MAN Trucks Offers Free Consultation to Help Fleets Electrify
Electrifying a commercial fleet can be a complex undertaking. While the potential benefits — reduced fuel costs, decreased operating variables, and the ability to meet Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals — are compelling, knowing where to begin can be daunting.
Fortunately, MAN Trucks is stepping in to assist fleet managers. As more and more heavy trucking fleets adopt electric vehicles, the fear of limited range is proving to be largely unfounded, particularly in Europe where shorter distances between cities help make electric vehicles suitable for many routes. Several popular electric trucks already roam the European roads, including the Mercedes eActros and Renault E-Tech T semi. MAN Trucks are also well established in Europe, and their leadership has taken a strong stance on electric vehicles, unlike most in the industry who have been vocal in their criticism of hydrogen, and have fully embraced battery-electric vehicles.
“It’s Full Power here with the MAN electric commercial vehicles consultation team,” wrote Roger Turnbull, Head of EV Truck Consultation at MAN Truck, in a LinkedIn post. “After another busy week of meetings presenting to haulage and transport organizations of all sizes across the UK – you can feel the EV interest and enthusiasm growing.”
MAN Trucks’ consultation team is designed to help commercial fleet operators understand their specific needs. The team analyzes fuel and maintenance costs, helping to determine the best assets for electrification and identify suitable charging solutions. Interestingly, the best solution might not always involve on-site charging.
While on-site charging is becoming a reality for various companies – coupled with the evidence that range anxiety might be a myth on most routes – the industry is working to learn more.
Off-site charging solutions, prevalent in the US with companies like Voltera and Zeem, haven’t yet become quite as commonplace in Europe. However, the electric trucking infrastructure appears to be somewhat more advanced. This, together with usually higher fuel prices compared to the US, make electrification more manageable for fleets.
Better yet, MAN’s consultation is free and completely obligation-free. As Turnbull notes, “Your MAN EV Consultation Team in the UK offer free information, advice and support [Everything] from the basics to multi-vehicle using multiple site locations. Factually checked and honest.”
Fleet Assessments are Crucial
Fleet assessments and audits are vital steps for a successful transition to electric vehicles. These evaluations provide fleet operators with invaluable insights into their current operations, energy consumption, and infrastructure needs. Armed with this data, fleet managers can make informed decisions about which vehicles to prioritize for electrification and minimize potential setbacks once the trucks are delivered and the funds are committed.
If you’re a fleet manager, conducting a fleet energy analysis soon is recommended, whether or not you currently plan to electrify your fleet.
