This article is excerpted from a podcast conversation between Kathryn Schifferle, Founder & Chief Vision Officer at Work Truck Solutions, and Jackson Haskell, Director, EV Infrastructure of Guardian Fueling Technologies.

The automotive industry is undergoing a shift towards electrification, and businesses and fleet operators are increasingly exploring the potential of electric vehicles (EVs). Although the transition presents exciting opportunities, it also raises the issue of adoption anxiety. Let’s look at three viewpoints that impact EV adoption within the commercial vehicle industry. 

Adapting Familiar Technologies to Develop Commercial EV Charging Infrastructure

The development of electric vehicles (EV) has involved brand new technologies, new ways of utilizing existing technologies, and a synthesizing of the two; integrating the established aspects of conventional vehicles with the latest EV tech.

The development of EV charging infrastructure is a mirror process. And while there’s no shortage of business startups based on emerging tech, well-established companies are leveraging their experience to build out the much-needed charging infrastructure crucial for EV adoption in commercial transportation.

For instance, Guardian Fueling Technologies, a trusted name with a 50-year legacy in the petroleum industry, is now leveraging its vast experience in fueling solutions to drive the development of EV charging infrastructure. With a deep understanding of fuel systems, regulatory compliance, and site construction, Guardian is uniquely positioned to navigate the complexities of EV charging installations.

The company’s expertise in petroleum-based refueling installations translates well to the placement of EV charging equipment. Guardian’s established relationships with regulatory bodies also streamline permitting processes, accelerating project timelines. By repurposing its extensive knowledge and resources, Guardian Fueling Technologies is playing a pivotal role in building the future of sustainable transportation.

Guardian’s tactic of leveraging existing fueling infrastructure is a practical approach that minimizes waste.

“When I came to Guardian, it was in part to move us in the direction of enabling electric fueling (EV charging),” explains Jackson Haskell. “Although EV charging is just another means to provide the energy to move a vehicle forward for commercial use, it had sort of been built off to the side as an industry, and I think part of me joining Guardian was to pull EV charging into the standard portfolio of fueling. It’s been educational for me to see how much of that is actually very easy to transpose over and actually how much EV charging really is sort of finding itself fitting into those existing molds of infrastructure construction and maintenance. We see no need to reinvent the wheel when it comes to EV charging.”

From Haskell’s viewpoint, the similarities between traditional fueling and EV charging in terms of terminology, software, systems, hardware, and payment methods suggest that integration, rather than reinvention, is the most efficient path forward.

How the Voice of the Commercial Customer Affects Adoption

The speed of EV adoption and fleet electrification is heavily influenced by use-case viability and how user-friendly it is.

Use-case

“Range anxiety is still a big deal,” says Kathryn Schifferle. “Cost is also a significant factor in adoption. However, the commercial space is really unique in that it’s purpose-built. It’s not like, ‘Is it faster or the right color?’ or whatever. Commercial buyers want to know, ‘Will it do this particular job for me?’ So it’s really beneficial for EV stakeholders to take the time to determine their commercial buyer’s needs and be able to recommend the exact perfect model for it.”

User-friendy

“We need to start with what the customer needs, not with what we want to design,” says Haskell. “We’re working to ensure a seamless transition for drivers and fleet operators by adapting familiar technologies like tap-to-pay credit cards and mobile payment apps and integrating EV charging into existing fueling management software.”

The Government’s Role in Incentivizing the Transition to EVs

While technological advancements and customer-centric solutions are crucial, Haskell acknowledges the role of government incentives in accelerating EV adoption. He suggests a combination of incentives (carrots) and mandates (sticks) to encourage businesses and fleet operators to make the switch. Additionally, he emphasizes the importance of considering the total cost of ownership, including maintenance and fuel costs, when evaluating the long-term benefits of EVs.

The Road Ahead: A Collaborative Effort

The shift towards electric vehicles is a multifaceted challenge that requires collaboration between industry leaders, policymakers, and consumers. By leveraging existing infrastructure, adapting familiar technologies, and prioritizing customer needs, companies like Guardian Fueling Technologies are helping pave the way for a smoother, more efficient transition to a sustainable future.

Listen to the full conversation at CVBN.

www.guardianfueltech.com