A new report from the Connected Places Catapult and Digital Catapult provides a pathway for increased uptake and improved customer experience for adopters of electric vehicles (EVs) in the UK.

Fleet operators will be key to driving rapid EV adoption

Fleet operators should be given the tools, information and incentives required to switch to EVs and drive adoption of the technology, the report said.

Fleet operators will be key to driving rapid adoption necessary to reach the Government’s target of all new car sales being zero emission by 2040. Fleet managers that switch their large vehicle fleets quickly will create a significant early impact on reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, demand is generated for the charging infrastructure and data can be captured to help drive the private vehicle market.

The Catapult’s report, published in collaboration with the Digital Catapult and Innovate UK, provides insights and recommendations into aspects such as user experience, data and standards.

The report highlights how a lack of co-ordinated and standardised EV data is inhibiting the delivery of excellent user experiences, delivery of public and private charging infrastructure and demand forecasting for the power grid. The report suggests that the Internet of Things, Vehicle to Infrastructure communications, Blockchain, Artificial Intelligence and Immersive technologies such as Augmented reality could all have a part to play in closing this gap.

Alan Nettleton, senior technologist at the Connected Place Catapult said: “Electrification of our road vehicle fleet will be vital in addressing challenges such as air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, along with measures to encourage walking, cycling and public transport. We need to think carefully around how to make EVs an attractive prospect to both individual and the fleet operator. This includes making the experience easy and intuitive, whilst at the same time capitalising on the great driving experience EVs offer.