Opinion
Setting up van fleets for success W
It’s time for decision-makers to get EV-ready.
ith the 2035 deadline firmly set for the ban on petrol and diesel cars and vans, businesses are beginning to consider how
to take the next steps towards the electric transition. However, the prospect of saying goodbye to internal combustion engines is proving a challenge for van fleets. Despite the healthy increase in electric van registrations in recent years, adoption needs to accelerate. Otherwise, we’ll fall short of the government’s 10% target. Now, it’s more important than ever to ensure fleet decision- makers and their teams feel supported and confident during these changing times.
What’s holding back EV van adoption?
We’re seeing a growing number of decision- makers looking for consultancy, installation, maintenance and management advice on how to move from a traditional ICE fleet to electric vans. But one of the biggest questions being asked is whether electric vans can meet the operational demands of their existing fleets. Fears around range anxiety, payload capacity and charging points are preventing some businesses from fully making the switch to electric vans. It’s understandable given that these pose an obstacle to fleet efficiency, for example, if drivers need to stop and charge frequently or are unable to carry the sufficient equipment needed.
Fleet decision-makers must manage the logistics of business-owned charging locations to overcome commercial vehicle issues with public charging. This includes a strategic investment in charging facilities across various sites and potentially at drivers’ homes. However, unless your vans regularly travel over 100 miles per day, you may be surprised at how few charge points you actually need. With EV batteries adding extra weight to vehicles, payload is also a pressing worry for decision-makers. To combat this, the
government has introduced a special concession for drivers with a standard B licence driving an electric van, allowing for an extra three- quarters of a tonne. The allowance now stands at 4.25 tonnes. While this is a factor that needs careful consideration, businesses can take proactive measures like planning load requirements and mileage to handle drivers’ capacity concerns.
So, how can fleets prepare for success?
Fleet decision-makers continue to express valid concerns, and while we know fleet electrification isn’t achieved overnight, the process shouldn’t be disruptive and inefficient. The key is effective, timely planning. A well-rounded electrification strategy will offer businesses peace of mind and give managers the confidence to share the right information with their teams. We’re at a point where van electrification is a necessity, and while there are challenges to consider, forward planning will ensure a smoother transition to EVs. Here are a few insights to ensure your electrification success:
A realistic perspective on costs Cost is always a priority. Your electrification strategy should accurately reflect the costs of electrifying the fleet, both upfront capital investment and the total cost of ownership over its lifetime. Before introducing EVs into your fleet, put together a suitability assessment. This will help determine which vehicles are suitable for EV conversion and how these compare against their old ICE fleet in terms of cost. By analysing your current fleet use – including mileage and load requirements – you can start to work out the total electrification cost. This includes the cost to purchase or lease the vehicles, as well as operational costs, such as maintenance and tax and congestion charge exemptions.
Future-proof the strategy
Thinking ahead is crucial to avoid the hassle and expense of making further changes in the future. When creating your strategy, we recommend considering your mid to long-term infrastructure needs.
How big is your fleet now, and how quickly is it expected to grow? What’s the goal for the total size of the fleet? For growing businesses, futureproofing means making an investment that caters for the long term.
Above: Adam Hall, director at Drax Electric Vehicles
A good electrification strategy looks beyond the 2035 ban and reflects an organisation’s wider ambition to meet its sustainability objectives. EV uptake will increase after the ban, but businesses should prepare now to stay ahead of the curve. This will help develop
a trickle-down approach to EV transition, avoiding the need for bulk-purchasing electric cars in the future.
Consider the data opportunity There’s more to EV adoption than the infrastructure and the vehicles themselves. Ongoing maintenance and fleet optimisation are also essential and important considerations. Innovative technologies like telematics give you full access to your fleet data, allowing continuous improvements and identifying issues at an early stage.
EV-specific telematics devices provide data on everything from vehicle location and battery charge to mileage and driving efficiencies, all from one central reporting hub. These data- driven insights can spot vehicle problems in real time and justify sustainability claims. An electrification strategy can accommodate further innovation, and businesses should consider how to stay ahead. By looking forward, they can take advantage of imminent advances such as vehicle developments within the LCV and HGV markets and Vehicle-to- Grid charging.
These are just a few of the cornerstones of a good electrification strategy. Fleet electrification can be a tricky business, and there are many more steps that fleet decision- makers need to take to ensure a smooth transition. Luckily, the right partner can help simplify the process. Partnering with reliable providers like Drax Electric Vehicles will help with a structured approach and confidence to make the electric switch.
www.businesscar.co.uk | February 2024 | 17
Above: A well-rounded electrification strategy will give businesses peace of mind and give managers the confidence to share the right information with their teams to plan for the future.
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