AFLA Panel: Insights Into Fleet Electrification
By Mark Boada, Executive Editor
October 2020
Every session at this years’ Automotive Fleet Leasing Association annual conference, conducted virtually last week, was worth tuning into. But the one I found most compelling was on fleet vehicle electrification.
Moderated by Sara Sweeney, senior product manager at Wheels, it featured four seasoned veterans of fleet electrification: Sharon Etherington, senior manager of regional administrative services for Roche Diagnostics; Sila Kiliccote co-founder of eIQ Mobility, a fleet electrification consulting company; Scott Miller, vice president of sales at Charge Point, Inc., a leader maker of electric vehicle charging infrastructure; and Matt Stover, Ford Motor Company’s global director of charging, energy services and business development.
READ MORE for a transcript of their conversation that has been edited for clarity and length. AFLA announced that a recording of the session and all others from the three-day conference, will be available later this month.
Will Amazon’s Delivery Van Signal a Surge in Truck BEVs?
By Mike Sheldrick, Senior Editor
October 2020
Last week, Amazon’s electric delivery van supplier, Rivian, demonstrated its first operating unit, with plans for 10,000 to be delivered in 2022 and 100,000 by 200, as 2030 part of Amazon’s pledge to achieve carbon-free by 2040.
Rivian’s demonstration caps a months-long surge in announcements and demonstrations of promised commercial vehicles: from pickups, to work trucks, to delivery vans, to Class 7 and 8 behemoths.
How long it will take for this activity to reach high tide can only be a guess. Nevertheless, as an accompanying piece in this issue -- an electrification panel at the recent AFLA conference makes clear-- all the signs point to the likelihood of a strong, even massive battery electric vehicle (BEV) movement to electrification.
Conversations Can Change Your Behavior
Changing your behavior to avoid distracted driving can make more positive differences in your life than you probably realize.
Is Your Fleet Staying the Course?
We are in uncertain times, and that’s all the more reason for your fleet to stay the course. Keep your fleet game plan in motion if you have one; and, if you don’t have one, now is a great time to put one together.
Merchants Fleet Continues to Grow Delivery Fleet Program with SCI Partnership
Merchants Fleet and SCI, 3rd party administrator for delivery companies and owner-operators, announced a partnership today launching a national fleet rental and leasing program for its Logistics Brokers.
The program will enable business growth for the Logistics Brokers through reduced vehicle costs, the highest of all operating costs for the group.
“Fleet management is a challenge for all final-mile companies and why SCI is excited to introduce SCI’s newest partner, Merchants Fleet, at a time a solution is needed most. Merchants Fleet’s tailored fleet services will give SCI’s clients options that can reduce operational costs while being flexible enough to respond to growth,” said Peter Fidopiastis, President & General Manager at SCI. “Merchants Fleet’s programs have the breadth and flexibility our Logistics Brokers need to grow their businesses.
