Futureproof Your Fleet with Fleet EV Charging
The need for fleet electrification is clear. But as a commercial fleet operator, you need to understand how electrification fits into your existing operational ecosystem in order to plan an effective EV strategy. So, let’s talk.
Done Smart. Done Right.
LilyPad EV, powered by Shields Harper & Co., is building the fueling network of the future. We have pioneered charging stationplanning and installation since 2009, and offer extensive electrical expertise with trusted trade partners. Our recent acquisition by SHC has only improved our ability to provide effective, well-thought-out solutions to meet your EV charging project expectations—no matter your industry.
We’ve worked with over 400 companies across 37 states and have installed charging stations at over 1000 locations nationwide. Our stations have charged EVs more than 2 million times. Our services include comprehensive consultation for your EV charging needs, site surveying, project management, and professional EV charging station installation.
LilyPad EV is very pleased with the recent Shields Harper & Co. acquisition. Both companies share the same enthusiasm for the expanded deployment of electric fueling infrastructure and have the same approach to working with customers.
We will continue to be industry innovators, pushing the envelope of what can be. With this expertise, you can rest assured that converting your fleet to EVs and outfitting your depots with fleet EV charging stations is an investment in the future of your business.
However, you shouldn’t just take our word for it. We want to give you as much information as possible to make educated decisions as you manage your fleet. That’s why we want to explain everything you need to know about why 2022 is the perfect time to outfit your fleet infrastructure for the future.
Read on to learn more about EV charging grants, the benefits of fleet conversion & fleet EV charging stations, and how to streamline your fleet’s transition to EVs. That way, you can maximize your customer base, improve your return on investment (ROI), and future-proof your business.
Why Install EV Charging Stations Now?
There are a variety of reasons you should consider converting your fleet to electric vehicles now. Legislatures across the United States are passing bills mandating EV transition. Major vehicle manufacturers are planning a production future that increasingly looks all-electric. Additionally, public interest in EVs is at an all-time high. But that’s not all.
Most importantly, for many fleet owners, however, is that in 2022 there is an abundance of accessible EV Charging Station incentives. However, these EV charging station grants won’t last forever.
The deployment of EV charging stations is a priority for the federal government and local governments across the United States. As a result, some businesses that install and commit to operating EV charging stations may have access to various government grants and incentives to encourage station installation and to improve their return on investment (ROI). That’s why taking steps to financially future-proof your business now will save you time and money, and keep you one step ahead of the competition.
These grants and tax incentives make up most of the resources you’ll have to help cover the cost of installation and maintenance. For example, the IRS provides a tax credit to businesses that install EV charging stations equivalent to 30 percent of the installation cost, up to a cap of $30,000.
Additionally, many state and local governments also provide EV charging station incentives. Some utility companies also offer incentives for installing EV charging stations at your travel center or station location. Since utility providers benefit from people using more power, they may provide incentives for businesses considering installing travel center EV charging stations.
Learn more about EV charging station Incentives→
Guidance You Can Count On
No matter the source of your incentives, you should make a point of consulting your accountant. Your accountant can help confirm if you qualify and should pursue these avenues to bolster your ROI. Many businesses struggle with the complications of this process, so you should make sure to leverage the assistance of skilled professionals. ChargePoint, our trusted industry partner, has a comprehensive guide to EV charging incentives region by region.
If you need something more hands-on, you should reach out to LilyPad EV. We will set up a meeting to go over your charging needs and how best to maximize your ROI.
The Benefits of Fleet EV Charging
The first step in this transition is to better understand EV alternatives and the benefits fleet EV charging stations provide your business.
Cost Stability
As 2022 has shown, global, financial, and market instability can impact gas prices wildly. In fact, as of March 2022, it is three times more expensive to fill a combustion engine car’s gas tank than it is to charge an electric car, according to a March 14 report from the Zero Emission Transportation Association (ZETA), an industry group that represents electric car manufacturers. The group compared the price per mile to fuel the most popular gas-powered pickup truck, SUV, and sedan in the US to similar electric vehicles, using energy price data from the US Energy Information Administration and gas price data from AAA.
While we recognize that these statistics represent a moment in time, they speak to a truth about fuel: the price of fueling electric vehicles is more resistant to outside factors than traditional fuel alternatives. While it may not always be cheaper to charge EVs, the cost will remain stable. And, as EV technology improves, fleet EV charging stations will only become cheaper, more accessible, and more cost-efficient.
Cheaper Maintenance
This might seem counterintuitive at first, but a major benefit to converting your fleet to EVs is the money you’ll save on repairs. With no oil to change, no engine to manage, and fewer parts to wear down, electric cars are cost-efficient and easier to maintain than internal combustion engine vehicles. This makes them an incredible investment long-term, as even though current charging infrastructure requires a large up-front investment, you can boost your ROI by minimizing costs elsewhere.
After all, taking steps to upgrade your business now can help with your sustainable growth into the future. If you make the transition soon, you would be outfitted and equipped for success well before your competitors or larger fleets and businesses start transitioning into the electric vehicle marketplace.
How to Make the Most Out Of EV Charging Station Installation
So, knowing the benefits converting to an EV fleet and installing Fleet EV charging stations can offer your business, how do you take advantage of this opportunity? We encourage you to approach this conservatively. EV charging stations can be a significant expenditure, and you should treat this as what it is: an investment. Consult your accountant and take advantage of every incentive and grant you can to maximize your ROI.
LilyPad EV would never encourage you to jump into an investment without being fully informed. That’s why we’ve got some tips to help lay the groundwork for your fleet’s transition to electric vehicles. When you begin installing fleet EV charging stations, you keep these in mind for optimal, lasting results.
1. Analyze Total Cost of Ownership & Investment
Outfitting a big fleet depot with the infrastructure necessary to charge an entire EV fleet effectively is no small undertaking. It will require a significant amount of engineering and planning, especially if there is no accessible and efficient power supply on-site. This is where the majority of early expenses will come from. Of course, retrofitting a smaller lot does not require the same kind of investment, so it’s important to clarify the tools you need for a successful conversion well before any retrofitting begins in earnest.
If that kind of investment doesn’t make sense for your business, there are ways to offset those costs, but pursuing a more progressive EV plan might be more worthwhile. Understanding those costs—and the benefits of EVs and fleet EV charging—is vital to the long-term success of any fuel integration plan.
2. Invest In What You Actually Need
You will need to base fleet EV charging solutions on your fleet’s routes and energy needs. This may be a mix of AC and DC fast charging hardware, or your situation may only call for Level 2 charging stations since you don’t need quick, commercial turn-around charging. It’s important you identify the needs of your business before making any installation plans.
Step 1 in that process: define your use case. Answer the following questions:
- How much Gear will your fleet need?
- How far are your vehicles going?
- What is demand like?
What do the demands of your fleet tell you about how to pursue your EV plan?
These considerations should dictate how you pursue your EV transition plan. And, importantly, if you don’t have the answers then it’s important to collaborate with EV experts who can help you frame those considerations for the long-term success of your fleet. That way you can maximize your ROI, and make sure the transition to EV infrastructure is beneficial to your business.
Not every vendor can offer all types of charging, so it’s important to keep this in mind when selecting your EV charging partner.
3. Outfit Your Fleet For Success
Focus on general charging stations that service the most electric vehicles. Choosing proprietary charging stations, like Tesla EVcharging stations, may sound exciting. However, it’s detrimental to your business long term. You want to service the broadest number of electric vehicles possible with your investment, and proprietary chargers only make that more difficult. This is especially true as the rest of the industry progresses with standardized charging station technology.
Though there are many great EV charging station hardware developers, we would be remiss to mention our trusted business partners at ChargePoint. They are leading the way in implementing new charging stations for every type of charging use and have the largest EV charging network in the country.
Their stations are tested, well constructed, and have high utility. Not to mention, ChargePoint has a broad portfolio of distinct types of commercial stations to meet the spectrum of your travel center’s EV charging needs.
4. Pick Someone Who Knows What They’re Doing
There’s a lot that can go into the installation of travel center EV charging stations. Too much trust in inexperienced providers can impact the success of your investment. As a result, it’s critical you find someone experienced.
As the only company with a full range of AC and DC fast charging hardware designed from the start to scale efficiently at a low cost per vehicle, LilyPad EV, powered by Shields Harper & Co, is well equipped to recommend a comprehensive and cost-effective fleet charging solution. This includes consultation services and installation for the hardware, software, and services your fleet needs to succeed.
Learn about what to look for in EV installers near you→
If you can’t count on turnkey service from your installers, it may negatively affect your business. We hang our hat on doing right by our customers, and you should expect no less from any potential installer you bring onto your travel center EV charging station project.
Turn to LilyPad EV, the Experts Powered by Shields Harper & Co
LilyPad EV has been here since the very beginning of the EV market. We offer optimized, expert, turnkey solutions to meet your EV charging needs and benefit your commercial or multi-family residential buildings. The knowledge we’ve gained from over a decade of installing EV charging stations makes us an unmatched advisor in all things EV charging.
Now more than ever, investing in the EV charging market can provide unbeatable value to your business. With the current need for electric vehicles only growing, upgrading your fleet is the only way to future-proof your business. That’s why LilyPad EV is here to help guide you through the installation and financing process. No matter your needs, we’re the right team for the job.
Additionally, you can learn more about Shields Harper & Co’s acquisition of LilyPad EV and how we’re working together to revolutionize clean energy infrastructure.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation & learn more about how LilyPad EV, powered by Shields Harper & Co, is an ideal partner to help create your fleet’s EV plan!
