While the current ecosystem of gasoline and diesel vehicles is well-established and mature, the new model of electromobility introduces a series of challenges. These include new technologies, emerging brands, and the interaction of electric vehicles with existing infrastructure.
"Everything is new: brands, players, technology, autonomy, batteries, degradation," Jorge noted. Additionally, the operation of these vehicles requires more than just deploying EV chargers in homes. It also requires specialized driving practices and advanced information systems.
To tackle these challenges, a project approach that involves different departments within the organization is needed. Support from upper management is crucial as assigning responsibility solely to fleet or procurement personnel removes them from their daily responsibilities.
EV implementers need to learn by taking risks and then investigating matters. It is important that they feel comfortable with the hurdles of learning and adapting.
Also discussed during the interview was the diffusion and adoption of new technologies or to say how common electromobility solutions are being used today and whether it improves and facilitates work.
Currently, it is still unclear whether the electromobility solutions of today are mature enough for widespread adoption and that is why companies are still seeing internal resistance despite ESG mandates and environmental goals.
According to the executive, outsourcing is an important strategy as externalizing electrification projects allows for the leveraging of knowledge and taking advantage of the experience specialized companies have.
"Outsourcing electrification projects is key as you can compare and use benchmarks. This not only facilitates fleet management but enables faster and more efficient adoption of new technologies,” said Jorge.
Lastly, the executive highlighted the option of extending the useful life of vehicles by way of converting them to EVs as opposed to replacing them.
In countries like the United States and France, retrofitting is carried out with the support of the OEMs, a strategy that enables electrification at a lower cost and with quicker returns on investment.
