Low Charging Costs Significantly Reduce Lifetime Cost of Ownership of Electric Vehicles for Fleet Operators, According to Pike Research

BOULDER, Colo.--()--Faced with pressure to reduce both the costs and the environmental impacts of their vehicles, fleet managers are seeking the most cost-effective ways to “green” their vehicle fleets while ensuring that operations continue to run smoothly. While a wide array of alternative vehicle options are now available on the market, many of them come with high upfront price premiums compared to traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. According to a recent report from Pike Research, a part of Navigant’s Energy Practice, the low “fuel cost” (i.e. cost of charging) of electric vehicles, including both plug-in hybrid and battery electric models, brings their total cost of ownership (TCO) to below those of conventional vehicles or other types of alternative fuel vehicles, offsetting the higher average vehicle prices.

Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) offer the lowest TCO of any of the 17 vehicles compared in the report, when taking into account the federal tax credit available for electric vehicle (EV) purchases.

“One of the primary benefits of BEVs is their very high efficiency compared to conventional ICE vehicles,” says senior research analyst Lisa Jerram. “BEVs also offer higher overall fuel efficiency than conventional hybrids and low electric range plug-in hybrids. That’s a major reason why battery electric vehicles have been experiencing a resurgence of automaker and consumer interest over the past few years, particularly for fleet operations.”

Fleet operators are more likely than consumers to focus on the total cost of ownership rather than just the upfront cost, making fleets an attractive early market for electric vehicles. Many government and utility fleets, which are often involved in testing vehicles, have already begun implementing Level 2 (up to 19.2 kilowatt) charging systems. Nevertheless, many fleet managers continue to see the cost of EV charging equipment as more of a concern than do the auto manufacturers.

The report, “Total Cost of Ownership of Alternative Fuel Vehicles for Fleet Operators”, provides a comparative TCO analysis across various alternative fuel vehicle categories including biodiesel, ethanol/flex-fuel, propane/autogas, compressed natural gas, stop-start, hybrid electric, plug-in hybrid electric, battery electric, and fuel cell vehicles. The primary focus is on fleet vehicles as they would operate in North America, with additional coverage provided for Western European vehicles and operations. Because each fleet’s experience is different, this report also includes a spreadsheet that can be customized with the fleet operator’s own data. An Executive Summary of the report is available for free download on the Pike Research website.

About Pike Research

Pike Research, which joined Navigant’s global Energy Practice on July 1, 2012, provides in-depth analysis of global clean technology markets. The team’s research methodology combines supply-side industry analysis, end-user primary research and demand assessment, and deep examination of technology trends to provide a comprehensive view of the Smart Energy, Smart Grid, Smart Transportation, Smart Industry, and Smart Buildings sectors. Additional information about Pike Research can be found at www.navigant.com/pikeresearch.

About Navigant

Navigant (NYSE: NCI) is a specialized, global expert services firm dedicated to assisting clients in creating and protecting value in the face of critical business risks and opportunities. Through senior level engagement with clients, Navigant professionals combine technical expertise in Disputes and Investigations, Economics, Financial Advisory and Management Consulting, with business pragmatism in the highly regulated Construction, Energy, Financial Services and Healthcare industries to support clients in addressing their most critical business needs. More information about Navigant can be found at www.navigant.com.

* The information contained in this press release concerning the report, “Total Cost of Ownership of Alternative Fuel Vehicles for Fleet Operators,” is a summary and reflects Pike Research’s current expectations based on market data and trend analysis. Market predictions and expectations are inherently uncertain and actual results may differ materially from those contained in this press release or the report. Please refer to the full report for a complete understanding of the assumptions underlying the report’s conclusions and the methodologies used to create the report. Neither Pike Research nor Navigant undertakes any obligation to update any of the information contained in this press release or the report.

Contacts

Pike Research
Richard Martin, +1.303.997.7609
richard.martin@navigant.com
Laverne Murach, +1.202.481.7336
laverne.murach@navigant.com

Release Summary

The low fuel cost of battery electric vehicles brings their total cost of ownership to below those of conventional vehicles or other types of alternative fuel vehicles, according to Pike Research.

Contacts

Pike Research
Richard Martin, +1.303.997.7609
richard.martin@navigant.com
Laverne Murach, +1.202.481.7336
laverne.murach@navigant.com