Upcoming AFLA 2023 Conference to Highlight Safety and KPIs
This year's AFLA conference sessions cover a number of key topics to empower your fleet's success.
Safety is a perennial concern, and we're excited to have a session this year presented by Susan Higgs from the Network of Employers for Traffic Safety (NETS) and Tom Kretschmann from Toyota.
We'll share ideas on how to implement KPIs that effectively inform both your day-to-day and longer-term decisions for your fleet. Join Tadeh Issakhanian from Deloitte and Sherry Calkins from Geotab for this informative and actionable session.
To learn more and/or register, click here.
EV Fees: 8 States That Charge Electric Car Owners $200 or More Every Year
State EV fees are often comparable with how much owners of traditional gas-powered cars pay in gas taxes. A driver of a typical 2021 model year vehicle covering 15,000 miles annually pays about $227 in state gas taxes in Ohio or $184 in Georgia.
The states charging the highest annual EV fees are Washington ($225), Georgia ($211) and Alabama ($203), Money’s analysis found. Four other states charge $200 extra annually from EV owners: Arkansas, Ohio, West Virginia and Wyoming.
Most (but not all) of the states with the highest EV fees are red or red-leaning politically. In total, more than 30 states have extra fees for EV drivers, and the list will surely grow as states like Kentucky implement fees in the future.
Navigating Change: Adapting Fleet Strategies in the Era of Disappearing Small Cargo Vans
The disappearance of small cargo vans like the Ford Transit Connect, Ram ProMaster City, or Mercedes-Benz Metris has led many fleet companies to face yet another challenge: explore alternative options to meet their needs.
“We’re starting to see a trend where more traditional passenger vehicles, not really considered commercial vehicles until now, are having to fit the void left by the small cargo vans.” says Michael Diaz, Director of Fleet Upfit Solutions for Ranger Design.
As EV technology advances, fleets are considering electric cargo vans as a sustainable and cost-effective alternative, providing both environmental benefits and operational savings in the long run.
Mercedes-Benz Shares Progress Update of New Global EV Charging Network
Back in early January, Mercedes-Benz announced plans for the new network of fast charging hubs. The plans are part of a collaboration between seven global automakers to implement a universal charging network. The stations will deliver charge rates up to 400kW and offer a variety of plugs to fit any EV, dependent on the region of course.
Per an update from Mercedes, its first branded Charging Hubs will begin operations this October, starting with three locations: Atlanta, Chengdu, China, and Mannheim, Germany. By the end of next year, the German automaker intends for its global network to expand to over 2,000 points and open over 2,000 Charging Hubs by 2030.
Electric Car Charging Speeds: Why They’re Still a Pain Point for Owners
Charging electric vehicles with our current technology and infrastructure requires significantly more effort than traditional gas vehicles.
Almost 30% of all EVSE ports are located in California, meaning drivers have fewer options in other states to recharge. This carries several risks for all kinds of drivers.
For example, a driver hoping to use their electric vehicle across states may struggle to find fast charging points and end up staying overnight in an unfamiliar place. Or worse, drivers may encounter detours or traffic and realize they're not charged enough for their entire trip with no charger.
