Electric vehicle (EV) charging speed deemed critical by multiple stakeholders

Electric vehicle (EV) charging speed deemed critical by multiple stakeholders

In a significant shift from previous years, fleet managers are prioritising charging speed as the top factor when choosing electric vehicles (EVs), according to insights from the Arval Mobility Observatory Barometer. This change in focus reflects a growing need to minimise downtime during operational routes, with nearly 70% of fleets now considering the speed of charging as crucial.

The key factors fleet managers focus on today include charging speed, range and payload capacity, total cost of ownership, compatibility with charging infrastructure, and data and telematics integration. By prioritising these factors, fleet managers aim to reduce the time vehicles spend recharging, ensure EVs match daily route requirements without frequent interruptions, and optimise fleet electrification efforts.

In contrast to earlier years, total cost of ownership and vehicle range were more heavily prioritised. As EV models have improved in range and cost, and as infrastructure expands, charging speed has emerged as the top priority. Maintenance advantages of EVs, such as lower brake and oil service requirements, are well recognised but are now considered baseline benefits rather than prioritisation factors.

There is also a stronger emphasis on smart, data-driven deployment and pilot testing to manage risks and optimise fleet electrification efforts, especially in public sector fleets. The decreased level of concern about the three metrics - range, efficiency, and cost - does not mean that they are no longer important, but rather that they are being considered in a different context.

John Peters, the head of Arval Mobility Observatory Barometer, believes that this decrease is due to electric vehicles becoming more normal for businesses. Fleet managers are becoming more experienced in choosing electric vehicles and assessing which factors are most important for their needs.

The ability to charge electric vehicles quickly is particularly useful for drivers without personal charging and those covering higher miles. Only six in ten fleets are now considering range when buying electric vehicles, while seven in ten company car fleets consider the speed of charging as a factor.

The price of electricity has increased, and there is now awareness that the efficiency of electric vehicles can differ widely and have a real impact on fuel costs. However, efficiency, measured in miles per kilowatt hour, is the second most-cited reason for choosing an electric vehicle. The decreased level of concern about charging considerations, efficiency, and range in electric vehicles may be due to a growing understanding of electric vehicles among fleet managers.

In summary, fleet managers have shifted from focusing mainly on range and cost to prioritising operational efficiency through faster charging capabilities, supported by improved infrastructure and data analytics. This evolution reflects maturation of EV technology and increased practical experience in fleet electrification programs.

1. Fleet managers are now prioritizing charging speed as a top factor when choosing electric vehicles (EVs), a significant change from previous years.
2. Other key factors they focus on include range, payload capacity, total cost of ownership, compatibility with charging infrastructure, and data and telematics integration.
3. John Peters, the head of Arval Mobility Observatory Barometer, attributes this shift to EVs becoming more normal for businesses, and fleet managers gaining more experience in choosing and assessing electric vehicles.
4. The ability to charge EVs quickly is especially beneficial for drivers without personal charging and those covering higher miles, as only six in ten fleets now consider range when buying EVs.
5. As the price of electricity increases and awareness grows about the efficiency of electric vehicles affecting fuel costs, efficiency (measured in miles per kilowatt hour) is the second most-cited reason for choosing an electric vehicle.
6. This evolution in fleet management priorities reflects the maturation of EV technology and the increased practical experience in fleet electrification programs, signifying a move towards operational efficiency through faster charging capabilities.

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