To say that the future of automobiles is electric is an understatement. Even more so, to say that the automotive industry is on the verge of a revolution is perhaps a bigger one. And to say that this shift in technology and dependence on fossil fuels will be challenging for automotive fixed operations departments would be minimizing it.
Electric vehicles are here
Electric vehicles are here, and they're here to stay. As a fleet manager or any automotive industry professional, you should be prepared to accept them into your fleet if you haven't already done so.
There are numerous reasons why electric vehicles (EVs) make sense for fleets of all sizes: they're more cost-efficient than gas-powered vehicles; they're more environmentally friendly, offer greater convenience for employees and customers alike, and with unparalleled reliability, their comfort levels can help employees stay productive on the job. And best of all… they're fun!
If you’re worried that switching to electric vehicles might be too complicated or expensive for your dealership, don’t worry: you don't need to be an electric car dealer just yet in order to start preparing for this transition. All it takes is some planning and small changes to pave the way for this transition to happen.
Start Small
If transitioning your fleet of vehicles seems like a daunting task, the good news is that it doesn't have to be a herculean effort. You don’t have to do everything at once—and nor should you! Start small and scale up as needed.
If one vehicle is too expensive or if your budget isn't ready for electric vehicles yet, consider starting with something smaller: maybe just a pilot program or shuttle service for customers? Using an electric vehicle as your courtesy shuttle allows you to also prepare your customers to the transition and shows off your manufacturer’s latest tech.
There are many ways to get involved with electrification before going all-in on an entire fleet replacement strategy. And remember: the transition doesn't need to happen overnight, so there's no reason why we should expect any less than gradual change while you continue innovating and finding more efficient ways of getting around.
Prepare Your Team and Dealership
The most important thing you can do to start transition preparations is to ensure your technicians are well trained in the maintenance and repair of electric vehicles. Without trained technicians, your customers will not be satisfied with their experience at your dealership.
It's essential that technicians feel comfortable performing maintenance on electric cars because if they're stressed about getting up close and personal with an EV's inner workings, then neither will customers feel at ease leaving their vehicle with them when repairs are needed.
Many manufacturers are requiring specialized service bays for electric cars before you are able to sell them. Now is a great time to build out these bays, especially if you can take advantage of local government incentives and/or grants to do so.
Conclusion
Electric vehicles will be the norm in the future. The transition has already begun, and dealerships who want to stay in business need to get their teams ready for the change—now. It may appear to be a difficult task, but by educating yourself and your staff on the fundamentals of electric vehicle technology and the types of services this new generation will require, you can ensure that your dealership stays ahead of the curve.
Quickride can help you manage your fleet of vehicles whether they are electric or gas-powered. Our easy-to-use fleet management software helps you track every mile driven, so you have a more accurate picture of where your vehicles are and how they are being used. Start your free trial today!