Since partnering with Merchants Fleet last year, their professional team members have provided excellent service and offered innovative solutions to address our unique needs. Merchants has proven to be a top-tier fleet management company, exceeding our expectations on all levels.”
Electric Vehicle Last Mile Solutions
Electric Vehicle Last Mile Solutions
Commercial electric vehicles (EVs) are being added to fleets at a growing rate for a myriad of reasons, from social responsibility to cost savings. The benefits of introducing EVs into fleets, also called fleet electrification, is a perfect match for the last mile delivery industry. EVs are ideal in cities and stop-and-go situations since they charge through regenerative braking.
In a regenerative braking system, a vehicle’s kinetic energy is converted into electrical energy and charges the battery when the brakes are applied.
Fleet Electrification Overview
There are many benefits to fleet electrification. When you convert your fleet to EVs, you’ll enjoy fewer service appointments, lower maintenance costs, and reduced downtime leading to an increase in productivity. EVs require less maintenance than gas-powered vehicles since they have fewer fluids to be replaced, and don’t contain as many moving parts as gas-powered engines. Merchants Fleet offers flexible leasing, renting, purchasing, and selling options to support your business and EV initiatives. Our EV-trained, industry-experienced, and extensive vendor network allows us to partner with businesses to maximize all aspects of their fleet.
Delivery/Logistics/Last Mile EV Types
There are a variety of EV delivery vans available, with more models in the pipeline from many manufacturers. Merchants Fleet has a large inventory of battery electric vehicles (BEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) from top OEMs such as Ford, GM, Tesla, and more. Browse the EV finder, which includes box trucks, trailer trucks, step vans, cargo vans, and other body styles.
BrightDrop Zevo 400
- Vehicle Type: Step Van
- Weight Class: 2
- Sub-Type: Light Duty
- Gross vehicle weight range (estimate): 7,000 pounds
- Electric Range: 250 miles
BrightDrop Zevo 600
- Vehicle Type: Step Van
- Weight Class: 2
- Sub-Type: Light Duty
- Gross vehicle weight range (estimate): 9,990 pounds
- Electric Range: 250 miles
EV Rental Program
We have a large inventory of EVs to choose from, with flexible monthly rates. Renting is a great way for a fleet manager to test how a new EV will work within their fleet without the risk of long-term commitment.
Unsure about which EVs are right for your fleet? Merchants can help you develop a customized fleet pilot program, which is a trial period that allows fleet managers to discover how to best incorporate EVs into their fleet.
Rental Program Details
- Delivery & Pick Up Included
- Maintenance Included
- 3,000 Free Miles Per Month / .25 Additional Miles
- Can Convert to A Long-Term Lease
- Flexible Terms Available
Vehicle Options
- Large Capacity [357 to 600 Cubic Feet]
- Box Trucks [16 Feet, 900 Cubic Feet]
- Pickups [½ and ¾ Ton, 6-Foot Beds]
You can compare EVs by price, range, type, and more with our EV Finder Tool.
EV Rent-to-Lease Program
The EV rent-to-lease is ideal for expanding existing routes and taking on new ones. With this exclusive program, you can rent an EV for immediate use and have the option to convert that vehicle to a long-term lease.
How It Works
- When transitioning to a long-term lease from a rental agreement, vehicle rental “credit” or past payments can be used toward lease fees or negotiated discounts.
- A long-term lease term will begin using agreed upon terms and a transition period to calculate the monthly lease payment
EV Leasing & Funding Program
Lease your vehicles through Merchants with flexible leasing and funding terms to fit your long-term delivery needs. When you lease, you only pay for the portion of the vehicle that you use and access a full suite of fleet management services, all in one simple package.
Benefits
- Available EVs Delivered Right to You
- Upfitting & Branding to Your Specifications
- Access To Fleet Software and Telematics to Manage Fleet
- Vehicle Acquisition, Tag and Title, and Remarketing Services Available
- Access to EV Fleet Expert Consulting
EV Purchase Program
Prefer to purchase your EVs outright? At Merchants Fleet, our vehicle inventory is updated regularly so you always have the latest selection to choose from. We can also deliver the vehicle directly to you!
Our purchase program includes:
- Easy, Fast Access to Commercial Vehicles
- Transportation & Financing Options Available
- Ability to Use Full Suite of Merchants Solutions With Purchased Vehicle
EV Own-to-Lease Program
Free up cash flow for your organization through Merchants Fleets’ Own-to-Lease Program. Merchants will purchase your organization’s current vehicles, providing a quick cash infusion through the sale. Those vehicles are then leased back to you with terms that make sense for the remaining useful life of the vehicles. The entire process is completed with minimal hassle without disrupting your organization’s day-to-day operations.
- Convert Owned Vehicles to Leases
- Consolidate Leases With One Provider
- Opportunity For Depreciation Schedules to Be Repositioned More Appropriately To Service Term
EV Sell Program
Sell your ICE vehicles and get a cash infusion that can be put towards EVs. Our GuaranteeBUY program can offer you a guaranteed price upfront for your vehicles. Our remarketing experts will assess your vehicle using their industry expertise and marketplace data to determine the appropriate value. Get cash now through our quick and easy process that saves you the hassle of selling at auction or other resale outlets. We can handle the resale process, and you can use the proceeds to start your EV journey.
EV Fleet Services
Charging
- Charging Station Location Support
- Seamless Fuel Charging to Fuel Management Cards
- Energy Management SupportMaintenance Support
- Ongoing Operations
- Remote Monitoring of Home/Office Charging Stations
- Implementation of EV Fleet Charging Infrastructure
Maintenance
- Nationwide Network of Service Providers
- Call Center With ASE-Certified Specialists and Trained EV Consultants
- Avoid Paying for Unnecessary Work
- Reduce Administrative Burden and Downtime
- Comprehensive EV Reporting Dashboard
Telematics
- Power Analytics to Support Your Business
- Manage Your Drivers in a Meaningful Way
- Manage Expenses, Productivity, Compliance, and Safety
- Easily Monitor Emissions, Speed and Idle Times, System Diagnostics, and Much More with Advanced Vehicle Data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is last mile delivery?
Last mile delivery is the last step in the delivery process in which an item is sent out from a local warehouse or fulfillment center for its final delivery to the customer.
What are the common challenges with last mile delivery?
Common challenges include staffing, route inefficiencies, high customer expectations, inflation, and more.
Are service or maintenance packages available?
We have developed a variety of service packages to meet your company’s needs. With our full maintenance program, you pay one fixed monthly payment, and we handle everything. The fee never changes, no matter how much we work on your fleet. Administered maintenance enables you to pay for repairs as you go. Reserve maintenance allows you to pay a fixed amount each month, and at the end of the lease term, all bills are reconciled, and the account is balanced. The final option is tailored maintenance, which is a customized solution for your fleet.
What is fleet telematics?
Telematics is an aftermarket GPS-tracking device that’s installed in a vehicle, which provides added insight into more detailed aspects of data, such as accurate odometer readings and driver behavior.
Experience what expert knowledge can do for
your fleet.
Speak with a Merchants Fleet expert about our total fleet solutions for your organization or industry.