Adrian Brabazon, head of BP Fleet Solutions at BP, assesses the evolving role of fleet managers in the EV transition.

Adrian Brabazon, head of BP Fleet Solutions at BP

According to BP’s Energy Outlook, by 2035, EVs will account for 20-30% of light duty vehicles globally, with higher levels in fleets within more advanced markets such as the UK and EU. However, this data makes clear that most operators will need to manage a mixed fleet of both EVs and conventional ICE vehicles in the long term. And managing a fleet that’s a mixture of both electric and legacy vehicles does not come without its challenges – which includes how the fleet manager’s role may change as they grapple with these challenges.

Looking further out, our Energy Outlook suggests that by 2050 EVs will likely account for the vast majority of passenger cars in developed economies. Light commercial vehicles will are set to follow a similar pathway, particularly for last-mile delivery fleets where battery range is a less pressing issue. A combination of depot charging and rapid on-the-go charging means that most operators can start integrating electric light and medium duty vehicles into their fleet now.

And many of the operators that we work with have already converted the ‘low hanging fruit’ vehicles in their fleets to EVs: the drivers with predictable routes, who can either charge at home or return their vehicle to a depot to charge overnight. But we know that there are many areas where fleets are struggling to convert vehicles to EVs – those with longer routes, or that have unpredictable operating patterns. So, many fleets will operate both conventional and electric vehicles for several years to come and fleet managers will need to handle a range of different fuel types, charging requirements and operating patterns.

The cost and complexity of deploying multiple chargers at a site means that getting it right first time is essential

The growth of EVs has made an already complicated job more complicated. Fleet managers can’t just think about vehicles anymore, they have to be part property manager, part HR expert, part data analyst. Many fleet operators incorporate charging for EVs at their depots or facilities as an essential part of their approach to transitioning away from conventional vehicles. But the cost and complexity of deploying multiple chargers at a site means that getting it right first time is essential, so there are a whole host of decisions that need careful consideration. Managers must pay close attention to the quantity and charging speed required and understand what power is needed at the site. They also need to determine the future of the site itself – if there are only three years remaining on the lease then it may not make financial sense to install EV charging there.

Beyond handling issues around the installation of EV charging infrastructure, fleet managers need to help their drivers adapt to a new way of operating, ensuring they understand where and when they can charge, the concept of the charging curve and much more. The days of just handing over the keys to a vehicle are mostly behind us, and it requires fleet managers to take a more hands-on approach with their drivers. This may include offering them the option to charge at home, but that then introduces further complexity as the driver would most likely need to own their own home and have off-street parking.

The role of a fleet manager has changed dramatically over the course of the transition to EVs and they bear a number of responsibilities that they may not have done, even five years ago. Expert partners can play a vital role in helping fleet managers to manage these additional responsibilities – and support operators as they lead the way in shaping the future of transportation.