News analysis Ready to charge


Strong business interest in EV charging investment has been revealed. Sean Keywood reports. N


early a third (32%) of UK businesses are planning to invest in their first EV charging infrastructure during the next 12 months, according to research by Drax Electric Vehicles. In addition, a survey of more than 400 decision makers also found that 48% of firms had already installed EV chargers, and that of these, 91% planned to expand their EV infrastructure over the next five years. Companies within the service industries – notably the information and communication, and professional, scientific and technical sub-categories – were the most likely to have installed chargers, at 61% and 52% respectively. However, Drax suggested that overall companies with charging facilities could still do more, with 42% having less than 10% of their parking spaces equipped for charging EVs.


When asked why they wanted to invest, 60% of respondents said they were motivated by the general shift towards EVs and the need for their business to keep pace. Thirty-one per cent said they believed the world was moving towards electric driving, while 22% said there had been an increase in EVs across their company car fleet.


The research also found senior decision makers were increasingly driving the transition to EVs, with senior employees having tasked individuals or teams with initiating and leading EV projects. The most frequently cited benefits of switching to electric by respondents were sustainability, cost savings, and the positive impact on a company’s reputation. Other benefits named included tax incentives, regulatory compliance, environmental impact, driver satisfaction, attracting talent, and future-proofing. When asked to name what they saw as the top three barriers to electrification, more than half said cost, ahead of insufficient government support (though Drax said some respondents revealed they were unaware of available grants and incentives), and concerns about the vehicles themselves, such as availability and suitability. The results of Drax’s survey were published in a report entitled ‘Driving change: The state of electrification in the UK’, which states that while most fleet managers understand the importance of electrification, some need help finding the right information to guide them through the process.


The report states: “Our research found a significant knowledge gap within the


“The next cohort of EV adopters need additional support and guidance as they navigate the unknown.”


industry regarding EV adoption and a perceived lack of support content. Many prospective adopters we spoke to said that a lack of information was adding to their fear of commitment.


“As such, some businesses are turning to the early adopters within the fleet


community for advice. These early adopters then act as ‘influencers’, with word of mouth being the primary means of sharing information.


“Respondents also spoke of a need for other businesses that have already electrified to ‘open up’ and talk about the challenges. Many of those yet to adopt said they’d rather wait until more information was available from the early adopters, rather than take risks themselves.” Commenting on the survey findings, Drax Electric Vehicles head of sales Naomi Nye said: “As an early adopter of EVs, fleets have been at the forefront of the UK’s transition away from fossil fuels towards electric. The research tells us that momentum remains strong across all sectors, but that there are still significant barriers we need to overcome. “The next cohort of EV adopters need additional support and guidance as they navigate the unknown. They’re more risk- averse than the first generation and want to be armed with as much information as possible before making a decision. “That’s why we need to work together to create spaces where businesses can share their experiences, learn from other fleets, and connect with experts.”


www.businesscar.co.uk | March 2024 | 17


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