Diode, which specialises in digital user journeys to drive net zero technology adoption, is working with Lombard to help SME fleets go electric.

Lombard partnered with Diode in late 2022 to create a one-stop-shop for SMEs to transition to EVs

Lombard is part of NatWest Group and partnered with Diode in late 2022 to develop and pilot a first-class digital journey, creating a one-stop-shop for SMEs to transition to electric vehicles.

This includes access to Diode’s EV suitability assessment, instant driver readiness report, dynamic business insights dashboard and links to NatWest Group’s existing partnerships, such as Octopus.

Free for Lombard business customers, the EV Readiness Assessment provides a toolkit to help fleets and drivers make informed decisions and transition to EVs. It generates a dynamic, personalised EV readiness report for every employee to show exactly how an EV could work for them, such as the convenience of charging and running cost savings. They can then use their results to explore how different EV models would fit into their lifestyle, viewing metrics such as charging costs and rapid charging frequency.

For fleets, the tool also provides a detailed list of running costs and CO2 savings across the business and a timeline of when each workplace and home charger is required, helping the business make informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes with their EV transition.

Finally, the platform allows businesses or employees to select the right replacement vehicles. They can also begin the process of getting workplace and home charge points installed, and consider other EV support services.

The solution enables businesses to engage, educate and empower all employees to make the switch to an EV, including those who might be ready for an EV but don’t yet know it.

Diode is one of a number of key delivery partners signed up by NatWest Group to support SMEs with their transition to net zero. Other partners include Places for People, British Gas, Schneider Electric and Pineapple Sustainable Partnerships, which will focus on retrofitting UK housing.

The key partners were announced by NatWest Group’s CEO Dame Alison Rose at the Climate Strategy 2023 event this month, which set out the group’s climate change ambitions. These focus on retrofitting homes and supporting businesses with their journey to net zero.

Jon Horsfield, founder and CEO of Diode, said: “We are incredibly excited to announce our partnership with NatWest Group to bring our cutting-edge technology to their customers. They are a truly forward-thinking organisation and have seen the powerful potential in our platform.

“Our roadmap of product innovations and ambition to make net zero technologies accessible to everyone aligns perfectly with NatWest Group’s climate goals. Together, we can make a real impact in the fight against climate change.”

Ian Isaac, managing director at Lombard, added: “Through our work with Diode, we can continue to make it easier for business customers to transition to electric vehicles in a more informed way. Practical solutions like this toolkit can act as the catalyst for SMEs to take the plunge and seize the potential cost saving and revenue making opportunities transitioning to electric vehicles has to offer.”

For more details on Lombard’s EV Readiness Assessment, click here.

• Diode will be exhibiting at this April’s Great British Fleet Event to discuss how its platform can help drive net zero technology adoption. For more details of the show and to register for a free ticket, please click here.