Step 8

Begin vehicle and charging infrastructure procurement

Questions

Understand purchasing requirements and restrictions
- Research your organization's requirements for new vehicles (e.g., do all vehicles have to be purchased from a pre-approved list or manufacturer?)
- Some grants or funding programs have approved equipment lists for vehicles and charging equipment.
- Check with your utility, vehicle manufacturer, and charging equipment provider to ensure all equipment is compatible.
Bring in the larger interdepartmental team at your organization and specifically work with Procurement to understand the supplier base, obtain internal alignment on vendor selection, develop an RFP and obtain competitive bids.
Determine the specific timing for ordering and installing charging infrastructure, including on-site solar and battery storage.
- Ensure that equipment is delivered and operational before vehicles are delivered.
- Manage timelines to ensure that equipment is operational to meet longer-term milestones in the overall timeline created in Step 5.
Negotiate with suppliers on vehicle availability, pricing, warranty, and maintenance.
Obtain internal approvals on capital funding and project.
Apply for the required make ready buildout for the site with the utility.

Progress Bar

number used to calculate progress bar

Leasing can keep you on top of current technology by replacing EVs every few years, but this often has a higher total cost of ownership. You also will be unable to capture accurate total cost of ownership if you do not hold vehicles for their entire lifetime.
Once you have an idea of who your vehicle supplier might be, the vehicle manufacturer can become a valuable resource during the electrification process if you have additional questions about your specific scenario.
If a fleet operator is not part of the procurement process, consider creating an in-house manager position to help with charging and educating.

The Journey