maintained. To get the most out of your fleet, create a preventative maintenance plan. This should encompass tire care, software updates and ongoing inspections at every set mileage amount. In general, electric vehicles may require less maintenance than traditional internal combustion engine vehicles, but it’s just as essential to help your vehicles continue running their best.

5. Leverage Your EV Data

The last tip for more efficient EVs is to leverage your vehicle data to make informed operational and fleet management decisions. While data should play an important role before you even switch to EV, a comprehensive fleet management solution can give you greater visibility across your EV fleet, providing the data you need to optimize performance, assess driver behavior and optimize route planning. However, when it comes to fleet management solutions, be sure to partner with a provider that can help you uncover the actionable insights from your data and not just give you a dashboard of metrics without added context.

Ongoing EV Success with a Trusted Partner

MICHELIN Connected Fleet offers a streamlined path toward fleet sustainability and efficiency. If you’re ready to learn more about how we can assist your sustainability goals, contact us online or call 800-358-6178.