For a business owner or fleet manager, transitioning away from diesel to a cleaner fuel can mean a big shift in operating procedures. Costs will shift in short term operations as well as the lifecycle of each vehicle purchase. Understanding the total cost of ownership (TCO) is the most important part of making alternative fuel vehicle purchase decisions.
Fleets in California are not only considering the transition to medium- and heavy-duty alternative fuel vehicles, many are making plans and researching which solution best fits their operations. Part of that research includes understanding the TCO for each of the different clean tech options currently available.
Critical factors for calculating TCO include vehicle procurement and maintenance costs, as well as asset life and fuel expenses. Fleets and businesses that are accustomed to traditional diesel fuel purchases often take fuel price volatility as a given. Alternative fuels offer a higher level of stability in lifecycle energy costs, and this is one key component of the total cost of ownership analysis.
Local, state, and federal governments also offer incentives for alternative fuel vehicles due to their tremendous air quality benefits. Strategically pursuing grant funding, rebates, and tax credits can have a significant impact on the total cost of ownership of cleaner fuel vehicles and infrastructure for fleets.
During an upcoming webinar, Valley Fleet Support and GNA will be taking a comprehensive look at TCO, what it means for fleets, how to start an analysis, and how to access available funding programs that can lower vehicle and infrastructure costs. Register today to find out the steps you need to take to transition your fleet to a lower-emission alternative.
