Merchants Fleet, a fast growing fleet management company, announced March 31 its alignment to offer services to clients with ChargePoint, an electric vehicle (EV) charging network. 

As automakers and large fleet operators invest in electrification, the number of available light and medium duty electric vehicles is expected to increase, ensuring that fleets will have access to the types of vehicles they need to electrify. As the electrification movement surges forward, charging infrastructure has emerged as the all-important link that will connect all components to ensure its success. 

“Merchants is laying the groundwork and building an extensive collaboration network to enable and accelerate fleet electrification,” said Hari Nayar, Director of Electrification & Sustainability at Merchants Fleet. “Our collaboration with companies like ChargePoint is part of our broad strategy of creating a vehicle and charging ecosystem for our clients; thereby enabling seamless adoption and integration of electric vehicles into fleet operations.”  

Richard Mohr, vice president of fleet solutions at ChargePoint, said, “As more fleets realize the benefits of electrifying — cost reductions and operational efficiencies — it becomes increasingly crucial that organizations are equipped with a robust set of networked charging solutions that meet individual fueling needs. To help reduce energy costs and optimize fleet operations at every turn, fleets with business-critical vehicles require smart assets and power management provided through a combination of hardware solutions backed by consistent software service support. Consumer behavior shifting and the need for last-mile deliveries increasing.” 

This announcement comes on the heels of a recent report from Merchants of their intent to buy 12,600 light commercial electric cargo vans from BrightDrop, a new business from GM, and additional orders from EV startups. Merchants aims to have 50% of its mobility fleet portfolio electric by 2025, and 50% of its managed fleet portfolio fully electric by 2030.

The company has officially launched Electrify Fleet, an innovative ecosystem of OEM and infrastructure partners, in collaboration with Merchants Fleet sustainability experts, designed to provide resources and insights to help clients make a seamless and cost-effective entry into EV.   

For companies interested in understanding EVs and charging, Merchants will be hosting an educational webinar with Hari Nayar, director of electrification and sustainability at Merchants Fleet and Scott Miller, head of Fleet Sales North America at ChargePoint on April 1.