Fleet profile
Looking ahead, Turness outlines the fleet’s ongoing efforts to achieve Net Zero emissions by 2045, a goal where the fleet is a top priority. She and her team are continually reviewing policies to reduce CO2 emissions, which currently amount to 1,660 tCO2e over seven million miles driven in 2023.
As the journey towards sustainability progresses, Turness emphasises that the group is committed to refining its strategy. “We recognise that achieving our net zero targets involves various factors and uncertainties beyond our control, including policies set by governments, policymakers, and suppliers,” she explains.
A future for hydrogen
Turness envisions a promising future for hydrogen as an alternative fuel source, despite its current slow development. “Although the advancement of hydrogen technology has been slower than anticipated, and building the necessary infrastructure will be a significant undertaking, the undeniable cleanliness of its exhaust emissions makes it a compelling option,” she explains.
In the meantime, Turness views EVs a crucial stepping stone in the transition towards more sustainable transportation. “We knew from the outset that this transition wouldn’t be an overnight solution, but the recent increase in superchargers has certainly made longer journeys more feasible,” she notes. “While there are still
18 | September/October 2024 |
www.businesscar.co.uk
“Achieving our net zero targets involves various factors and uncertainties beyond our control, including policies set by
governments, policymakers, and suppliers.”
regions across the country that require attention, we’re seeing noticeable progress every day.” However, Turness acknowledges the challenges that come with the current state of EV charging infrastructure, particularly the cost. “The pricing at these charging stations needs to be reassessed,” she states. “At nearly £1 per kilowatt-hour, relying on public chargers without the advantage of a cheaper overnight home charging tariff makes driving an EV more expensive than it should be.” For the majority of Connells Group employees who have opted for an EV, the choice was made through a user-chooser program, which allowed them to research and select their preferred options in advance. “For most business trips, the return journey can be completed on a single charge,” Turness explains. “Managing the small percentage of trips that require additional charging simply
involves a shift in behaviour and more thoughtful journey planning.”
To support this transition, the Connells Group has begun installing chargers at its head office sites and at several branches where a full transition to EVs is already underway. Currently, about 40% of the branches have EV chargers installed, and Turness is optimistic about increasing this number as more locations become suitable for the infrastructure.
“Working closely with our ESG team, I anticipate that at least 75% of our fleet will be EVs in the near future,” she says. “This figure could rise even higher depending on the uptake in the next round of vehicle orders. I also expect to see more drivers opting for salary exchange, particularly those on a cash allowance who aren’t entitled to choose a company car.”
When asked about her daily life as a fleet manager, Turness reflects on the constant challenges the role presents. “No two days are the same,” she shares. “We have to be ready to react and deal with whatever comes our way to ensure we continue to provide reliable mobility for our employees.”
Turness is excited to continue to learn about fleet in her new role as group fleet manager. “I’m always learning and while I was more behind the scenes before, I am now the decision maker and I can make change. It has been a great challenge so far, and I’m enjoying planning for the future.”
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 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57
