Electric Vehicles - Are They Ready for the Field Service Industry?

April 28, 2023

Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming increasingly popular as the technology improves and charging infrastructure is developed. However, EVs are not yet common in the field service industry, due largely to range anxiety and lack of appropriate charging infrastructure.

Range anxiety is the fear that an EV will run out of power before reaching its destination, leaving the driver stranded. This is a real concern for field service technicians, who often travel long distances and may not have access to charging stations.

Lack of Appropriate Charging Infrastructure: One of the biggest challenges facing EVs is the lack of appropriate charging infrastructure. There are very few public chargers available, and those that do exist are often incompatible with different EV models. This makes it difficult for field service companies to deploy EVs, as they cannot rely on their technicians to have access to reliable charging stations.

With continued advances in technology and increased investment in infrastructure, electric vehicles are expected to play a larger role in the field service industry in the years to come.

Advantages and Disadvantages of EVs in Field Service

The debate over whether electric vehicles (EVs) are ready for the field service industry is one that has been ongoing for some time. There are pros and cons to both sides of the argument and it can be difficult to decide which is right for your business. In this article, we will take a closer look at the advantages and disadvantages of EVs in field service to help you make a more informed decision.

Advantages:

Increased efficiency – One of the biggest advantages of EVs is that they are much more efficient than traditional petrol or diesel vehicles. This means that you will be able to get more work done in a shorter period, which can lead to increased profits for your business.
Reduced emissions – Another advantage of EVs is that they produce far less emissions than traditional petrol or diesel vehicles. This means that you can do your part to help reduce pollution and improve air quality, which is good for both the environment and your reputation.
Low running costs – Perhaps the biggest advantage of EVs is that they have very low running costs. This is because they require less maintenance than traditional petrol or diesel vehicles and also because there is no need to purchase fuel (electricity is much cheaper than petrol or diesel).

Disadvantages:

Limited range – One of the main disadvantages of EVs is their limited range compared to traditional petrol or diesel vehicles.

Safety Concerns with Electric Vehicles

Electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular, but there are still some safety concerns that need to be considered before they can be widely used in the field service industry. One of the biggest concerns is that electric vehicles can be easily damaged by water or other fluids if they come into contact with live electrical circuits. This could pose a serious safety hazard for field service workers who may not be aware of the danger. Additionally, electric vehicles can also generate a lot of heat when they are being charged, which could present another fire hazard.

Another safety concern that has been raised about electric vehicles is that they could potentially be hacked and used to steal sensitive data or disable critical infrastructure. This is a real possibility given the growing popularity of electric vehicles and the fact that many of them are connected to the internet. While there have been no reported cases of this happening so far, it is something that security experts are keeping an eye on.

As the number of electric vehicles (EVs) on the road continues to grow, so does the need for effective EV management in field service. Several challenges come with managing EVs, from charging and range anxiety to maintenance and repair. But with the right solutions in place, EVs can be a valuable asset for any field service business.

Here are some smart solutions for successful EV management in field service:

Use GPS tracking to manage charging and range anxiety: GPS tracking can be used to monitor an EV’s battery level and charge status in real-time, which can help alleviate range anxiety. It can also be used to plan efficient routes that minimize the risk of getting stranded without a charge.

Implement a preventative maintenance program: Preventative maintenance is key to keeping EVs in good working condition. A preventative maintenance program can help identify potential issues before they become serious problems.

Use mobile apps and other digital tools to streamline communication and scheduling: Digital tools can make it easier to communicate with EV owners and schedule charging and maintenance appointments. Mobile apps can also provide helpful information about charging locations and real-time traffic conditions.

Electric vehicles have become increasingly popular due to their environmental and financial benefits. While some challenges need to be addressed, the potential for electric vehicles in the field service industry is undeniable. As technology continues to advance, we will likely see advancements in both electric vehicle manufacturing and associated charging infrastructure which can then help usher in a more sustainable future for the world of field service operations.