Selecting the right vehicles for your fleet

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Newsletter 35

versión en espa?ol: Seleccionando los vehículos adecuados para su flota?

vers?o em português: Selecionando os veículos certos para sua frota

by Daniel Bland, October 23, 2024

Fleet Mobility Today

Opting for bigger or smaller vehicles in your fleet depends on several factors and among the key determiners to consider (besides cost) are safety, fuel economy, environmental impact, and practicality.?

For those who grew up in the United States like I did, have you traveled to other countries and noticed how small the cars are? And for those from Europe, Latin America or Asia, you have probably noticed the opposite when visiting the United States.?

So, what is better? Bigger and Heavier or Smaller and Lighter ?

Safety?

Heavier vehicles like SUVs or pickups generally offer better protection in crashes due to the increased distance from the front of the vehicle to the occupant compartment, which absorbs more crash energy. They also tend to continue moving forward when colliding with lighter vehicles, putting less force on the occupants.?

However, these vehicles can be more dangerous to pedestrians and bicyclists because of their higher front ends, which hit higher on the body and are more likely to cause severe injuries, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).?

Smaller and lighter vehicles are at a disadvantage in crashes with larger ones due to basic physics as a heavier vehicle exerts less force on its occupants and more on the lighter counterpart.?

Regardless, smaller vehicles are much safer today than in the past thanks to advancements in crash protection and the alignment of energy-absorbing structures between larger vehicles and cars. Considering these aspects, there are still some modern small cars which can achieve good safety ratings in standard tests.?

Fuel Efficiency?

In general, heavier vehicles consume more fuel due to their size and weight. However, automakers have made strides in improving fuel economy without compromising safety, using technology like electric and hybrid vehicles, and more efficient internal combustion engines.?

Also keep in mind that electric and hybrid vehicles may offer an added safety advantage due to the extra weight of their batteries, which can absorb crash energy.?

In terms of smaller cars, they generally have better fuel economy due to their lower weight, making them more efficient. However, fuel efficiency gains from reducing weight can come at a cost to safety unless done selectively.?

Focusing on cutting weight from your heaviest vehicles rather than cutting weight across your entire fleet could be a good option, says IIHS.

Environmental Impact?

Larger and heavier vehicles generally emit more greenhouse gases due to their higher fuel consumption but choosing an electric or hybrid SUV can mitigate this impact. Smaller cars typically have lower emissions and are better for the environment in terms of fuel consumption.?

Practicality?

If you need extra passenger space, cargo capacity, or off-road capability, larger vehicles are better suited. They're great for families or for drivers who frequently transport goods.?

On the other hand, when it comes to smaller vehicles, they are easier to park and navigate in urban areas, and generally have lower maintenance costs. They're ideal if you don’t need the extra space or capabilities of a larger vehicle.?

Recommendation?

For Safety and Versatility, a midsize SUV or crossover might be a balanced choice. It has better fuel efficiency than large SUVs or trucks and it is safer for occupants in crashes when compared to smaller cars.?

For Fuel Economy and Environment, a hybrid or electric vehicle in a midsize or small car class would be a good fit. These vehicles are more fuel-efficient, and eco-friendly but may sacrifice some safety in crashes with larger vehicles.?

If Pedestrian Safety is a Concern, consider a lower-profile vehicle like a sedan. Smaller vehicles are less likely to cause severe injuries in pedestrian crashes due to their lower front-end design.?

In the end, the best choice will depend on whether safety, fuel efficiency, or practicality takes precedence. Of course, cost will also play a role in your decision so calculate that into your selection process as well.?Let us know what YOU think in the chat below, Big or Small?

Good luck in your search for the best fleet vehicles!

Thank You, Gracias, Obrigado,

Daniel Bland Founder @ Fleet Mobility Today

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