SMH Fleet Solutions is working with Drax on deploying a robust charging infrastructure as it ramps up its focus on electric vehicles.

Adam Hall, director of energy services, Drax

SMH provides a range of services, from fleet management to vehicle maintenance, inspections, storage and movements, and is looking to build industry-leading EV capability across its operations.

It’s already working with the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) to train all its vehicle maintenance and repair technicians on electric vehicles. The training provides in-depth knowledge and practical experience, enabling them to continue work safely on any electric or hybrid vehicles and offering the capability to work on any high-voltage components and systems.

SMH has also partnered with renewable energy company Drax to enhance its current charging proposition. Drax will design and build a charging infrastructure across SMH’s five sites, upgrading the company’s fast-charging capability and ensuring it is supported by local infrastructure.

James Starling, chief commercial officer of SMH Fleet Solutions, said: “We are already seeing a steep increase in the volumes of electric vehicles we are handling in life and at end of life. Our strategy is to develop an industry-leading capability in managing larger volumes of EVs, and we chose Drax as the ideal partner to deliver that vision.”

Drax will design and build the EV charging infrastructure and provide ongoing support with the control and maintenance to achieve operational efficiencies.

Adam Hall, director of energy services, Drax, said: “SMH is an ambitious company with a clear vision of where they want to take the business in terms of charging infrastructure. As we approach the ban on the sale of new ICE vehicles in 2030, we expect the automotive industry to see a rapid ramp-up in volumes of EVs, and it’s encouraging that large companies like SMH are taking positive steps to build their operational capacity.”