RATING A FISH ON ITS ABILITY TO CLIMB TREES: AN EXAMINATION OF THE COSTS OF CONVERTING TO ELECTRIC VEHICLES

Ryder's report, “Electric Vehicle Total Cost to Transport Analysis,” offers a valuable and nuanced analysis of the costs of converting commercial vehicle fleets to electric vehicles (EVs). The report is an essential resource for understanding current challenges and opportunities, and underscores the urgency of reviewing and optimizing every mile of our transportation operations.

Reinventing the business model

As industry leaders such as Shelly Simpson, President of J.B. Hunt, and Robert Sanchez, CEO of Ryder, have pointed out, the current business model has become obsolete. In discussions with manufacturers and visits to events, it's clear that optimizing transport operations is crucial to a successful energy transition. Gone are the days when fuel costs could simply be passed on to customers. Today, we need to rethink and optimize every aspect of the logistics chain.

The need for a Mixed Energy Park

A visit to the ACT Expo and the imposing presence of hydrogen demonstrate that the future of transport does not rest on a single solution. On the contrary, we're moving towards a mixed-energy park, where each type of vehicle and fuel will have its own strengths and drawbacks. This approach will ensure that the right vehicle is always used for the right application, maximizing efficiency and minimizing environmental impact.

Steps to Optimize Operations

1. Set up an energy analysis of the current fleet: It is essential to carry out a detailed analysis of the energy consumption of your current fleet. This analysis will create a baseline period, essential for measuring future improvements.
2. Select optimal recommendations: Based on the energy analysis, select the recommendations that will have the greatest impact on optimizing current operations. This includes managing driving habits, accessories, vehicle maintenance and route optimization.
3. Optimize with existing diesel trucks: Implement recommendations that are immediately applicable to your diesel trucks to achieve savings. For example, optimizing routes and managing driving habits can reduce fuel consumption and maintenance costs.
4. Identify candidates for electrification: Use the results of the analysis to select vehicles with high electrification potential. This approach enables a gradual integration of EVs into your fleet, minimizing disruption and maximizing economic benefits.

By following these steps, companies can not only reduce their ecological footprint, but also save money in the long term.

Ryder's report reminds us that the transition to electric vehicles requires a complete re-evaluation of the way we work. Speeches by Shelly Simpson and other industry leaders confirm the need for this transformation. Optimizing every kilometer we drive is key to making this transition a success. We need to adopt a flexible, hybrid approach, using the right vehicle for the right purpose, and gradually integrate clean technologies such as hydrogen and electric vehicles. By starting today, companies can not only reduce their ecological footprint, but also save money in the long term.

To read the full report, please consult the original document provided by Ryder.