Companies worldwide are moving sustainability to the top of their to do list. In fact, a Honeywell report from Q4 of 2023 found that 75% of companies across industries noted environmental sustainability as the most important corporate initiative going into 2024, up from 65% going into 2023. While there is no one-size fits all approach when it comes to creating sustainability strategies, adding electric vehicles (EVs) to fleets is an easy, efficient and cost-effective goal to include.
Zero emissions, full power
While the environmental benefits of switching to electric have always been front and center, a concern that EVs are less capable than their traditional combustion engine counterparts hold many back from making the switch. This same hesitation flows over to operations moving toward electric utility vehicles (UTVs), which are known for their payload and towing capabilities, as well as maneuverability and power across various terrain. The idea that EVs are less capable is simply not true. And that includes electric UTVs. In fact, electric powertrains can deliver more horsepower, precise control and nearly instant torque, making them ideal for utility tasks like hauling and towing.
Plus, the quiet electric powertrain means easier communication with coworkers without needing to turn off the motor, increasing crew and greater situational awareness. Quiet operation further increases jobsite efficiencies through the ability to work without disrupting those nearby, making it an especially ideal addition for construction crews, as well as landscape and grounds maintenance professionals that often work during the early morning or late-night hours.
Maintenance minimized
Durability is key to driving productivity and profitability, and vehicles with minimal maintenance require less labor time and, in turn, less costs and less downtime. Work UTVs are engineered with long-lasting and robust components that stand up against tough jobsite duty cycles and adverse environment conditions, decreasing breakdowns and increasing uptime.
Electric work UTVs are engineered with the same durable components, while also having an advanced drivetrain that features fewer moving parts for lower maintenance needs. With the amount of maintenance on EV models being significantly reduced compared to internal combustion UTVs, companies can further optimize operations by going electric. For example, there are no engine oil changes, filter replacements, coolant flushes, spark plugs or clutch maintenance to worry about with an electric UTV. The primary maintenance to be performed at the specified intervals are transmission and front drive fluid changes, as well as maintaining wear items such as tires and brakes. Minimal maintenance means reduced maintenance costs.
Battery types can also play a role in an EV’s productivity levels and overall cost. For example, EVs that incorporate lithium-ion batteries are often designed to last a vehicle’s lifetime, eliminating battery worries and providing more time to focus on getting the job done.
Accessible sustainability
When factoring in average maintenance and repair costs, along with yearly driving and idling time into the overall operational expenses, electric vehicles are one of the lowest total cost vehicles to operate annually. And while more and more companies are investing in sustainability initiatives (including energy efficiencies to reduced emissions to recycling practices) keeping costs at bay remains a key focus for business success.
Additionally, with many electric UTVs and EVs in general, companies don’t need to invest in new infrastructure, making the integration into current fleets that much easier. With the right UTV, convenient charging options are designed to fit any electrification infrastructure, or lack thereof. EV batteries that can be charged by a standard wall outlet, for instance, provide easy overnight charging and can also be charged by a similarly powered generator for remote jobsites.
A sustainable future
As organizations across industries continue to put sustainability initiatives at the forefront, it’s important to evaluate every facet that can make an impact. It’s not about going all in with green immediately; that’s not feasible for most organizations. Instead, evaluate every new purchase as assets changeover. For fleet managers, it’s important to understand that the right UTV can also replace full-size vehicles in many applications, and electric UTVs are far less expensive to operate and maintain. Investing in one practice at a time, like reducing emissions with EVs, will make significant changes. With zero emissions, electric work UTVs will meet sustainability regulations across jobsites. What’s more, they do it with greater horsepower, near instant torque and minimal maintenance, making it a switch that makes both sustainable and financial sense.
