Is ~150 mile range adequate for a fleet vehicle ?

[cadblu]

Slate has often suggested in their media reveals that their vehicles would be perfect for fleet sales, e.g. delivery services, home repair contractor, property management, commercial plumbing, HVAC and electrical contractors, etc.

The Slate sanctioned commercial “Human Grade” presents an entertaining story on a “family-run” business.…



The question remains, is the standard range adequate for commercial/ fleet usage? My take is that even the larger battery might be a bit strained in a heavy use case.

Wondering if there are serious concerns for those considering a Slate for small business ventures.

 

[Johnny-Longtorso]

I would say it depends on the area - for something like an appliance repair company that should be more than adequate in most metro areas.

I would say the more rural the service area of a given fleet the less likely this is a good match.

But then you can have a mixed fleet - something like the Slate would be an idea "parts runner"

 

[Luxrage]

Plugging in some numbers out of curiosity, it takes about 15 miles to go from one end of my town to the other, so a 30 mile round trip. They'd be getting about 5 round trips on a full charge.

I wouldn't be surprised if the MO at most fleet sites would be to plug the thing in whenever it's not in use, that's what they do at my work with the powered pallet jacks and forklifts if they remember to.

I've got to drop off some used fluids at O'Reilly's later this week, I'll have to ask how often they use those parts runners there.

 

[cadblu]

It’s been my experience is that nobody remembers to plug in and recharge pallet jacks, forklifts, etc. And when it’s time for you to use it, the charge is nearly empty. This mindset needs to change with a Slate in your fleet.

 

[catiare]

The Rivian Amazon vans are 153 & 161 miles of range. So perhaps 150ish is the magic numbers manufacturers are aiming for these commercial application.

 

[JeffVA]

Depends on many factors. You should only charge these batteries to 80% which means 120 miles. Below 32 is May only be half that which will still work for many businesses. Larger battery would be better.

 

[TRP]

You need to keep in mind the EPA estimates are a combined city and high way driving. Most fleet drivers/pats runners/whatever would be city driving. City driving will net higher ranges than ICE vehicles because there's no idling. Add in regenerative braking and 150 miles would be just fine. Charge up over night and repeat.

As an example my Mach E AWD gets 2.8 on the highway at 75 and I can get 5.2 easily in the city

 

[Shay]

If your daily use is less than 150 miles,……yes. The Amazon electric delivery vans which are ubiquitous in my home city have about a 150 mile range.

 

[Slater]

I think it’s enough for contractors like plumbing, electrical, air conditioning, in which you need to bring your tools to a job site. It is not enough for rideshare or delivery services being on the go all day. And generally the usable range is around 50% of the advertised range, for those that charge to 80% and run it down to 20% and accounting 10% loss for less than perfect driving and conditions. So the small battery is good for about 75miles, maybe up to 100 miles, before recharging.