“I’m a lifelong surfer … an outdoor enthusiast and so the ocean environment has always been in my direct line of sight,” said Jay Collins, US-based senior vice president and general manager of EV and mobility at global fuel card brand WEX Inc.
Collins was speaking to Fleet News Group’s Caroline Falls from his US home for this podcast to talk about the big wave developing in EVs, and their role in building for a more sustainable future.
Click here to listen to the entire interview on Apple Podcasts.
The podcast also features a comment on the new US legislation — the Inflation Reduction Act — which includes significant incentives for EV adoption and charging infrastructure.
“This legislation increases the number of use cases that make EVs make sense for our customers, whether it’s for the purpose of sustainability, or for the total cost of ownership,” said Collins.
Collins said it’s a healthy mix of sustainability and technology that inspires him in his role in the WEX EV start-up styled unit.
“I’ve never felt the answer was to do nothing. And I believe that EVs, in particular commercial EVs, present a chance to really move the needle in terms of sustainability. And that inspires me.”
His unit is developing technology to help its fleet customers manage — using telematics and software — costs and reimbursements related to electric vehicles and EV charging.
On the task ahead for fleet managers: “Energy management and charging strategies will become a big part of a fleet manager’s job. In cases where fleets utilise a depot solution, the line between facilities and fleet manager might start to blur as it relates to energy and the potential need to install solar panels on a roof, or battery banks.”
“That same skill set that was used to figure out fuel efficiency and fuelling solutions will still be needed in the energy consumption space. So a lot of the skills that were used in the past will carry through, but a lot of new skills will be necessary. I think that’s going to be more around understanding energy versus just fuel.”
Mid August, US President Joe Biden signed new climate-friendly rules as part of the IRA that provides big tax credits for electric vehicles and new charging stations among other things.
The legislation is effective at year’s end. Among the credits, as much $US40,000 on commercial EVs, and up to US$100,00 for charging stations. There’s also credit for buyers of used EVs. The incentives make electrifying a fleet in the US more affordable than ever.
“We see the greatest impact is in fleets that are looking for total cost of ownership. This really tips the scales, at least in terms of trying an EV or two as part of their vehicle replacement plans.”
