Electrification is introducing an unprecedented choice of powertrain options – but which ones are right for your fleet?

The UK is working towards becoming a net-zero carbon economy by 2050 and, although that sounds like a distant deadline, it’s already influencing the way we move. New fuel-burning cars, vans and trucks (up to 26 tonnes GVW) will be phased out by 2035 and, from this year, manufacturers will be fined for not meeting strict zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) targets as a share of new registrations. Similar policies are in place across Europe.

However, this is a transition process and fleets have a much broader choice of technologies at their disposal, all of which can help reduce CO2 emissions if they’re deployed correctly.

Here’s what you might encounter:

MILD HYBRID (MHEV)

Half of new diesel and a third of petrol cars registered in the UK last year were ‘mild hybrids’, according to the SMMT. These feature a small electric motor which provides light assistance while accelerating, recovers energy to a battery while slowing down, and enables the engine to shut off when approaching junctions or coasting on the motorway. Additional costs are low – sometimes less than exhaust after-treatment for an equivalent diesel engine – with a claimed 5% improvement in fuel economy and almost no change to the driving experience. Examples include the Ford Puma EcoBoost Hybrid.

FULL HYBRID (HEV)

Sometimes marketed as a ‘self-charging hybrid’, full hybrids are already a familiar technology – Honda and Toyota have sold them in the UK for 25 years. These feature one or more electric motors which not only assist the combustion engine but are usually also powerful enough to propel the car without using any fuel. There’s no option to plug in, the car is effectively harvesting energy that would otherwise be lost as heat or noise, so it charges while driving. Although the electric range sounds short, at typically less than a mile, it’s metered out in short bursts to save fuel instead of enabling end-to-end journeys on battery power. Examples include the Toyota Corolla Hybrid.

PLUG-IN HYBRID (PHEV)

Bridging the gap with electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids are a HEV with a larger battery and the ability to charge using mains electricity. A typical range of around 40-50 miles for the latest models means local journeys can be completed on battery power, and drivers can refuel like a petrol or diesel car when going further. Their low CO2 figures offer tax advantages for fleets, but real-world fuel efficiency depends on regular charging and a large share of short journeys. Long distance drivers, and those who can’t plug in at home, might find an efficient HEV or diesel car is better suited to their needs. Examples include the BMW 330e.

BATTERY ELECTRIC VEHICLE (BEV)

Battery electric vehicles have no combustion engine at all. They feature an even larger-capacity battery supplying power to one or more electric motors, and they are evolving quickly. There’s an ever-increasing choice of bodystyles available, most new models offer a range in excess of 200 miles, and ever-faster charging means drivers can replenish a most of that range in less than half an hour. With rated CO2 emissions of 0g/km, BEVs also qualify for the most attractive financial incentives for fleets. Examples include the Tesla Model Y.

FUEL CELL ELECTRIC VEHICLE (FCEV)

Fuel cell vehicles are effectively BEVs that can make their own electricity, instead of storing that energy in a large battery. The system combines oxygen from the air with hydrogen stored on board, producing electricity for an electric motor. Range and refuelling times are similar to liquid fuels, but the technology is expensive and environmental benefits rely on a growing supply of hydrogen made from renewable energy. Fuel cells are likely to find favour with commercial vehicles first, as it avoids the payload compromises of using heavy batteries. Renault, Stellantis, Toyota and Ford are all working on hydrogen-powered LCVs. Examples include the Vauxhall Vivaro-e Hydrogen.

EXPERT COMMENT

Spencer Davi, UK sales director, Northgate, said: “The Drive to Zero for business needs to balance the requirements of fleets. To identify the optimal solution for your business, over the fleet cycle, a thorough evaluation is required.

Spencer Davi, UK sales director, Northgate

“Electric vehicles will need to form part of a wider vehicle fleet solution; which means considering all aspects such as initial outlay, running cost versus internal combustion engine (ICE), total cost of ownership (TCO), charging needs at home/work/on-the-go and suitability for your needs.

“Fleets also need to consider tax implications for employees for the vehicles as well as how the electricity used both at the employees’ home and work can be paid for within current and future tax rules.

“The UK has always been a global leader in fleet solutions, and there will continue to be a period of transition ahead where EV and ICE vehicles will continue to be needed and with each having its part to play depending on the solutions required by modern fleets.”