As renewable energy technologies have improved, and as climate change concerns have spread, businesses worldwide are aligning their strategies with sustainability. From waste reduction programs to renewable energy investments, companies are taking notable strides to diminish their carbon footprint. One of the most significant transformations underway is the rapid pivot towards electric vehicles (EVs), a revolution that is now spreading beyond just personal transportation by making substantial inroads to commercial fleets. This shift to electric mobility holds a prominent role in curbing carbon emissions, marking the dawn of an environmentally responsible era.

 

As a front-runner in the realm of EV charging solutions, Enel X Way is wholeheartedly committed to fostering this transition. We recognize the potential of electric mobility to sculpt a sustainable future and dedicate ourselves to offering comprehensive commercial charging solutions, facilitating the shift to EVs. This article aims to shed light on the top commercial EVs available for businesses today, delving into key metrics such as cost, range and charging speed.

 

The imperative shift to EVs

Transportation is one of the leading contributors to global carbon emissions, with commercial fleets bearing a significant portion of this burden. As international governments and organizations strive to achieve emission reduction targets, the transition to EVs is not just a proactive step—it's an absolute necessity.

 

Yet, the adoption of EVs extends beyond the environmental sphere. Businesses reap tangible benefits that surpass the boundaries of sustainability. Electric commercial vehicles, with their substantially lower operating costs compared to traditional internal combustion engines (ICE), stand as a prudent choice for businesses looking to decrease their total cost of ownership. Fuel expenses, a significant cost driver for fleets, can be drastically reduced with EVs. The per-mile electricity costs typically fall below half of those for gasoline or diesel vehicles, promising significant savings over the vehicle's lifespan.

 

Moreover, the shift to EVs allows businesses to bolster their public image. In an era marked by heightened consumer consciousness about environmental issues, organizations demonstrating a commitment to sustainability are more likely to earn their trust and loyalty.

 

As a pioneer in this transition, Enel X Way provides comprehensive charging solutions that render the switch to electric fleets seamless and efficient. Our offerings range from installing and maintaining EV charging stations to advanced software platforms for real-time fleet monitoring and optimization—positioning us to support businesses at every step of their journey towards electric mobility.

 

A primer on commercial EVs

The commercial EV market has made impressive strides in recent years. Manufacturers are unveiling a vast array of electric models tailored to cater to diverse business needs, from light delivery vans to heavy-duty trucks. The options for electrifying commercial fleets have never been more abundant or more potent.

 

Modern commercial EVs offer increased range, swift charging times, and utility on par with traditional ICE vehicles. Their immediate torque delivery enables electric commercial vehicles to keep pace with traffic effortlessly, enhancing safety and efficiency. They are also ideally suited for routine, predictable routes, making them an excellent choice for businesses operating within a fixed radius or along established routes.

 

As we delve into the top commercial EVs available today, it's vital to remember that transitioning to an electric fleet involves more than selecting the right vehicles. It demands a holistic approach that encompasses the necessary charging infrastructure and ongoing fleet management. Enel X Way is prepared to guide businesses through this transition, ensuring that the shift to electric mobility contributes positively to their profitability and the environment.

 

Top 5 commercial electric vehicles

With this groundwork laid, let's explore the leading commercial EVs that businesses can consider when looking to electrify their fleets. Because they’re optimized for serving different purposes, your top choice could be any of them: the companies that are interested in purchasing semi-trucks probably won’t be interested in cargo vans, and vice-versa. So this list shouldn’t be thought of as a ranking from best to worst, and your best option might be towards the end!

 

1. Tesla Semi

The brand-new Tesla Semi promises to redefine shipping. With a range of 300 to 500 miles depending on the model, this all-electric semi-truck is designed to deliver both long-haul capabilities and significant savings. Tesla's proprietary Supercharger Network enables rapid charging, allowing the Semi to gain an 70% charge in 30 minutes. The total cost of ownership is also projected to be lower than for diesel counterparts, after factoring in savings from fuel and maintenance costs. However, the up-front cost—which is $250,000, for the standard Class 8 model—remains high, for now.

 

2. Ford F-150 Lightning Pro

Designed specifically for commercial customers, the all-electric Ford F-150 Lightning Pro offers a dual-motor 4x4 system, providing 426 horsepower and an EPA-estimated range of 240 miles. It comes with an 80-amp Ford Charge Station Pro, allowing overnight charging for fleet operation; however, Enel X Way JuiceBox chargers can bring this charging time down from ten hours to just seven! Ford's telematics system aids in managing electric fleets and scheduling charging times to take advantage of low electricity costs. Additionally, it can recharge up to 80% in just 30 minutes by utilizing its 155 kW DC fast charging port. The current retail price begins at $60,000.

 

3. General Motors' BrightDrop EV600

General Motors' BrightDrop EV600 is an all-electric light commercial vehicle built for goods delivery. It boasts an estimated range of up to 250 miles on a full charge. The EV600 can charge up to 170 miles of range per hour via DC fast charging. The vehicle also includes advanced safety features and optional software-enabled services, making fleet management more efficient. It currently sells for $85,000.

 

4. Mercedes-Benz eSprinter

The Mercedes-Benz eSprinter is a fully electric van built for urban operations. With a variety of body styles and customizable features, the eSprinter can be tailored to meet specific business requirements. Utilizing a new commercial vehicles-specific EV platform housing a 113 kWh battery, the eSprinter can recharge from 10% to 80% in about 42 minutes with fast charging and is expected to have a range close to 200 miles. It starts at $52,000.

 

5. Ford e-Transit

The Ford e-Transit is an all-electric commercial van aimed at urban operations, the base model being equipped with a 77 kWh battery and a 266 horsepower rear-mounted electric motor. It boasts an EPA-estimated range of 126 miles, and can be charged from 15% to 80% in about 34 minutes using a DC fast charger. For the latter half of 2023, commercial customers can order an extended range model that increases range to 186 miles and upgrades th onboard charger to accept up to 19.2 kW with a compatible Level 2 charging station. Equipped with Ford's Pro Power Onboard technology for powering tools and additional equipment, and offering advanced fleet management tools, the e-Transit is priced from $45,000.

 

The revolution in commercial vehicles is here, and these top five electric vehicles represent some of the most capable, versatile, and efficient options available today. Each comes with unique features and capabilities, to suit a variety of business needs.

 

The role of Enel X Way and charging infrastructure

Transitioning to an electric fleet is more than a strategic move; it's an investment in our collective future. As businesses, we have a crucial role to play in mitigating the effects of climate change, and switching to electric vehicles is one of the most effective ways we can reduce our carbon footprint.

 

Enel X Way, as a global leader in the energy sector, recognizes the significance of this transition. In light of this, we have developed a suite of solutions that cater to the end-to-end needs of EV fleet management. Our e-Mobility services are designed to make the transition to electric mobility smooth, efficient, and beneficial for businesses.

 

In fact, we are committed to deploying over two million EV charge ports in North America by 2030, including over 10,00 DC public charging stations, in support of the NEVI program. This ambitious expansion into public charging markets is geared to capitalize on our successful track record in home and commercial charging markets, and to boost the deployment of accessible Enel X Way chargers across the region. We hope this will encourage a faster, smoother, and wider transition to electric mobility.

 

A critical aspect of managing an EV fleet is the charging infrastructure. Enel X Way's EV charging solutions are designed to cater to diverse requirements, from fast-charging stations for quick top-ups to slower, overnight charging setups. Our charging infrastructure is smart and connected, enabling real-time monitoring and optimization of charging cycles, further improving efficiency.

 

Enel X Way's charging solutions extend beyond the hardware. Our advanced software platforms offer detailed analytics and insights into your fleet's performance, helping you optimize routes, schedule charging during off-peak hours, and leverage the full potential of your electric fleet. Additionally, Enel X Way's charging solutions are designed with scalability in mind. As your business grows and your fleet expands, our infrastructure can be easily scaled up to meet your growing needs, ensuring that your transition to an electric fleet remains smooth and uninterrupted.

 

In several countries, government incentives and tax breaks further support businesses in adopting EVs. For instance, the U.S. federal government provides tax credits for EV charging infrastructure, and many states offer additional incentives. Enel X Way can guide businesses in navigating these incentives, ensuring they leverage all available opportunities to make their transition to electric mobility economically beneficial.

 

What’s in your business’s future?

The path to fleet electrification is more accessible than ever. With an increasing number of commercial EVs available and comprehensive support services like those provided by Enel X Way, businesses can confidently make the switch.

 

As we look towards the future, we envision a world where clean, electric mobility is the norm rather than the exception. Enel X Way is committed to making this vision a reality by providing comprehensive, robust, and efficient EV charging solutions to businesses worldwide. By choosing to electrify your fleet, you're not just making a sound business decision, you're also contributing to a sustainable and environmentally friendly future.

 

It's time to power your business with electric mobility and contribute to a cleaner, greener future. Start your journey towards sustainable mobility with Enel X Way today.