Fleets should work to reduce their CO2 emissions by improving the utilisation of their LCVs and drivers, prior to starting on their electrification journey.

By optimising driver behaviour and vehicle utilisation, companies will slash their carbon footprint even before the move to EVs

Northgate has identified multiple fleets where the move from diesel to EVs will take several years – and it’s recommending such businesses should still explore how to optimise the fleet and driver behaviour as part of an overall CO2 emission reduction process. This will not only reduce carbon emissions and streamline the transition towards zero emissions, but will also slash fuel and other operational fleet costs.

Neil McCrossan, Northgate’s sales and marketing director, explained: “By measuring and then improving the utilisation of vehicles and drivers, companies will immediately reduce their carbon footprint even before they move to electric vehicles. When a company is ready to switch to EVs, these insights and data will be vital when helping decide which drivers and electric LCVs to put on individual delivery routes.”

Recommendations include installing telematics to help fleets track vehicle journeys and utilisation and record individual driving styles to improve driver behaviour. Better route management also immediately reduces mileage, fuel costs and therefore emissions.

Rightsizing vehicles is another area where Northgate is working with operators, particularly around downsizing based on the capacity and weight of loads being carried. This can also have an immediate impact on carbon emissions.

Driver training and fuel cards have a role to play too, says Northgate. By improving driver behaviour, fleets can ensure they get the best out of their vehicles which reduces wear and tear and emissions. Issuing a self-service vehicle inspection app to drivers also enables regular monitoring of a vehicle’s condition whilst supporting safety and compliance.

All vehicle and driver data will help influence the electric LCVs that best match individual operator journeys when they start their EV onboarding process.

“None of this initial work to reduce carbon levels will go to waste prior to EVs being added to a fleet,” said McCrossan.

Northgate’s Drive to Zero programme gives businesses expert guidance on where fleets can also go electric but also on areas where existing vehicles and operations can be optimised, in line with the company’s specialism as a B2B customer-centric LCV mobility provider.