Electric vehicles, or EVs, are the future of the commercial fleet, due in large part to their lower long-term environmental impact. The popularity of EVs among individual consumers has been steadily rising, and with new commitments to higher EV production and deployment, it seems there’s no turning back. Fleet owners and managers are being urged to plan for when — not if — they go electric.

If you’re ready for full or partial fleet electrification, consider whether buying or leasing your EVs will make the most sense for your business.

Buying EVs for Your Fleet: Pros & Cons

When you purchase an EV, there’s a good chance you can take advantage of the following.

Federal and state tax credits

Starting in 2023, owners of commercial EVs in the U.S. may be eligible for a tax credit worth up to $40,000 per vehicle. Some state and municipal governments also offer tax incentives or other forms of incentives to local EV owners. Electric utility companies may offer discounts and rebates to customers who drive EVs or install EV charging equipment, but the terms vary by utility.

Long battery warranties

EV batteries carry warranties that cover eight years or 100,000 miles, per federal requirements. Fortunately, the average lifespan of an EV battery is eight to 12 years, as is the average amount of time a U.S. driver will keep the same car. This is a major selling point since the battery is the most expensive component in an EV. Fleet owners should consider how long they plan to keep their EV and the impact of warranties on their vehicle turnover plans.

Fuel savings

It’s a significant shift from gas or diesel vehicle fueling to electric charging, and one that comes with some significant savings. Provided fleet drivers and owners have access to charging stations, EVs have enough “fuel” to get drivers where they need to go within budget and on schedule.  

Fewer moving parts

In general, EVs contain fewer components than internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, which can translate to a less frequent need for maintenance and less costly repairs. This is important to note when considering buying vs. leasing, especially in case ownership extends past the warranty term, since owners may not need to spend as much on repairs post-warranty.

While the benefits of EV ownership may be enough to attract many fleet owners, there are some caveats to consider when electrifying your fleet through purchasing EVs.

Uncertain future value

While new EV models may be cutting-edge now, the technology is evolving so quickly that their resale value is unknown. It’s difficult to predict exactly how an EV’s value will change over time, but each new generation will presumably be more innovative than the last.

Higher up-front cost

EVs generally carry a higher retail price than ICE vehicles due to their high-tech components and the cost of lithium battery production. However, EVs have proven to have a lower total cost of ownership (TCO) based on fuel savings and having fewer parts that may need repairs or replacement.

Need for skilled technicians

EVs come with high-tech components that require a specialized skill set in addition to standard automotive repair knowledge, so it is the fleet owners’ responsibility to have a maintenance plan in place.

Not ready to commit to owning your own EV fleet vehicles? Leasing may be the better option as you weigh the conditions of ownership.

Leasing EVs for Your Fleet: Pros & Cons

When you lease an EV, you experience many of the same benefits of leasing a traditional ICE vehicle, including warranty protection and lower monthly payments. However, there are a few unique benefits that come with leasing EVs for your fleet and some additional considerations.

Try out new technology

With the high rate of innovation in the EV space, you may want to take advantage of the opportunity to turn in your vehicle at the end of a lease term and try out new models and technology upgrades. 

Take advantage of incentives

While EV owners can score a tax credit on their purchase, EV lessees need to consider whether they can realize the benefit of the tax credit through their leasing arrangements by consulting with their leasing partner. Many incentives and rebates are tied to EV charging infrastructure costs rather than the EV itself

That said, there is one potential downside to be aware of when leasing EVs.

Additional upfront costs

Organizations that lease EVs for their fleets will have to contend with additional expenses — such as funding a vehicle upfit — even if their commitment to the vehicle is for a shorter term than standard outright ownership. A charging strategy must be implemented too, whether that involves installing charging infrastructure at a depot or at employees’ homes, or opting to use public charging stations. Public charging stations carry the drawback of potential availability issues or extra downtime for drivers.

As the push toward an electric future gains momentum, fleet owners will need to weigh all of these factors while planning for EV adoption. Fortunately, the majority of fleet owners are riding the same wave, so there will be plenty of resources available to navigate this societal shift. Leverage the expertise of your fleet management company partner to help you navigate these considerations.