January 22, 2025
Maximizing Efficiency in a PHEV Fleet: The Perks of Plugging In

5 Min. Read
As a fleet manager, you’ve likely considered how to reduce spending and save even more on mileage.
With plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), your goal of reducing your fleet’s fuel costs is possible. In fact, with the ability to rely on electricity, your fleet mileage costs can be reduced to mere pennies for the first 40 miles of every route. PHEVs combine an electric motor with a traditional gas-powered engine, providing an affordable and adaptable solution to rising operational costs.
However, capturing the real value of PHEVs lies in actively utilizing their electric range. Without regular charging and prioritizing electric miles, fleets miss out on the full potential of these hybrid electric vehicles.
To maximize your fleet’s return on investment (ROI) in electrification, it’s essential to equip your drivers with the right tools and incentives to prioritize electric miles over gas. In this article, we explore how you can maximize the efficiency of your PHEVs and ensure your drivers are taking advantage of the opportunity to plug-in to savings.
Access to PHEV Charging
In truth, making the most out of your PHEV fleet starts with strategic charging.
Since DC Fast charging—the fastest and most costly EV charging option—is incompatible with most PHEV models, Level 2 EV charging is the ideal charging option for your PHEV fleet. With a 20 kWh PHEV battery taking only one to two hours to fully charge, Level 2 EV charging translates to minimal downtime while still keeping your fleet ready to hit the road, although how you choose to implement a charging solution also matters.
With nearly 60,000 public charging locations available nationwide, Level 2 charging is widely accessible. However, private charging is often more convenient, whether through a central charging hub or at-home EV charging for fleets. Setting up home charging typically only requires minimal electric upgrades and is an excellent investment for transitioning to a fully electric fleet in the future as well.
Level 1 EV charging can also be a good alternative. This method relies on a standard dedicated 120V household outlet and doesn’t require any electric upgrades, although a licensed electrician should always inspect the outlet intended for this purpose to ensure it is safely connected. While this charging method is slower—taking 5-6 hours for a full charge—it is both cost-effective and simple to implement and can be a convenient short-term option.
Access to charging also means access to information about fleet charging solutions. For instance, an approved EV charging app can become a lifeline for you and your fleet. This simple tool will tell drivers where the nearest charging option is, how long charging will take, and how much electric range it will add. For home charging, this can also be achieved with smart EV chargers providing information to your company.
Incentives to Charge and Use Electric Range Over Gas Miles
PHEVs are mobile data centers—packed with sensors that track the amount of electric and gas miles driven. You can use this information to help motivate drivers to take advantage of the electric range their vehicle has to offer.
Turn fleet drivers into active electrification partners by creating a system that recognizes responsible driving and regular charging. Celebrate your top drivers who drive the most electric miles and achieve the lowest price per mile by rewarding their efforts with gift cards, bonuses, or other incentives, and encourage others to join in.
You could also adopt a tiered system to set clear goals and adopt an electric-first culture. For example, a driver could earn a tier-one reward if they complete 20% of their route with electric miles and unlock the next level of rewards once 30% of their route is electric.
Rewards will boost interest in maximizing electric ranges for your PHEV fleet vehicles. They will also foster consistency in the long run, encouraging drivers to take ownership of the miles driven.
Educate Drivers About Electrification
Educating and training your fleet drivers can also go a long way in supporting your fleet electrification goals.
Drivers who fully understand the benefits of prioritizing electric miles will be more likely to plug in consistently.
In addition to highlighting fuel savings, you can also draw attention to the fact that PHEVs cut greenhouse gas emissions by 37% on average compared to gas-powered vehicles, helping to create cleaner communities. Get drivers excited about improving the air quality in the communities where they live and work!
Turn your drivers into charging pros with hands-on training. A quick session is all it takes to cover the PHEV charging basics, including connector types, range calculations, and charging times.
PHEV Route Optimization
What if your drivers could leave in the morning with a detailed route plan that outlines when to use electric miles, when to switch to gas, and when and where to stop for a quick charging session during breaks or scheduled driving downtime?
This kind of organization is more accessible than you think, thanks to fleet route optimization software.
PHEVs are packed with sensors that collect meaningful data and can provide enhanced telematics. These data points, in addition to giving you deep insights into fleet performance, are valuable for incorporating electric and fuel ranges when planning routes.
Furthermore, with the right route optimization solution in place, fleet managers can also communicate last-minute changes to drivers to account for additional stops, traffic, or changes in weather.
Make PHEV Fleet Charging Accessible With Qmerit
PHEVs are an accessible EV fleet conversion solution that merges electric and gas miles for reduced fuel costs and improved flexibility and can be a great first step for fleets looking to save money without fully transitioning to electric vehicles.
To get the most out of PHEVs, your fleet needs a charging strategy that turns drivers into champions for change who actively plug in and drive as many electric miles as possible.
A good fleet charging infrastructure is crucial for achieving this goal. Qmerit can help you build one.
As the largest and most trusted electrification network in North America, our network of certified electricians has installed over 450,000 EV charging stations in homes and businesses across the U.S. and Canada.
We’ve earned our reputation as the most experienced and high-quality electrification service and EV charger installation network and can help make your transition easy with our experience and commitment to your business.
Find out how an electric vehicle fleet can help build your business for the future. With a simple and seamless installation experience and top-quality service you can trust, Qmerit makes driving electric easy no matter where your drivers need to charge.
Contact Qmerit today to learn how we can support your fleet electrification project and help you enjoy the benefits of a seamless EV experience without the typical complexities of EV charger installation.