Navigating the challenges of electric fleet transition – transitioning mower fleets from fuel to electric – has been growing in popularity among organisations who want to lower their carbon footprint and reach their sustainability goals, or those who contract to them. However, this transition often encounters hurdles that make it more complex.
Strategies for leveraging capital expenditure (CapEx) versus operating expenditure (OpEx) models can be useful, but requires a willingness to challenge the status quo.
Leasing versus buying electric commercial mowers Traditionally, purchasing commercial mowers has been the norm for many contractors acquiring fleet equipment. However, leasing presents a viable alternative that can support a faster transition.
By shifting from purchasing equipment to leasing agreements, you can mitigate the upfront CapEx burden, opting for a more manageable OpEx model – especially when you have insufficient capital expenditure budgeted to allow for purchasing the new electric fleet equipment you need to fulfil contract obligations.
EcoTeq Sales Manager Braden Light said that while his customers in facility management and landscape contracting may find it cheaper to buy an electric mower outright in the long-term, it’s typically easier to hire for shorter-term contracts. Many choose to leverage OpEx budgets through leasing agreements to do so.
Braden reflects on this growing trend where organisations are increasingly using OpEx budgets to bring electric vehicles into their fleets. While the long-term costeffectiveness of outright purchases may seem appealing – especially from a Total Cost of Ownership perspective – bureaucratic processes, paperwork trails and the potential risks associated with contract rollovers not proceeding highlight the advantages of an OpEx model, especially in the short term.
Service and maintenance
It’s well established that electric mowers require far less ongoing maintenance and very little servicing. But even so, it’s important to be clear on your approach.
When leasing a mower, the costs of any maintenance work or repairs can be channelled through the leasing company. And while some in the industry do this, Braden found many contractors prefer to come directly to EcoTeq for servicing. It avoids any duplication of effort for no real gain.
“By going direct, within 24-48 hours you can get a solution. It’s much quicker for servicing and maintenance,” said Braden.
Get started with your green fleet transition
Offering Australia’s largest range of electric zero-turn commercial mowers, EcoTeq’s mission is to support like-minded organisations in transitioning their mowing and outdoor-maintenance fleets for a cleaner, safer future – without compromise to performance and productivity.
Request a no-obligation consultation with a product solutions specialist to get started on your green fleet transition. Call EcoTeq on 1800 100 150 or visit ecoteq.com.au.
