More than half (52%) of fleet managers still haven’t made any changes to their driver policy for electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs), despite many saying they plan to.

Alphabet has created its own tips to help new drivers understand the basics of charging

That’s according to new research from Alphabet (GB) that indicates many fleets still have a lack of confidence in their electrification knowledge and have concerns over going electric.

Its analysis has found that only a quarter (25%) of fleet decision-makers say they are “extremely confident” in their knowledge of fleet electrification. However, that’s up from 6% a year ago and a further 59% said their confidence in the subject is steadily building.

Despite this growing understanding, many fleet decision-makers still have concerns about acquiring electrified vehicles for their business, with cost (32%), charging infrastructure (22%) and driver reluctance (27%) seen as the main barriers to switching.

Electrified vehicle sales have, however, continued to rise at rapid pace, with the pandemic acting as a catalyst for the sector. Alphabet has seen a 248% increase in pure electric vehicle orders year-to-date compared to 2020, and 174% rise in sales for plug-in hybrid vehicles in the same period.

But to ensure drivers are getting the guidance they require and support fleet managers who are still building their own fleet electrification knowledge, Alphabet has created its own tips to help new drivers understand the basics of charging.

Alphabet ‘EV Etiquette’ guide:

Make it part of your routine – plan the charging of your vehicle as you would any other part of your journey, so you’re never caught short.

Don’t outstay your welcome – move your vehicle as soon as possible once charged to give others the opportunity to charge up. Setting an alarm can serve as a useful prompt.

Communicate your needs – if there are no charge points available, leave a note on a fellow driver’s windshield asking them to plug in your vehicle when they’ve finished. You can also leave a note to let others know when they can take over a charge point.

Too fast, too furious – ensure you use a charger that accommodates your charging needs. Some vehicles can’t receive the higher levels of powers available from newer charge points, so always double check before plugging in

Be considerate – properly replace the connector and wind the cord neatly, to remove trip hazards for other drivers and prevent damage being done to the charge point.

Keep cool when being ‘ICEd’ – a charge point blocked by an Internal Combustion Engine vehicle is known as being ‘ICEd’ and prevents access to charging. Always be polite when asking them to move their vehicle.

David Rose, head of product, Alphabet (GB) said: “It’s been great to see the demand for electrified vehicles increase at such a rapid pace this last year and demonstrates a change in mind set taking place in both the industry and with consumers.

“This research however shows there’s still work to do in the industry to support fleet managers in moving their electrification strategies forwards and overcoming potential barriers, such as driver reluctance, which more than a quarter of decision makers highlighted as a concern.

“It is crucial that the correct guidance and advise is therefore provided for drivers, so they feel part of the journey throughout the transition. Helping drivers understand the basics of charging etiquette can be a great starting point for them to feel more comfortable about changing ICE habits and embracing electric, so more and more businesses can take advantage of the technology.”