If you're wondering how to figure out the right number of electric vans for your fleet, you're in the right place. Whether you're running a small business or managing a larger operation, EV leasing could be a game-changer for your fleet. It's essential to strike a balance between having enough vehicles to meet demand and not overextending your budget. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key factors that will help you determine how many electric vans to lease for your fleet.
Assessing Your Fleet’s Usage and Needs
The first thing you need to do is evaluate your current fleet usage. This will give you a clear understanding of how many electric vans you should lease. Overestimating can lead to unnecessary costs while underestimating might leave you short on vehicles when you need them most.
Consider these factors:
Daily mileage: How many miles do your vehicles cover in a day? Electric van leasing tends to work best for shorter, urban routes, so if your fleet mainly runs city routes, electric vans are a great option.
Vehicle downtime: If certain vehicles sit idle for long periods, it might indicate that you don’t need to lease as many as you originally thought.
Delivery schedules: If your business involves frequent deliveries throughout the day, electric vans may fit your needs due to their efficiency in stop-and-go traffic.
For example, let’s say you currently have 12 vans, but you notice that two are consistently idle or out for repairs. In this case, starting with leasing 10 electric vans could be a smart move. EV leasing allows you to adjust your fleet size if your business needs to change.
Budgeting and Costs of EV Leasing
When considering EV leasing, cost is a critical factor. The good news is, that electric vans come with long-term savings that traditional diesel or gas-powered vehicles simply can't offer.
Here’s what you should look at:
Fuel savings: Electric vans are significantly cheaper to run compared to gas or diesel vehicles. With the cost of fuel increasing, leasing electric vans can save your business thousands in fuel expenses annually.
Lower maintenance costs: Electric vans have fewer moving parts, which means less frequent breakdowns and repairs. This can save you on maintenance costs over the life of the lease.
Government incentives: Many governments offer tax breaks, grants, or rebates to encourage businesses to adopt electric vehicles. Check to see what incentives are available in your region—they could make electric van leasing even more affordable.
Leasing provides the flexibility to scale your fleet according to your needs. Companies like EVFY offer adaptable leasing terms, allowing you to increase the number of vans as your business expands or reduce the fleet if you require fewer vehicles.
When planning your budget, ask yourself:
Can I afford to replace all my vans with electric vehicles, or should I start small?
How much will I save on fuel and maintenance over the next few years?
Are there any local or national incentives that can reduce my costs?
By answering these questions, you’ll have a clearer idea of how many electric vans your budget can handle.
Planning for Future Growth
It’s not enough to think about your current needs; you need to consider where your business is heading. If you're planning for growth, you might need more electric vans down the road, and EV leasing gives you the flexibility to adapt.
Here’s what to think about:
Fleet expansion: If you’re expecting your business to grow in the next 12 to 24 months, leasing a few extra electric vans now might save you the trouble of needing to expand suddenly. This way, you’re prepared for increased demand without scrambling to lease more vehicles.
Technology upgrades: Electric vehicle technology is improving rapidly. With electric van leasing, you can easily upgrade to newer models as they become available, ensuring that your fleet stays efficient and up-to-date.
Environmental and customer benefits: Consumers are becoming increasingly eco-conscious. Having a fleet of electric vans can enhance your brand's image and appeal to customers who prioritize sustainability.
EVFY understands that business needs to shift over time. Leasing with EVFY allows your fleet to scale up or down, ensuring it aligns with your business's changing requirements.
Charging Infrastructure Considerations
One often-overlooked aspect of transitioning to an electric fleet is the need for charging infrastructure. You’ll need to ensure your business is equipped to handle the demands of charging your electric vans efficiently.
Key points to keep in mind:
Charging locations: Do you have enough space to install charging stations on your property, or will you need access to public charging stations for your drivers?
Charging times: How long does it take to fully charge the electric vans you plan to lease? Ensure your schedule accommodates the charging time so that vehicle downtime doesn’t disrupt your operations.
Infrastructure investment: Although installing charging stations requires an initial investment, it’s a smart long-term decision. The savings on fuel and maintenance over time will easily outweigh the upfront costs.
Partnering with a leasing company like EVFY can help ease this transition. EVFY provides guidance on charging infrastructure, ensuring you’re set up for success when you make the switch to electric van leasing.
Lease with EVFY for a Flexible Future
Deciding how many electric vans to lease for your fleet involves balancing your current needs with future goals. By evaluating fleet usage, factoring in costs, and planning for growth, you can make an informed decision that ensures smooth and efficient operations.
For electric van leasing, EVFY is the ideal partner. EVFY offers flexible leasing solutions that adjust to your business’s changing needs, along with expert advice on fleet sizing and charging infrastructure. Ready to upgrade your fleet? Contact us today and discover the best electric van leasing solutions tailored for your business!