Ford Launches E-Switch Assist To Help Fleets Go EV
Ford Launches E-Switch Assist To Help Fleets Go EV
Posted on November 3, 2024
Many commercial fleet operators are already experiencing the benefits of all-electric vehicles, particularly in reducing operating costs, yet some still hesitate to make the switch. To ease this transition, Ford Pro—a division focused on commercial needs—continues to innovate, offering a range of free resources and addressing common concerns about electric vehicles (EVs). Ford Pro understands that fleet operations have different requirements than individual consumers, which is why they are introducing new tools designed specifically for commercial and government fleet managers.
The latest addition to Ford Pro’s lineup is E-Switch Assist, a tool aimed at helping business and government clients assess their EV readiness. E-Switch Assist provides data-driven insights to identify which internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles in a fleet might be prime candidates for transitioning to electric alternatives. By analyzing connected vehicle data, this tool compares the energy usage of existing ICE models with the estimated energy needs of similar EV models, offering tailored recommendations for an informed, confident shift to electric.
E-Switch Assist goes beyond a simple energy comparison, factoring in key operational details like cargo type, travel distances, driving terrain, climate, cabin heating load, and driver behavior. This sophisticated analysis even estimates the number of charges each EV would require, offering a realistic outlook on day-to-day use. So far, Ford Pro has evaluated over 38,000 commercial vehicles and found that 53 percent are suitable for an electric transition. E-Switch Assist is a free, web-based tool available to users across the U.S., UK, France, Italy, Germany, Spain, Norway, and the Netherlands, giving fleet managers easy access to valuable insights at no additional cost.
Tools like E-Switch Assist are crucial to fostering confidence in EV adoption for commercial fleets, as Nathan McDonald, EV Strategy and Brand Manager at Ford Pro, explains: “Smart tools informed by data like E-Switch Assist are opening up many new conversations with our commercial customers large and small about EV readiness; we’re already using E-Switch Assist regularly in consultations to help organizations determine if electric trucks and vans are right for them.” This approach transcends the goal of selling EVs; it helps change perspectives on electric vehicles, proving that EVs are not only practical but can also deliver substantial savings in time and money for fleet operations.