There’s more to fleet management than simply getting your clients the vehicles they need. That’s why we have multiple EV adoption options available as part of our one-size-doesn’t-fit-all philosophy to electric vehicles.
We have the electric makes and models that you need, including battery electric vehicles (BEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs). Our fleet experts will provide a custom electric vehicle (EV) adoption plan best suited to meet your needs, including ordering, leasing, electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE), and financing.
We also offer ClearCharge™, simplified EV charging and infrastructure solutions for fleets of any size. ClearCharge enables commercial fleets to plan, develop, and implement Level 2 and 3 charging to meet the evolving needs of their business. Whether your fleet is looking to administer employee home charging, install EVSE for office or depot charging, or find a mobile charging solution, the ClearCharge program makes it simple.
We also offer traditional invoicing for EV charging, which means you don’t need a third-party charging agreement. We’ll simply provide a monthly invoice for all your costs, including EV charging infrastructure in addition to any other Merchants Fleet services and support.
| Leasing | Owning |
| Only Pay for the Portion of the Vehicle You Use | Pay for the Entire Cost of the Vehicle by Financing or in Cash |
| Lower Vehicle Acquisition Costs | Requires Significant Capital to Acquire Vehicles |
| Monthly Payment is Matched to Vehicle’s Market Depreciation | Monthly Payment is Not Typically Tied to Market Depreciation |
| Flexible Leasing Terms | Less Flexible Purchasing Terms |
| Short-Term Leasing Allows Temporary Scaling to Meet Peak/Seasonal Demands | Under-Utilized Vehicles Are Retained for Longer Periods and Can Be Difficult to Dispose |
| Save on Fuel and Maintenance Costs | Establish Equity |
| More Cash Flow Flexibility | More Budgeting and Forecasting Costs |
| More Control Over Vehicle Cycling for Lower Non-Preventive Maintenance Expenses | Longer Lifecycles, Which Can Increase Non-Preventive Maintenance Costs |
| Cost-Effective, Simple Way to Upgrade to Newer Models | Vehicles Are Cycled Less Often Because of High Investment Costs |
| Lower Monthly Payments | Higher Monthly Payments |
| Lessor Takes Care of Vehicle Disposal | Owner Must Arrange for Vehicle Disposal |
When leasing a fleet, you can also opt in to our fuel management and maintenance services. These will allow you to control fuel costs by providing drivers with fuel cards and ensure that routine maintenance is completed for preventive care.
By leasing, since you are able to spend less each month, your capital can be utilized elsewhere to grow your business. Depending on the type of lease you select, you will earn different financial benefits for your company. With the operating lease, you can obtain tax benefits by deducting 100% of your lease payments from your income statement. Or, you can claim depreciation and deduct the interest expense from your lease payments under a capital lease.
An open-end fleet lease gives you complete leasing structure flexibility. This option is ideal if you want a plan that is as close to vehicle ownership as possible, but with all the benefits of leasing.
You retain the equity in your vehicle, with a long-term structure to pay for your fleet. We have multiple options to help you customize your open-end lease to fit your fleet program.
Key Benefits:
A closed-end fleet lease gives you a one-stop, fleet budgeting solution. When you sign a closed-end lease with Merchants Fleet, you control your costs and minimize risks. You never have to worry about market price volatility, rate fluctuations, or seasonal resale influences. At the end of your closed-end lease, you will only be responsible for excess mileage and damages.
Key Benefits:
Our short-term fleet leases include flexible terms for as little as 3 months up to 1 year.
If you have a seasonal business, a short-term fleet leasing program is a cost-effective, no-strings-attached solution. Our lease programs include skipped payment options, so you won’t be billed during your off season.
Key Benefits:
You also have the option to convert your short-term lease into a long-term lease with our Rent-To-Lease program. Use a rental for immediate needs and convert that same vehicle to a long-term lease later, while keeping your driver on the road and avoiding the rental counter. This program is exclusive to Merchants and is ideal for expanding existing routes and taking on new ones.
How it works:
When brand-new vehicles aren’t necessary, you can lease used, low-mileage vehicles for your fleet and realize significant savings.
Key Benefits:
When you go through a leasing partner or a fleet management company, your organization will have a better opportunity to find discounts and incentives on vehicles. These partners have relationships with auto manufacturers that can result in volume discounts and negotiated services that save you both time and money.
If you’re considering fleet electrification, explore federal funding and financing programs, and research tax credits and incentives in your own state.
An important tip: Many grants and other financial incentives will often require an application to be submitted months in advance. Your utility provider might offer specific EV charging incentives for your area, you or your fleet management partner should be checking for available incentives before you break ground on your project.
We are able to source exactly the type of fleet vehicle you need, customized to fit your specifications. Access virtually any make or model, from alternative-fuel vehicles to sedans, trucks, vans, and buses.
= EV Options
Manufacturers:
Are you happy with your contract? Our fleet re-leasing option lets you extend your current terms in six-month increments for up to two years.
You can keep the vehicles you like, often at significant savings, and continue receiving top-notch service and support from our expert team.
Our fleet remarketing programs are designed to maximize your return, whether it is for one vehicle or an entire fleet. We offer two different remarketing options:
If your company owns a fleet of cars and needs to free up capital, our Own-to-Lease program is a great option.
Key Benefits:
Choosing between leasing and buying your fleet will require you to answer several questions including:
Our fleet experts can help you answer these questions. After reviewing your company’s history of financing, safety, liability, maintenance, and other factors, we will clearly define which fleet solution is right for you.
“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.”
“My experience has been one of overwhelming delight. Merchants facilitates the expansion of Novus Ag business possibilities with their experienced professional staff by engaging in supporting activities. Allowing Novus Ag to lease short term vehicles while factory ordering enables us to save tens of thousands while immediately placing the employee in a high-quality truck. From permitting Novus to lease agricultural, material handling assets, to fuel and maintenance programs, we consider them a valuable partner.”
“Floor Coverings International is proud to partner with Merchants Fleet. Their responsiveness and consultative approach has been beneficial to us and our franchise partners.”
Our national footprint allows us to service clients all over the United States. No matter the size of your fleet, we’re ready to help you find a management solution that works for your business. From flexible leasing and comprehensive maintenance to innovative telematics and cost-saving fuel management, we’ll create a tailored plan to meet your needs.
We are happy to help! Contact us to speak with one of our fleet experts.
Leave us a message and we'll get back to you. If you need to to speak with us immediately, visit our Contact page.
