Putting together a fleet, or expanding one for your business? You’ve got lots of great reasons to go electric. Higher energy efficiency. Lower maintenance costs. Tax rebates. Reduced emissions. Advanced telematics. The list goes on …

But, how do you know which electric vehicles are right for your business? As electric vehicle adoption accelerates, the options are growing fast. To help you evaluate your choices, we’ve put together this introductory guide to selecting EVs for your business fleet.

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Key Questions about Your Fleet Application(s)

First, it’s important to consider the fundamental needs of your fleet. Here are some questions to consider:

• How big of a fleet do you need? A 20-car fleet of one model is a lot less complex to put together and manage than one with hundreds or thousands and multiple different models. 
• What is your available capital budget? The upfront cost of many EVs is still typically higher than gas cars. But that’s changing fast.
• What distance do your fleet vehicles need to travel? Is it 100s of miles per day, just short commutes, or a lot of back and forth around town?
• What will your vehicles be used for? Within light-duty vehicles, there’s a big range of possible demands—from transporting customers around town to hauling service equipment and parts.
• How much cargo capacity do you need? Consider passenger transport needs, as well.
• Do you need any specific equipment or features? Many companies want to be able to monitor various safety practices, for example.
• Where and when will your vehicles be charged? The fact that vehicles can be charged at employees’ homes overnight can be an advantage. But it also adds complexity.

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The 5 Most Important EV Attributes to Consider

With your answers to the above questions in mind, examine the following attributes to help you make informed decisions that optimize operational efficiency, minimize costs, and support sustainable solutions.

1. Range

What would be your fleet’s typical routes? You need to ensure that the EVs you choose can meet those demands for uninterrupted operations. 

Longer range EVs provide greater flexibility and reduce the need for frequent recharging, making them suitable for businesses with extensive driving requirements. For instance, the Tesla Model 3 Long Range can go over 350 miles on a single charge—ideal for long-distance commuting or delivery routes. Meanwhile, the Chevrolet Bolt EV provides a range of over 250 miles—ample mileage for urban fleets with frequent stop-and-go driving. 

2. Charging Capability and Compatibility

America’s charging infrastructure remains a patchwork. And there’s still a confusing array of different plugs and charging platforms—although the movement to standardize around the North American Charging Standard (NACS) is gaining momentum. 

So, check the charging compatibility of your EV options. This issue comes into play mostly with DC fast charging. The Nissan Leaf may be problematic for fleets partly because it comes with a CHAdeMO plug, which has fallen out of favor. (Nissan is phasing out the Leaf in favor of a new EV model.) 

Your best bet is to adopt NACS-Compatible EVs (a list that’s soon to include nearly all major EV makes and models). With the opening of the Tesla Supercharger network to non-Tesla EVs, they will now have many more charging options.

3. Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)

While EVs may have higher upfront costs compared to traditional vehicles, they offer lower operating and maintenance expenses over their lifetime. 

You need to look at the full scope: purchase price, fuel savings, maintenance costs, and potential incentives or tax credits. For example, a Hyundai Kona Electric boasts competitive pricing and lower maintenance costs due to its simplified drivetrain compared to internal combustion engine vehicles. Conducting a thorough TCO analysis for each EV model under consideration can help identify the most cost-effective options for your fleet.

4. Vehicle Size and Cargo Capacity

If your fleet needs to transport goods or passengers, be sure to choose EVs that can accommodate your size and payload capacity needs. 

Take the Ford Transit Electric, for example. It offers various configurations with ample cargo space, making it suitable for delivery and logistics fleets. Similarly, the Rivian Electric Delivery Van provides customizable cargo compartments and a generous payload capacity, ideal for last-mile delivery operations. 

5. Performance and Driving Experience

For the change to EVs to stick, the vehicles should be satisfying and reliable to drive. 

Look for EVs with responsive acceleration, smooth handling, and advanced driver-assistance features for enhanced safety and comfort. The Tesla Model S Performance, known for its impressive acceleration and autopilot capabilities, delivers an exhilarating driving experience suitable for executive fleets or chauffeur services. Similarly, the Audi e-tron offers refined performance and luxury amenities for a premium corporate experience. 

Meanwhile, although many EV manufacturers and models are new, you should still review available reliability records. The Tesla Model 3 and Nissan Leaf both have earned high marks from reviewers and customers for dependability. 

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EVs Worth Checking Out for Different Fleet Applications

All right, now let’s zero in on a few possibilities for your fleet in different vehicle classes.

Sedans and Compacts

• Tesla Model 3 – A top choice for fleets that need to cover long distances, such as executive transport, company commutes, and ride-share services. With a range of over 300 miles on a single charge (and seamless access to Tesla’s top-rated Supercharger network), the Model 3 offers unparalleled convenience, minimalist design, spacious interior, and Autopilot capabilities.
• Chevrolet Bolt EV – A practical and affordable option for urban driving and daily commuting. With a range of over 250 miles, the Bolt EV provides flexibility and efficiency for fleet operations. Its compact size, agile handling, and generous cargo space make it well-suited for urban delivery fleets, taxi services, and municipal transportation.

SUVs and Crossovers

• Ford Mustang Mach-E – A standout choice combining Mustang-inspired design with electric powertrain technology. With multiple trim levels and battery configurations available, the Mach-E offers versatility and performance for various fleet applications. Its spacious interior, advanced driver-assistance features, and intuitive infotainment system make it suitable for corporate fleets, executive transport, and family-oriented businesses.
• Hyundai Kona Electric – A practical and efficient option with impressive range and affordability for urban and suburban driving. With a range of over 250 miles, the Kona Electric delivers reliable performance and convenience. Its compact size, comfortable seating, and abundant cargo space make it ideal for sales fleets, service vehicles, and employee commuting.

Vans and Other Commercial Vehicles

• Ford Transit Electric – A versatile and reliable choice offering electric powertrain options tailored to various business needs. With customizable cargo configurations, ample payload capacity, and advanced connectivity features, the Transit Electric provides practical solutions for delivery fleets, tradespeople, and service providers. 
• Mercedes-Benz eSprinter – A premium electric van designed for urban delivery and commercial applications, offering Mercedes-Benz quality, reliability, and performance. With multiple body styles, payload options, and charging solutions available, the eSprinter provides flexibility and efficiency for last-mile delivery, logistics companies, and corporate shuttle services.

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Want further insights?

The U.S. Department of Energy’s Alternative Fuels Data Center offers a helpful EV selector tool.

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Taking the First Steps

Not quite sure which is best? Not ready to go all in on all-electrics?

Consider starting with a pilot program. You can test out a small number of one or more EV models for a defined period. The great thing is that, with EVs’ advanced telematics, you can learn a lot about use patterns, costs, productivity, and more. Then you can make a well-informed decision on how to move forward.

Speaking of well-informed decisions, Bluedot delivers powerful insights into EV charging for your growing fleet. Our EV fleet management platform lets you track, control, and plan EV charging (including home charging reimbursement) in one easy-to-use app and dashboard. Learn more about Bluedot for Fleets.