EVs Powering Transformation
While the fleet industry is decidedly bullish on EVs, in The Realities of Remarketing in the Age of EVs, FLD’s Richard Mallek asserts that widespread resales of EVs are likely still years away. We were intrigued by some of the unique issues surrounding the EV remarketing process. For example, how will these vehicles be transported and stored safely?
Coincidentally, the International Energy Agency (IEA) released their yearly Global Electric Vehicle Outlook this week. While global EV sales are wildly surging, supply chain challenges are taking their toll.
Ford Pro’s survey of U.S. fleet purchasing decision makers revealed that a strong majority of fleets are considering EVs within the next few years. Their story of how they’re helping two very different fleets transition to electric is an interesting read.
Drive Safety!
Janice Sutton
Editor in Chief
EverWash and Car IQ Announce Partnership to Bring Autonomous Payments to Car Washes
EverWash, the nation’s leading car wash membership platform, announced they have partnered with Car IQ®, who has created a fleet payment solution that will allow fleet vehicles to pay for washes at EverWash car wash locations without the need for a credit card.
“We’re committed to creating the greatest customer experience in the car wash industry, and fleets are a major focus for us,” said Scott Pashley, Chief Revenue Officer at EverWash. “Car IQ is the perfect partner for us as we expand our capabilities as the only company in the car wash industry with autonomous payment for fleets, and the only company creating value for our wash partners by driving new customers and members to our 800+ locations.”
Adopting Electric Vehicles is Key in Keeping Fleets Relevant
Growing climate change concerns are increasing EV popularity among both consumers and lawmakers, spurring OEM manufacturers to offer a wider range of both EV classes and models.
With the number of EVs on the road increasing every day, there is cause for worry about overtaxing the charging infrastructure.
This timely whitepaper from Fleetio covers the latest trends in EV sales and charging infrastructure growth solutions and discusses key considerations for incorporating EVs into your fleet.
Basin Electric Power Cooperative: A Utility Fleet Success Story
Basin Electric Power Cooperative (BEPC) is a model for how utility companies can optimize the use of fleet vehicles to drive down the total cost of providing energy to its customers while enhancing the levels of service to their drivers.
BEPC has transformed the way in which they manage their shared vehicle fleet using purpose-built vehicle sharing technology.
They have eliminated manual, time-consuming fleet tasks and now effortlessly capture key performance metrics while providing around-the-clock access to vehicles for their drivers. Data for all types of vehicles is now standardized and centralized.
The result is better use of fleet vehicles and lower costs of providing services.
Catalytic Converter Theft Explodes, Pickups and Hybrids Likely Targets
May 6, 2022 - Thieves want your catalytic converters at alarming rates. Claims of catalytic converter theft increased more than 1,200% from 2019 to 2021, according to the most recent data from the National Insurance Crime Bureau as reported by Carfax.
In 2021, there were 52,206 reported catalytic converter thefts versus 3,969 thefts in 2019. The number could be higher, since owners might not report the theft to their insurance provider. Either way, the staggering increase means new and old vehicles are susceptible, and owners could be on the hook for repairs and replacements that range from $1,000 to $3,000, according to the NICB.
Both sources recommend installing an anti-theft device or getting the converter etched with the car's VIN to make it easier for law enforcement to trace. Additionally, parking in an enclosed area or garage will limit the risk of theft.
