Electrify Your Fleet

How to guide

A Step-by-Step Guide for your fleet

Switching to electric vehicles isn’t just good for the planet, it’s smart for business, with lower running and maintenance costs, reduced emissions, and a future-ready brand.

Get on your way

1. Assess your current fleet

Create an inventory of your vehicles: Type, age, usage patterns and fuel costs. Identify high-usage vehicles or those due for replacement soon. Consider vehicle duty cycles: daily distance, load, terrain, and idle time.

2. Evaluate EV suitability

Research available EV models, compare key features like range and charging speed, and assess total cost of ownership. Talk to suppliers about pricing and incentives, and learn from other businesses and EV user groups to gain practical insights.

3. Team Engagement

Involve your team early in the EV transition. Address concerns, highlight benefits, and ensure staff feel supported, especially if vehicles are part of their daily work or benefits. A well-informed, engaged team helps make the shift smoother and more successful.

4. Pick Your EV Fleet

Evaluate available models based on range, charging speed, and total cost of ownership. Engage suppliers for pricing and incentives, and learn from other businesses to find EVs that best suit your operational needs.

5. Plan charging infrastructure

Where will vehicles charge? e.g. at a depot, at the place of work, at home What charging speed is needed? Consider the electrical capacity at the charging site. Consider smart charging to manage load and costs.

6. Build the business case

This should include: capital costs and charging costs vs. fuel and maintenance savings, emissions reductions, staff and customer engagement benefits.

7. Financing

Assess the total cost of ownership, including fuel and maintenance savings, charger installation, and financing options like green loans. Review internal budgets and consider whether owning or leasing EVs best suits your business’s financial structure.

8. Secure Your EVs

Choose the best procurement approach, buying or leasing, based on your business’s financial strategy. Finalise vehicle selection, confirm pricing and incentives with suppliers, and plan for any required infrastructure like chargers.

9. Education and training

Equip drivers and fleet managers with practical EV knowledge, covering vehicle operation, charging, range planning, and troubleshooting. Well-trained staff ensure safe, confident use and help maximise the benefits of your EV fleet.

10. Monitor and scale

Evaluate energy use, cost savings, vehicle performance. Use this data to inform wider rollout.

Ready to explore EVs for your business?

Whether you're just starting to explore your options or ready to take action, the Queenstown Electrification Accelerator offers free, trusted, independent advice to help you move forward with confidence. Get in touch at qea.nz/contact