LIGHT DUTY /
SHORT DISTANCE FLEETS
USE CASE 01
Why is this Use Case 'In the Money'?
(What is the simple version of why the use case works operationally / financially.)
The art of the business case is as complex and nuanced as anything in our human endeavor. Sophisticated financial and technical analyses are the outcome of engineering and business degrees and by all means they have their time and place. We are striving for simplicity here and welcome the addition of complexity and specificity as appropriate.
Case Studies
(Links to PDF case studies)
-
Sapp, K. (2024, July 2). EV Fleet Electrification Upfront Costs vs. Long-Term Savings | Qmerit. Qmerit. https://qmerit.com/blog/electrify-your-fleet-upfront-costs-vs-long-term-savings/
-
U.S. Department of Energy. (2024, November). Alternative Fuels Data Center: Maps and Data - Average Annual Vehicle Miles Traveled by Major Vehicle Category. Afdc.energy.gov. https://afdc.energy.gov/data/10309
Obstacles / Challenges
(What are the main issues that need to be navigated in order to achieve the potential business value?)
-
Infrastructure and Technology
-
Lack of EV charging solutions for small fleets (<5 vehicles)
-
Extreme heat (110°F+) impacts on battery range
-
EV adoption as ‘vehicle swap’, unmet operational needs
-
-
Financial and Policy Conditions
-
High Upfront Costs
-
Limited resources for fleet optimization
-
Complexity deters decision-making
-
-
Stakeholder Engagement
-
Inconsistent stakeholder engagement
-
Delayed coordination = costly upgrades
-
Limited guidance for specialized technicians
-
Key Success Factors & Other Resources
(intro para about the things that will help achieve your goals)
-
Infrastructure and Technology
-
Govt-published infrastructure guides for small fleets to navigate charging needs and battery logistics
-
Tracked battery, route, and charging optimization in heat
-
EV transition as redesign of fleet, not vehicle replacement
-
-
Financial and Policy Conditions
-
● Phoenix govt provides phased funding and rebates for small fleets to reduce high upfront capital costs
● AI fleet software for fuel/maintenance optimization
● Guided transition plan implementation using grant/rebate programs
-
-
Stakeholder Engagement
-
Integrated EV planning with stakeholders
-
Coordination with APS/SRP for energy capacity and rebates
-
Improved EV maintenance training for fleet operators/staff
-
Actively participate in utility rebate programs
-
Other Resources
- Fleet Assessment Tool: Analyze routes and mileage for
optimized fleet efficiency
- Charging Needs Calculator: Determine level of charging
and number of required ports
- Cost Comparison Tools: TCO and Fuel Savings Calculators
to support financial decision-making
- Fleet Admin + Driver Training Guide: Administrative
setup, best fleet training protocols
- Vehicle Selection Guide: Choosing the best vehicle for
your specific business needs; leasing vs purchasing
- Solar Integration Guide + Utility Partnerships:
opportunities of solar integration, + utilities on additional
charging cost savings
Implementing the Step-by-Step Plan
INCOMPLETE
(Create an image / icon for LDSDF)
(Create intro para for what is LDSDF)
From Students:
● Light Duty:
○ Class 1 - Cars, light trucks, and minivans of GVWR <6,000 lbs and 4 tires.
○ Class 2 - SUVs, standard-sized pickups, and vans of GVWR 6,000 lbs - 10,000 lbs
and 4 tires. (U.S. DoT, 2025)
● Short-Distance:
○ Delivery Truck: About 50 mi/day
○ Light truck/van: About 43 mi/day
○ Car: About 41 mi/day (U.S. Department of Energy, 2024)
(Application of the 5 steps, specific to this use case)
-
Build a cross-functional team
-
Engage with your utility
-
Perform your research
-
Find your Enablers
-
Get Leadership Buy-in
Phased Implementation Plan
- Short-term: Awareness &
incentives
- Mid-term: Charger rebates, get
quotes from trained installers
- Long-term: EV maintenance,
training, utility partnership
programs