Plug-in and go? Not quite, says Simon Staton, client management director of Venson Automotive Solutions, as he discusses what it really takes to be EV-ready.

Driven by fleets, battery electric vehicle sales now represent a fifth of the UK car market. Our industry can be rightly proud of its leading stance on the road to decarbonisation. However, fleet professionals are human and while many ‘early adopters’ were quick to jump onboard the EV ‘train’, some operators have a ‘late majority’ playing catch-up. Of course, it is understandable – sensible even – for some people to have been hesitant. But, with varying pressures being placed on fleets to transition to electric, everyone should know what being EV-ready means.

As more businesses across the UK target fleet electrification, compelled perhaps by corporate sustainability goals and ESG targets, they soon learn that EVs are not ‘one size fits all’ – especially when operating commercial vehicles – and the key to EV readiness is taking baby steps.

No-one appreciates a technology being thrust upon them in any walk of life, so understanding the nature of a business, then asking searching questions about how individual vehicles are used should always be the first step towards electrification. After all, while an EV might help lower whole-life costs (WLCs) and drive efficiency for some fleet operators, for others, ICE or hybrid may still be best. Identifying which fleet vehicles suit what vehicle technology at an early stage is vital.

It’s one thing identifying target vehicles for electrification, but it can be quite another convincing drivers, finance directors or operational managers that EV is best. Fortunately, there is a lot of knowledge to tap into to help debunk EV myths. The Association of Fleet Professionals (AFP) has a ‘myth busting guide to EV’, while we, at Venson, have published white papers on the subject. If that wasn’t enough, the internet is awash with forums and events dedicated to discussing EVs. When moving to new vehicle technologies, overcoming pre-existing misconceptions is crucial – and using the resources out there can really help in that regard.

For example, even if a fleet operator wants to go electric, they may be hesitant over the cost due to perceived investment needed, not just for the vehicle but for infrastructure costs too. Indeed, Venson recently worked with a social housing provider in just this situation. However, a detailed cost analysis highlighted that WLC savings of 15% could be made by leasing alternatively fuelled vehicles. The dual use of detailed operational knowledge of the client’s fleet, coupled with up-to-date running costs of EVs, helped convince the social housing provider that EVs were best for them. The company now runs a leaner, greener, more cost-effective fleet.

Ultimately, EV readiness is about strategic transformation, not reactive compliance. It’s about being proactive, understanding your fleet, engaging stakeholders and moving at a pace that suits your organisation. It’s also about recognising that EVs are part of a broader landscape of alternative fuels and emerging technologies.

As the electrification continues, those who take a thoughtful, measured approach will be best positioned to drive efficiency and meet sustainability goals, while helping their drivers do the best job possible.