Advertisement feature
5 tips for
businesses transitioning to electric vehicles David Savage, vice-president, UK & Ireland, Geotab
For society to reach net-zero emissions, a widespread switch to electric vehicles is essential; businesses can lead the way. Here are five tips that should be evaluated to ensure EV adoption is not only environmentally advantageous, but also beneficial for both the owner and driver.
1. FOCUS ON THE TOTAL COST OF OWNERSHIP (TCO)
as part of collaborative discussions aiming to give greater consideration to fleets.
A zero-emission vision
Shortly after publishing its local charging guide the BVRLA unveiled new policies for its own operations, including a three- year business plan, and vision and mission statements targeting increased engagement in 2022.
The organisation said it was investing in training, research and public affairs to ensure the industry responds to “an unprecedented wave” of regulatory and legislative change.
It said it wanted to build on 2021, when it claims to have put the fleet and mobility services industry at the centre of the decarbonisation debate, and seen record levels of participation in its training courses and events.
“2022 is set to be a pivotal year for our industry,” said Keaney. “The policies that government and regulators are working on this year – road pricing, the zero-emission vehicle sales mandate and the new Consumer Duty – will set the operating environment for the next decade. “Our lobbying priorities are developed with the needs of all BVRLA members in mind and we have ambitious plans to invest across our services to ensure that we deliver.”
The BVRLA’s new 2022–24 business plan document includes targets designed to build its capability, improve its offering, increase its influence, and strengthen its sector, in line with three long-term
strategic priorities of business growth, brand and reputation, and future mobility. Its new vision statement is, “To see government and industry united in delivering zero-emission road transport that provides environmental, social and economic benefits to everyone”, while its new mission statement is, “To inform, inspire and influence the automotive community in meeting the road transport needs of society”.
Keaney said: “The rate of change being experienced by the rental and leasing community continues to gather pace and we are collectively under more scrutiny than ever.
“It is vital for the BVRLA to have a consistent set of guiding principles that show the positive outcomes we are working towards and how we are going to achieve them.”
Gerry Keaney, BVRLA.
Shifting from the upfront cost of an EV to the total cost of ownership (TCO) more accurately articulates the value of EVs. In addition to the purchase price, the TCO comprises factors over the course of the vehicle’s life, including maintenance, depreciation, incentives, national insurance contributions and clean air zone fees. When summing up all of these factors, EVs hold the advantage over their combustion counterparts in the majority of cases.
2. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF INCENTIVES
One significant contributor to an EV’s TCO is the number of monetary incentives available to encourage adoption. Governments are eager to reduce the carbon footprint of the transport sector in order to reach agreed net-zero pledges. As such, there currently are attractive EV grants and price reductions available; however, there is a distinct possibility incentives will be reduced as we move closer to eventual EV market saturation.
3. PLAN CHARGING INFRASTRUCTURE
Understandably, individuals and businesses are concerned over current EV charging point locations and methods of charging. It’s important for businesses to detail a plan for charging infrastructure and understand the options available. Comparing the charging requirements of each vehicle, as well as the benefits and drawbacks of home charging versus depot, public or destination charging will allow for adequate planning.
4. PRESERVE BATTERY LIFE
Battery degradation refers to the decrease of a battery’s ability to maintain charge over time. While a valid concern, EV battery degradation has proved to be less consequential than what drivers typically fear – especially when conscious steps are taken to preserve battery life. Results from a Geotab analysis show that on average, vehicle batteries degrade by 2.3% every year, which is important information for business owners examining the suitability of a certain battery in fulfilling the needs of the fleet throughout its life.
5. MONITOR DRIVING STYLE
As well as adjusting habits to preserve battery life, particular considerations of driving style will also improve the efficiency of the EV. Monitoring speed, travel over inclines and declines, regenerative braking and weather conditions can all help to reduce the energy required. If drivers are conscious of how their driving style impacts efficiency, businesses can ensure they are getting the most of their vehicles.
For more helpful information on how to
best manage an EV on an individual or organisational level, visit
https://www.geotab.com/uk/fleet-management-solutions/evsa/
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53
