Navigating the Switch to Electric: A Comprehensive Guide to Transitioning Your Fleet to International eMV Electric Trucks
Choosing the Right Electrification Partner
The timeless wisdom of "Measure twice, cut once" holds especially true in the context of transitioning a fleet to battery-electric vehicles (BEVs). Neglecting this guidance can significantly impact both time and cost-sensitive projects. While the advantages of BEVs, including reduced emissions, lower maintenance costs, and a quieter driving experience, are compelling, the journey to electrification demands meticulous adherence to a well-structured plan. Failing to do so can result in unexpected delays, additional expenses, and heightened stress. Westrux in partnership with the International® Truck Zero Emissions team have crafted this tutorial to empower fleet operators with the knowledge and expert guidance necessary to navigate this transitional period seamlessly.
The increasing number of heavy-duty fleets reaping the rewards of electrification serves as inspiring examples. With each success story, more fleet operators are eager to embark on their electrification journey. However, there's a potential risk when enthusiasm surpasses preparation. Fleet operators setting tight timelines for the transition may overlook critical groundwork. Initiating the process early and selecting a reliable advisor is a crucial first step.. Leveraging extensive experience across fleets of diverse sizes, the Zero Emissions team at International Truck has formulated a comprehensive, three-phase process. This strategic approach empowers fleet operators to seamlessly transition to Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) in the short term, ensuring exceptional vehicle performance and a substantial return on investment (ROI) in the long run.
Know the Timeline
Although the appeal of choosing new electric trucks is undeniable for fleet operators, it is essential not to underestimate the equally important task of identifying, planning, and installing the necessary support systems crucial for their efficient operation.. Although choosing the right electric truck is an exciting part of the process, the overall electrification strategy, including building out charging infrastructure, requires extensive planning. The process of purchasing new eMV electric trucks is the quickest part of the electrification process, but establishing a comprehensive, future-proof electrification strategy and implementing charging infrastructure—"burying the wires"—can extend over two or more years. Fleet operators must prioritize charging considerations from day one.
A trusted EV truck manufacturer like Navistar International, in collaboration with its expanding network of EV service-ready dealers, aids fleet operators in making informed decisions throughout this journey. The Zero Emissions team collaborates closely with leading EV charging infrastructure service providers, guiding fleets in understanding their short and long-term power requirements. This involves designing and implementing systems and charging processes tailored to meet those needs.
The journey begins with in-depth discussions with fleet representatives to address key questions about their electrification strategies, including expansion plans for service areas and fleet size projections. This research ensures that upcoming infrastructure investments are scalable enough to meet long-term fleet needs, avoiding the need for additional construction in the near future. Fleet operators must consider not only current requirements but also plan for larger trucks with increased battery capacity, leading to heightened charging demands and electricity consumption. The focus is on future-proofing the electrification journey for sustained success.
Choose The Right Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE)
As fleets increasingly embrace the journey towards electrification, electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) providers often directly approach fleet operators. While exploring various equipment options is wise, it is crucial to coordinate any investment with the BEV manufacturer. Remembering the wisdom of "measure twice, cut once," it is imperative to carefully validate the compatibility and performance of potential EVSE to avoid costly outcomes such as non-functional equipment and unexpected demand charges.
In protecting fleet operators from such surprises, International Truck conducts rigorous performance and interoperability studies on charging equipment and software from diverse EV Charging Vendors. This validation process involves extensive charging tests conducted over several days, under various conditions, using the exact truck model intended for deployment. This approach ensures that the fleet's investment delivers the expected performance, reliability, and return on investment (ROI) with minimal surprises.
Determining the most cost-effective and convenient parking lot layout for charging is equally critical. This encompasses not only the spacing and placement of charging EVSE but also the cord length of the charging EVSE dispenser to ensure it reaches the vehicle's charging port effectively. International Truck's comprehensive process prioritizes minimizing issues and ensuring a smooth transition to electric fleets.
Local Utility Involvement Early In The Process
The truck manufacturer and fleet managers should engage in discussions with representatives from the local utility, initiating an assessment of both current and anticipated energy loads and system capacity. To project forthcoming loads accurately, the utility must grasp the planned size of the electrified fleet, individual vehicle duty cycles, and the associated charging requirements.
Incorporate the local utility into your considerations at least 24 months before vehicle delivery to preempt unnecessary delays and additional costs. If the fleet's projected energy load surpasses local grid capacity, the utility may require additional time to enhance its systems and equipment. Furthermore, the utility might seek confirmation of the fleet operator's commitment to transitioning to a specified number of BEVs to justify investments in additional grid capacity. In essence, involving the utility early in the planning process enhances the likelihood of having the necessary power available when required.
Understanding the utility's rate structure is equally vital for all involved parties. For instance, if there's a demand charge threshold, the fleet might face elevated electricity rates during peak periods. International Truck and a qualified EVSE provider can collaborate with the fleet operator to navigate around peak rates through scheduled charging and other strategic approaches.
Steps to Success
For a thorough assessment of charging equipment requirements, International Truck collaborates closely with selected EVSE providers to conduct extensive site surveys at customer locations. The survey results serve as the cornerstone for planned equipment upgrades and capacity expansions, encompassing crucial factors such as likely charging locations, quantity and design/capacity of chargers, dispenser cable length, traffic flow considerations, existing utility power infrastructure, utility capacity constraints and potential upgrades, current and future electrification needs, expansion of grid resilience, and backup power requirements.
In order to design the optimal combination of equipment, software, and charging protocols, project partners should also have access to 12 months of electric bills for the depot, along with a copy of the fleet operator's energy contract if available. This information aids in formulating strategies to avoid demand threshold charges and ensures vehicle charging occurs during the most economical times and speeds.
Following the survey and related discussions,, the EVSE provider is expected to develop and present a comprehensive site survey document. This document includes a site plan detailing the locations of existing and proposed charging stations, a recommended inventory of charging units and dispenser cabling, suggested charging schedules/protocols aligned with fleet uptime requirements, and estimates covering equipment purchase and installation costs.
Importance of Electrification Software and Connectivity
Electric vehicles generate a wealth of information, both while on the road and during charging sessions. International Truck strongly advocates for fleet operators to harness this invaluable data for optimal vehicle performance and charging efficiency. Despite the additional cost associated with acquiring software and connectivity features, the investment proves its worth by facilitating remote vehicle diagnostics, real-time access to state-of-charge information, charging system alerts, scheduled charging, insights into driver operating efficiency, and more.
The integration of connected chargers and on-vehicle telematics has demonstrated its effectiveness in preventing battery undercharge incidents at the start of the workday and mitigating breakdowns or other issues on the road. Furthermore, software included with Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) that connects to the cloud enables scheduled charging, effectively reducing overall charging costs.
Westrux International- Your Electrification Transition Partner
In conclusion, as you embark on the transformative journey of transitioning your truck fleets to electric, remember that the road to electrification is paved with strategic decisions and meticulous planning. To navigate this path seamlessly and ensure a successful transition, consider reaching out to Westrux International. With our expertise and commitment to sustainable transportation solutions, Westrux International stands ready to be your trusted partner. From selecting the right eMV electric truck to designing charging infrastructure and leveraging cutting-edge technology, Westrux International is dedicated to empowering your fleet with a greener, more efficient future. Contact Westrux International today and let them guide you towards a road where sustainability meets performance. Your electrified fleet journey begins here!