Is Equipment Rental Right For Your Company?

A company’s equipment is akin to the nuts and bolts of its business. Without it, innovation and ideas, labour and raw materials cannot achieve its full productive potential. Operations come to a standstill, and a company ultimately cannot provide goods and services to customers that help drive sales revenues. Since equipment delivers these benefits to a company over many years of use, it is classified as a long-term asset. They are tangible and illiquid, and depending on the nature of the business, can range widely from items such as computer hardware and software that cost just a few thousand dollars to multi-million-dollar investments in heavy machinery such as marine vessels or real estate. The upfront costs of owning the equipment are substantial and may appear daunting to any enterprise.

A way to fund a company’s acquisition of essential equipment is taking a loan. A loan allows the business to own an asset with less upfront costs but the unfortunate thing is that equipment loans typically do not cover the full cost of the purchase price. Moreover, a financing loan is not guaranteed and is generally dependent on background checks and credit history of the applicant.

 

Withstanding all of the above mentioned, equipment rental could well be a very viable and attractive alternative. Equipment rental takes away the high front-loaded cost of acquisition and spreads it over a defined period of time, making it more affordable and faster to procure crucial equipment than saving up or taking a loan. Therefore, renting often improves a company’s cash flow, freeing it up for other more important activities or in some cases, even help to maintain solvency. Furthermore, with the acceleration of technological advancements, the latest equipment may soon be overtaken by newer, better models over a short period of time. Obsolescence is a valid concern when purchasing but one that can be greatly discounted when renting – the latest models can be rented whenever they are developed instead of constantly making costly investments by chasing after the latest models. Likewise, renting also makes it easier to scale and a lot less financially onerous. Maintenance, repairs and even insurance are also often included within the rental fee. Equipment rental not only improves accessibility but also takes away most of the potential worries that an owner faces. Renting is also a good way to have greater flexibility. Depending on the rental company, rental durations can be tailored according to a customer’s needs. Discontinuing the rental is also much easier than selling off equipment when it is no longer needed.

Here are the advantages of Equipment rental that ETHOZ can offer you for your business.

 

What types of Equipment does ETHOZ rent?

We rent Mobile Elevating Work Platform (MEWP) such as Boom Lift and Scissor Lift, and Material Handling Equipment (MHE) such as Forklift and Reach Truck. Our equipment is sourced from well-established and industry-proven manufacturers.

Flexibility
Some jobs require different types of equipment at different stages of a project. It is uneconomical to purchase an equipment for a particular job and keeping it after completion. This is especially so for the construction and the built environment trade. Rental of equipment gives companies greater flexibility with operational planning and resource allocation of projects. You do not have to worry about finding storage space for the equipment.

 

Boom Lift

Latest range of Equipment

Equipment manufacturers are constantly upgrading to introduce technology and innovation to ensure their products stay relevant to market demands. We are regularly updating and renewing our equipment fleet for our customers to take advantage of safer and more efficient models. ETHOZ understands the importance of staying ahead of the technology curve.

No Equipment disposal loss

Purchasing an equipment will lock yourself with an equipment that you may need to hold for years due to disposal loss potential. This results in companies holding on to their equipment for too long with the risk of technological obsolescence.

Low capital and fixed costs
When you rent an equipment, you do not need to make a large up-front payment which helps your business maintain a healthy cash flow. By having smaller monthly payments, your company has better liquidity, leaving you with more money to fund other important areas of your business. Rental allows you to keep your costs fixed over the period of the hire. This can help you with budget planning and make forecasts more accurately.

Maintenance and repairs
Equipment breaking down and spending unpredictable amount of money to get it fixed is a nightmare for most businesses. The ordering of spare parts, hoping third-party maintenance contractors are price-reasonable and all the related arrangements are extremely time-consuming and costly for companies. ETHOZ will take care of everything for your business such as maintenance and wear-and-tear repairs, eliminating your stress and down-time.

Inspections and regulations
As an owner of an equipment, you are required to maintain the equipment in a good working order. Equipment such as Boom Lift and Scissor Lift must be thoroughly examined by a M.O.M. accredited Authorised Examiner every six months. This is not a straight-forward arrangement. You will need to set up appointments, allocate staff, prepare related documents, testing areas and equipment. Again, all of these hassles will be well taken care of by ETHOZ.

No depreciation
An equipment will depreciate over time and usually experiences extremely steep depreciation during the first three years of ownership. It is possible for a relatively new equipment to break down beyond economical repair, which you may need to sell the equipment below book value, registering a loss. With rental, you do not need to worry about these onerous issues.

Renting your equipment from ETHOZ
ETHOZ is the preferred equipment rental provider for many customers because of our proven track records in professionalism and aftersales support. We have a wide range of equipment from well-established brands with different specifications to suit your requirements.

Armed with decades of experience and reputed customer service, you can be assured of the best service in the industry with your business needs being well taken care of from start to end. Our 24-hour service response time are peerless in the industry. Our team of well-trained service professionals are all based in-house as we firmly believe that you cannot outsource responsibility and responsiveness for our customers’ business. With ETHOZ, you are in good hands and you can set your mind at ease.

Last but not least, another important consideration is choosing a rental company that can cater to all your needs. Taking the time to pick a reputable company that offers a level of service can make the business partnership a pleasant experience over a long period of time, just as choosing the wrong one would result in wasted time and lost profits. At ETHOZ, flexibility, reliability, 24/7 service assistance and equipment quality forms the cornerstone of our rental business. Equipment stock of Mobile Elevating Work Platform (MEWP) such as Scissor Lift and Boom Lifts are kept up to date and in immaculate working order. Only equipment from established manufacturers are made available for rental. The equipment is also regularly tested to meet stringent safety standards by certified professionals ensuring that due care is not compromised and that all steps are taken to minimise client downtime. Ever dependable, our professional team of specialists in operations, technical support, sales and 24/7 service assistance are always ready to alleviate any issues. Rental contracts can be long-term or as short as a few days. Urgent last-minute requirements can also be accommodated if stock is available. All of these and more make renting with ETHOZ a hassle-free affair and frees up time for business owners to focus on their business priorities.

 

Equipment rental for business operations is definitely a wise decision for any company regardless of industries. The current fast changing customer demands, market trends and business environment favour corporations that are nimble and lean. Constant upgrading of business equipment and improvement of operational functions are no longer considered as unique selling prepositions, but necessary to stay competitive and maintain relevancy in the market.

Solar Energy is the way forward to Sustainability- the cleanest and most abundant renewable energy source available!

Through the use of Solar panels, otherwise known as photovoltaic (PV) panels, Solar energy is converted from sunlight. This power generates limit-less electricity whereby you can use it immediately or even store it for future use. With our years of experience in Solar PV leasing services, let us guide you through an easy and hassle-free journey towards Sustainability. Harness the power of Sun and enjoy long-term cost savings for your Electricity bills! 

Speak to us today to find out more!

Loan Services For Entrepreneurs

Are you an aspiring entrepreneur with a brilliant business idea? Don’t let financial constraints hold you back!

ETHOZ Capital provides the boost you need to kick start your venture. With tailored financing options and professional guidance, we are here to fuel your entrepreneurial spirit and help you achieve success!

Get in touch with us to find out more!

HR Trainings

HR trainings are conducted for staff so that they are briefed on code of conduct, as well as the company’s mission/ value for a smooth onboarding process.

Year End Company Retreat

ETHOZ believes in resting to prepare for a longer journey ahead. We work hard and play hard. Company retreats are always a good way for staff to mingle around and bond with colleagues.

Electric Commercial Vehicles Are Finally Here, What Does It Mean For Us?

You might have noticed electric commercial vehicles making rapid inroads into the local automobile industry of late, with the charge being led by companies such as BYD, Citroen and DFSK1 (Dongfeng Sokon Automobile) amongst others. Models such as the T3, e-Dispatch van and EC35 have become popular with businesses and are an increasingly common sight on the roads. Even large companies like DHL2 have switched to an eco-friendly delivery fleet, replacing their ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) vans with electric ones.

The recent presence and prevalence of electric vehicles is neither an accident nor a modern phenomenon. Electric vehicles were already available at the dawn of the automobile age, with its invention going as far back as the 1830s3 and its commercial debut in the 1890s. These days, government incentives, lowered cost of ownership and heightened social consciousness are propelling this new phase of automobile electrification further and faster than ever before.

In Singapore, the long term goal4 is to achieve 100% of vehicles running on cleaner energy by 2040, and reduce peak emission levels by 80% within the next 10 years. The road map towards this objective has already begun with the installation of infrastructure such as charging stations across the island and a raft of financial inducements such as lower road tax and incentives like the EV Early Adoption Incentive (EEAI) and Vehicular Emissions Scheme (VES). There are also campaigns to educate the public on the benefits of Electric Vehicles (EVs) and the positive effects on the environment. Though the commercial sector has been slower in adoption, even here, the paradigm shift is underway.

For businesses, the impetus for change has always had a strong correlation with costs. The cost of petrol in Singapore has always been relatively high because of import costs as well as duties which range from 66 cents to 79 cents per litre for premium petrol (RON98 and up) and ‘regular’ petrol (RON 92 and 95) respectively5. Comparing the average cost of running an ICE and EV of a similar make, EVs can be up to 4 times cheaper to run6. According to studies by the LTA (Land Transport Authority), the average annual mileage of commercial vehicles is 40,000km.

 

Factoring in the current fuel rate of $2.71, and an average consumption of 1 litre for every 11.5km  the annual running cost is $9,426.

40,000km / 11.5 (average L/km) x $2.71

 

Similarly for EVs, we consider that it can travel 6.4km per kWh, then multiply this with the current cost of $0.52 per kWh. The running cost is $3,250 annually.

40,000km / 6.4 (average kWh) x $0.52

 

This difference means that a savings of 65% in annual running costs is possible by replacing petrol or diesel vehicles with electric ones.

Another concern of most would-be EV owners is the availability of charging options, as well as the time needed to exchange EV batteries. Fleet managers would be worrying about whether time would be wasted searching for a suitable charging station or waiting many hours for an EV to be adequately charged. To businesses, any down time imposes an opportunity cost as these resources could have otherwise been productively deployed. In anticipation of future needs, a robust network of EV facilities and services is rapidly being set up. The current number of petrol stations stands at about 180 around the island. Planned EV charging points far outnumber this figure many times over. In HDB (Housing Development Board) estates, nearly 2,000 HDB car parks will each have a minimum of three charging points by 20259. By 2030, a total of 60,000 EV charging points are planned to be installed. A variety of different charging stations have also been installed.

 

Level 1 chargers

These charging points supply a 120 volt AC through a standard electrical outlet. A Level 1 EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment) cable which uses a regular 3-pin household plug on one end for the outlet. Level 1 chargers supply between 1.4kW to 3kW and would take between 8 to 12 hours to fully charge vehicle batteries.

 

Level 2 chargers

Level 2 chargers supply 240 volts AC and are referred to as public charging. These require specialised equipment to set up at home. Most Level 2 chargers are found in residential areas, public parking lots, and places of work or commercial settings. A charging session generally requires 1 to 11 hours with a charging rate of 7kW to 22kW with a Type 2 connector.

 

Level 3  chargers

Getting a full battery from a level 3 charger is the fastest among the 3 options and can take as little as 20 minutes to 1 hour with a charging rate of 43kW to 100+kW. Level 3 chargers also require installation and offer charging through 480V AC or DC plugs. The downside is that not all EVs are equipped with the required connectors so not everyone can make use of these charging points.

 

Making the switch to EVs may be daunting for individuals but make perfect sense for companies with a vehicle fleet. Assuming a commercial EV has a range of 300km11 and a commercial vehicle averages a daily mileage of a distance somewhere between that of a regular driver and a Grab driver of between 200-300km12, the commercial EV only needs to recharge its batteries fully at the end of a work day. This is the perfect arrangement for vehicles that are mostly used during office hours and returned to the same location afterwards. They can then be charged up ready for use the next day.

Factoring TCO (Total Operating Costs) for EVs over ICE vehicles, makes another compelling argument. Over the 10-year period of acquiring and operating a vehicle, the TCO is lower for EVs12. How much depends on the usage whereby the cost savings become greater with higher utilisation.

Adopting EVs also has the ancillary benefit of future-proofing a company’s fleet before ICEs are inevitably made obsolete. The UNDP Global sustainability goals, to which Singapore is a party to, lists climate change and a governmental commitment to limit global warming to below 2 degrees celsius. Moving away from ICEs is listed as one of the steps to achieve this. For a company to pro-actively support these efforts, the options can range from positive brand perception to stronger brand loyalty or growing customer base.

However, this change does not come without disadvantages. Higher upfront costs to purchase a new EV is one such factor to consider. Maintenance costs, servicing or just general unfamiliarity also make it daunting to make the switch.

For those facing such reservations, a growing number of car leasing companies such as ETHOZ makes acquiring a commercial EV with confidence much easier. ETHOZ started offering EV for rent in 2021, right after Budget 2020 (on push to promote EV) was released. Renting or leasing an EV takes away the financial burden of having to fork out a large amount of cash in the beginning or taking a loan. Best of all, ETHOZ will take care of all EV-related operational and maintenance costs which are bundled as part of the monthly cost. Contact us to find out more of what we can provide you, customisation options are also available!

Reference:

1) https://www.lta.gov.sg/content/dam/ltagov/who_we_are/statistics_and_publications/statistics/pdf/MVP02-4_New_CVS_by_make.pdf

 

2) https://www.cyclecarriage.com/sg/citroen/news/cycle-carriage-singapore-helps-dhl-express-fulfill-sustainability-goals-in-new-partnership

 

3) https://www.energy.gov/timeline-history-electric-car

 

4) https://www.lta.gov.sg/content/ltagov/en/industry_innovations/technologies/electric_vehicles.html

 

5) https://www.motorist.sg/article/1394/why-is-petrol-so-expensive-in-singapore

 

6) https://www.lhnparking.com.sg/articles/2/IsCharginganElectricCarCheaperthanRefuelingPetrol

 

7) https://www.sgcarmart.com/news/events_features.php?AID=4307&GASRC=sgcm

 

8) https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/focus-singapores-electric-vehicle-revolution-coming-does-spell-end-petrol-stations-2768051

 

9) https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/electric-vehicles-ev-charging-points-hdb-car-parks-2025-2547471

 

10) https://www.lta.gov.sg/content/ltagov/en/industry_innovations/technologies/electric_vehicles/our_ev_vision.html

 

11) https://sg.byd.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/STE-updated-T3-Brochure.pdf

 

12) https://www.motorist.sg/ask-motorists/109/how-much-mileage-is-considered-as-a-39-high-39-mileage

 

13) https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/transport/private-hire-cars-driving-up-petrol-consumption-in-singapore-say-experts

 

14) https://val-byd.com.sg/cost-of-owning-an-electric-vehicle-in-singapore/

 

15) https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/electric-vehicle-ev-charging-charge-points-public-car-parks-3295186

 

16) https://www.panion.org/fleet-electrification-11-of-the-best-electric-commercial-vehicles-on-the-market/

 

17) https://higer.sg/news-list/Which-EV-Commercial-Van-in-Singapore-Is-Right-For-You.html