Henry Cortes discusses the importance of reliable and widespread EV charging infrastructure as the market expands.
EV charging infrastructure continues to be identified as a culprit in slowing the adoption of EVs in the United States, but this year, EV charging infrastructure has turned the corner and is showing signs of improvement, with overall EV charging availability increasing as more EV chargers get deployed.
With Federal, State, and local incentives available, we’d like to emphasize the tremendous impact of EV incentives on transportation electrification. EV charging incentives with complementary policies are driving EV adoption with critical tax provisions that stimulate the sale of EVs and aid EV charger installations. The combined forces create an impactful force towards EV charging infrastructure build-out that will power EVs and commercial EV fleets across the United States.
With these powerful incentives in place, the focus on EV charging infrastructure has become more important than ever. By late 2024, EV product sales in the United States are at a tipping point where 8% of new vehicles sold are electric. EV sales have surged 400% from just 2% of product sales a few years ago. California’s Advanced Clean Cars II rule will require all new cars sold in the state to be electric by 2035. Seventeen other states have adopted portions of the rule, helping drive future transportation electrification.
Plus, EV manufacturers are providing more choices and pushing vehicle innovation. While consumers can choose from nearly a hundred EV models in the U.S. (according to the “Electric Vehicle Ownership” from JD Power), there are also more choices for commercial fleet owners with electric truck and cargo product offerings. Improved availability and affordability are driving more consumers and corporate fleet owners to switch to electric, and lower operating costs are driving factors to the EV transition. Core Development Group is engineering, constructing, and delivering new EV charging stations to our corporate clients every day to serve the growing transition of fleet vehicle electrification.
As we move towards 2025, the landscape of fleet electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure continues to evolve. The transition to electric fleets is beginning to gain traction with advancements and strategic planning paving the way for a sustainable future in the following ways.
The Rise of Fleet Electrification
The electrification of private and public fleets is gaining momentum, with projections indicating over 4 million electric vehicles in U.S. fleets by 2030. This shift is driven by the need for cleaner carbon emissions and reduced operational costs, making fleet electrification a key component of corporate sustainability strategies. However, transitioning to an electric fleet involves more than acquiring electric vehicles. It requires a comprehensive charging infrastructure that can support the unique needs of each fleet. This includes determining the optimal mix of Level 2 and Level 3 DC Fast Chargers based on vehicle schedules, route miles, and dwell times.
Strategic Infrastructure Planning
Effective infrastructure planning is crucial for a successful clean vehicle transition. Fleet managers must evaluate their specific needs, including the number and types of vehicles, battery capacity, and daily mileage. This assessment will guide the selection of suitable EV models and the design of a robust charging infrastructure. Additionally, integrating renewable energy assets like solar panels and battery storage can provide cost-effective, emissions-free energy to power EV chargers. Collaborating with utility providers to ensure adequate power supply and exploring potential upgrades are also essential steps in the planning process.
Leveraging Technology and Partnerships
Technology plays a vital role in optimizing fleet operations. Telematics solutions monitor cars or trucks and other assets using GPS technology and on-board diagnostics (OBD) to offer comprehensive data support, enabling fleet managers to track vehicle status, and charger availability. These data insights are invaluable for making informed decisions about fleet schedules, driver training, and energy management. In working with a firm experienced working with utilities and other parties can further streamline the electrification process. By leveraging a robust ecosystem of resources, fleet managers can ensure a smooth and successful transition to electric vehicles.
Looking Ahead
As we look to the future, the integration of advanced technologies and EV charging infrastructure will continue to be a driving force in the transition to clean transportation. By planning strategically and embracing innovative solutions, businesses can not only reduce their environmental impact but also achieve long-term cost savings and operational efficiencies. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to drive the future of sustainable energy and transportation; let’s connect and explore how we can help power your future.
Transportation electrification was on a strong growth trajectory before this year, and with the current environment and incentives in place, the trajectory will continue to progress with exponential growth. As more commercial fleet vehicles become available and as EV penetration increases, we’ll continue to build out EV charging infrastructure for our clients in locations where they’re needed most.
