Stellantis has a line-up of large hydrogen vans
“Tis transition will not only necessitate the development of infrastructure and retail support but also generate demand that will drive hydrogen production,” Openshaw explains. “While the specifics are uncertain, I believe hydrogen will emerge as the end game in this scenario. It’s a matter of waiting and observing how the hydrogen landscape unfolds.”
Supporting drivers through change Te fleet wanted to ensure its electric vehicle offering wasn’t limited to those with car allowances. Young professionals and older individuals interested in going electric but unable to charge at home are now included. “We’ve opened our programme to everyone, with a capped rate aligned with an investor account rate.” While not everyone will transition to
EVs, the vast majority will. “My primary focus is on the light commercial fleet – getting it operational,” says Openshaw. “Full electrification won’t happen overnight, but it’s crucial to educate and involve everyone, from managers to drivers, in the transition process.” For van drivers, there’s little direct benefit unless they’re eco-focused, unlike car drivers who enjoy significant tax incentives. Van drivers might question why they should spend an hour charging when a quick fuel stop would suffice. Our goal is to make it convenient – come home, plug in, and have a fully charged vehicle by morning.
Openshaw is an enthusiastic early adopter of electric vehicles on the car and van fleet, having previously driven multiple EVs as his personal cars. Before his current Polestar 2, he was driving a BMW i3 range- extender, in which he covered 48,000 miles using only 30 litres of fuel. Openshaw
humorously recalls being dubbed an "electronaut" by BMW. His firsthand experience and passion
for EVs served as a persuasive example for Eric Wright’s fleet of drivers, showcasing that a range of approximately 120 miles was manageable. Tis is notably lower than the majority of EVs available today, prompting the fleet to become early adopters too. "We’re well on our way down the
electrification route with our Eric Wright car fleet," Openshaw says with a smile. Te fleet comprises 500 vehicles, 150 of which are vans, while the remaining 290 consist of a blend of company cars and cash allowance vehicles. Since those early days, the EV range and selection have increased significantly, allowing the fleet to continue adopting alternative fuels. Now, of the 500 vehicles, only 17 diesels and 4 petrols remain, the rest of which are mild hybrids, plug-in hybrids or pure electrics. In 2022, the group made headlines by delivering its hundredth electric fleet vehicle. “We can offer an electric car in every
grade we have now,” notes Openshaw. “Initially, they were only offered to drivers of senior grade or premium vehicles, but now we are able to provide a decent electric car in the junior grade too, it’s great,” he adds.
Training and safety enhancements Te AFP has developed an excellent training arm which the fleet follows, raising standards and offering professional qualifications not only for commercial vehicles but also for car fleets. Tis initiative helps people understand the complexities behind fleet management, driving the industry forward, notes Openshaw. Eric Wright Group has also discovered that the adoption of EVs has seen the
‘While battery power works well for vehicles up to 2.0-tonnes, heavier vehicles are more from hydrogen fuel in the long term.’
company significantly reduce the rates of their drivers getting into incidents. Te main reason behind this change, says Openshaw, is regenerative braking, which assists the traditional brakes by slowing the car down, conserving energy. He explains that drivers usually take to
EVs quickly: “I’ve taken drivers out on the road and shown them how to drive them and when we switch they get the hang of it virtually straight away, they’re that simple to drive.”
Te company has implemented dashcams across its van fleet to counteract false liability claims. Openshaw explains, “Tere were quite a few incidents where if we had a dashcam, it wouldn’t have been deemed our fault, despite appearing that way because we’re driving white vans, so to speak.” Using video evidence, the company has been able to defend many of its drivers who Openshaw says he had no reason to disbelieve. Ultimately, the Eric Wright Group
is paving the way for a sustainable fleet future, with Openshaw steering the charge. By embracing electrification, prioritising safety, and continuously adapting to industry challenges, the company is not just building infrastructure but also setting new standards for fleet management. With every mile, they’re driving toward a greener, smarter future.
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