News analysis
Missing the target
Small and medium fleets are struggling with the demands of electrification, Alphabet GB research has found. Sean Keywood reports.
EVs, according to Alphabet GB. A survey by the leasing company found that 45% of small and medium fleet managers said they did not have the time or expertise to start their company’s electrification journey,
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This was despite 79% of them acknowledging that their fleet would play a key role in meeting their company’s net zero targets, and 76% of them noticing an increase in the number of staff wanting to reduce emissions and drive EVs over the past two years.
Alphabet GB SME sales manager Mark Sturgess said: “Businesses with smaller fleets rarely have the benefit of a full-time fleet manager and instead, fleet management is typically part of a much bigger HR, finance, or general management role.
“As a result, the time available to dedicate to reviewing and addressing evolving external factors and fleet requirements is often limited and can be a stretch on
14 | May 2023 |
www.businesscar.co.uk
anagers of small and medium fleets are finding it difficult to take advantage of opportunities offered by
existing roles within the business. “With the acceleration towards electric, it’s not surprising those responsible for these fleets are struggling to find the time and resources to manage their fleet responsibilities on top of their busy day jobs, particularly with ongoing EV developments and changes in legislation shaping the face of mobility.”
Of the fleet managers surveyed, 58% reported that less than 20% of the cars in their fleet were currently electrified. This was despite 79% agreeing that there was an increasing number of EVs now on the market to suit their needs.
Sturgess said: “Electrification does not have to be a big, instantaneous change. In fact, taking smaller, more manageable steps towards this will make the progression easier.
“A great place to start with targeting those yet to embrace EVs can be grouping employees into levels of difficulty to transition, by identifying those who can charge at home and those who can’t, and working from there.
“Additional fleet management assistance can come from fleet providers
“Electrification does not have to be a big, instantaneous change… smaller, more manageable steps towards this will make the progression easier.”
to ease the burden that managing these responsibilities adds to their day-to-day operations. Support from suppliers, as well as industry bodies, will be vital in helping these managers seize the EV opportunity and ensuring their fleet continues to evolve to meet future requirements.”
Despite the difficulties of electrification for small fleets, separate Alphabet research has found that many businesses are concerned about sustainability. The European Fleet Emission Monitor, a survey of fleet decision-makers from 12 countries, found that 51% of companies acknowledged the significance of sustainability in their business decisions. However, only 37% said they actively monitored CO2 emissions, and 17% had no knowledge of their fleet emissions whatsoever.
Alphabet said these findings indicated that despite recognising the importance of sustainability in their operations, many businesses were not implementing adequate measures to record and reduce their carbon footprint, and a more comprehensive approach may be necessary in order for them to achieve their sustainability goals.
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