Electric vehicles are still in the early stages of adoption in India but are gaining momentum quickly. Initially, the high costs of EVs prevented widespread consumer uptake. However, government subsidies, falling battery prices, expanding charging networks, and the entrance of multiple affordable EV models have made them more viable. Major automakers now offer feature-rich EVs at prices comparable to gas vehicles. Sales of electric vehicles (EVs) in India grew from 3.2 lakh units in 2021 to nearly 10 lakh in 2022, a growth of over 200%. It is worth noting that the Indian EV market is currently in its infancy but still is expected to be worth more than $150 billion by 2030.
Widespread EV adoption could significantly benefit India’s environmental future. The country already faces high levels of urban air pollution from transportation sources. Studies estimate EVs electric vehicles have the potential to reduce life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions by 19-34% compared to average new gasoline cars in India. As India’s electric grid adds more renewables, driving on sunlight will become common. Phasing out gas vehicles will also reduce oil imports and enhance energy security. With smart infrastructure development and policy support accelerating EV sales, India has the opportunity to make sustainable transport a norm rather than a luxury.
Some challenges in large-scale fleet management
The rise of electric vehicles (EVs) presents major opportunities for cab and rideshare companies to reduce costs and environmental impact. However, effectively managing an EV fleet comes with unique challenges. Implementing optimised maintenance routines, strategic charging procedures, and efficient scheduling systems is key to sustainable and profitable EV fleet operations.
Let’s look at some aspects of EVs that need to be considered for effective fleet management:
1) Battery health is paramount
As the most expensive component of an EV, protecting battery health is imperative. The cost of the battery is almost 40% of the total cost of the car. Actively monitoring battery usage along with degradation data and establishing charging routines that balance performance with battery longevity helps. Setting limits on DC fast charging, charging more often in lower-capacity increments, and avoiding full discharges and overcharges will extend battery lifespans. Using fast chargers tends to degrade the battery life quickly. The use of non-standardized chargers may damage the battery and the car. Routine battery diagnostics tests will identify issues early.
2) Smart charging with optimised scheduling and charging
Carefully planned charging strategies reduce electricity costs and driver downtime. Ensuring charging the battery when the life of the battery is between 20% -30% is a good practice. Do not charge the vehicles more often. Analyzing travel patterns allows one to plan charge cycles more judiciously. Try to avoid top-up charging as much as possible and always charge the vehicle till 100%. This increases the cell balancing and provides better range consistently.
Scheduling systems should align charging times with lower vehicle demand. The best practice is to charge vehicles overnight or during downtimes. Drivers can be assigned vehicles already sufficiently charged for their shift’s expected duty cycle. Route optimization considers charging station locations to plan the most efficient routes between rides.
3) Harnessing regenerative braking
A characteristic feature of most EVs, regenerative braking presents an opportunity to bolster mileage by 10-20 km. Mastering this driving style entails capitalizing on deceleration to facilitate charging. Beyond the economic advantage, this technique diminishes brake wear and tear, contributing to a reduction in maintenance costs.
4) Software updates
Synchronizing with the ever-evolving landscape of automotive technology, regular software updates from original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) become imperative. As these vehicles are laden with software, staying abreast of OEM updates ensures access to enhanced features and safeguards the overall health of the vehicle, including pertinent data.
5) Proactive maintenance prevents breakdowns
As an EV fleet expands, systematic audits become indispensable for maintaining optimal performance. Periodic checks on tire management, overall body conditions, and battery health are crucial for identifying potential issues before they escalate. Adhering to OEM-recommended service schedules is imperative to uphold warranties and minimize breakdown times. Fleet managers must priorities keeping their vehicles on the road, adhering to scheduled maintenance, and promptly addressing any emerging concerns. This approach ensures sustained operational efficiency and contributes to cost savings in the long run.
Conclusion
Effective fleet management for EVs requires a holistic approach that encompasses battery care, charging patterns, regenerative braking, software updates, and routine maintenance. By implementing these best practices, fleet operators can not only extend the life of their EVs but also achieve sustainable operations and enhanced cost efficiency. As the world continues to transition towards electrified transportation, adopting these strategies will position EV fleets as leaders in the future of sustainable and efficient mobility.
