What if we were talking seriously about the autonomy of EVs & Hybrids?

The maximum range of an electric vehicle remains the primary concern for Fleet Managers. It rightly creates a hesitation to purchase, despite the undeniable advantages of electric vehicles (EVs).

That’s why it is necessary to understand the concepts of available maximum range and maximum daily range of a vehicle.

 

It is also important to properly explain to drivers what factors significantly affect the actual range. Even training sessions after the vehicles are purchased can prove to be useful, and they can even be provided free of charge! Each Fleet Manager should therefore ask themselves certain questions in order to choose an electric vehicle that is truly suitable for the company’s operations.

First, clearly define your needs. Do you require an electric vehicle with a range exceeding 320 km? Would a battery with a lower range be sufficient? Would partial electrification with a plug-in hybrid vehicle (or non-plug-in) be preferable, considering that you sometimes cover more than 600 km in a day?

 

It is wise to ask yourself these questions, engage in open discussions with stakeholders, and not be swayed by what is trendy. Don’t make mistakes in haste, as they can have immediate consequences.

 

Furthermore, it is important to consider that insufficient range forces vehicles to return to a base for battery recharging. This represents a loss of time and money for fleets. This concern was valid a few years ago when the estimated maximum mileage of electric vehicles was often exaggerated. However, this is less of an issue nowadays. It is worth noting that a manufacturer has recently decided to be completely transparent regarding the fuel consumption of its two plug-in hybrid models!

 

 

The “new” announced fuel consumptions are quite different from the initial ones. The small SUV was initially credited with an average consumption of 1.4 l/100 km and 32 g/km of CO2. Now, its consumption has “increased” to 7.0 l/100 km and 163 g/km if it is not regularly charged. The second, larger, heavier, and more powerful model claims a consumption range between 3.1 and 10.4 l/100 km and between 71 and 237 g/km of CO2.

Thanks to the new generations of batteries, electric vehicle manufacturers have increased the range of their models. Many light vehicles are now capable of traveling up to 480 km on a single charge. Despite these advancements, range anxiety still remains a concern for many drivers. souvent citée comme l’une des principales raisons qui freine la transition des flottes à l’électrique. 

 

Why does this concern persist ?

Because the human factor and the actual technical capabilities of batteries under normal driving conditions are often underestimated at the time of purchase. The advertised ranges are often difficult to achieve because driving an electric vehicle is not always straightforward, and many factors affect the potential mileage.

 

Depending on driving style, speed, cold weather, air conditioning, heating, and comfort features, the actual range can be significantly reduced.

Learning to drive in a way that optimizes battery usage is important. For example, energy regeneration during braking allows for longer driving range.

 

When you brake, the car uses the vehicle’s energy to generate electricity and recharge the battery. However, energy regeneration is not as effective during highway or high-speed driving. Keep this in mind before complaining!

The best approach is to have your employees test the model you’re interested in “before purchasing” and in real-world traffic conditions. Include drivers with varying typical mileage in the test.

Realistic fleet managers know that it is always advisable to choose a model with double the range of their daily mileage. Otherwise, you’re heading straight for unpleasant surprises!

Unfortunately, we are currently witnessing a number of disappointments due to ignorance of these facts.

 

One last piece of advice 

Seek advice from an independent expert! For a modest fee, and sometimes even for free, you can avoid many pitfalls. Electric vehicles are not “one-size-fits-all.” Each company has its own unique characteristics. Taking them into account can prevent turning a promising initiative into a fiasco if executed properly.

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