The vast majority of the UK’s electric vehicles are attached to fleets, so it is essential that drivers and businesses are getting the best out of them. Our experts tell you how.

E.ON

EV considerations for road and site fleets

With journey predictability and defined delivery routes, battery electric vehicles can really come into their own. They offer a green delivery solution with zero-emission operations, plus the low running costs can help firms offset the initial investment over time. Pairing the infrastructure with other sustainable solutions such as solar panels and batteries can reduce this period of time – and even make you money. While BEVs offer many benefits, some models may compromise cargo space due to the size of their batteries, so it’s important to ensure the vehicle’s capacity fits your requirements. Delivering goods efficiently without having to compromise on your cargo load is key to maintaining productivity, so it’s important to choose your type of EV wisely.

E.ON EV charging in action

Fleets operating primarily within industrial estates, or large warehouse complexes, could reap the benefits of EVs. With on-site operations, you can install dedicated charging stations wherever you need them – and rotate vehicles in and out of service whenever charging is required. If your vehicle leaves the private site and is used on public roads, the usual considerations about availability of charging infrastructure, driving range and the type of journeys your vehicles will typically make would need to be considered.

As well as choosing the right kind of electric vehicle, businesses will need to think about the installation of EV infrastructure. Most EV chargers can support a mixed fleet, making the switch to commercial EVs even easier. Whether your business runs a fleet of light commercial vehicles or passenger company cars, all vehicles can be charged at the same charging stations, meaning your investment in EV is easily scalable across different office locations and at employees’ homes, should they be required.

Furthermore, EV solutions come with seamless ways of ensuring staff are charged appropriately for their mileage. Contactless payment cards will accurately monitor where and when staff charge their vehicles, meaning your employees are able to charge at home, at the office or at public charge sites depending on your vehicle policy. With automated billing data, you can make sure employees are charged correctly for their business miles.

Northgate

Helping businesses hit net zero

Northgate, through its award-winning emission reduction programme, Drive to Zero, can provide customers with a suite of tools and solutions to aid the transition to electric LCVs.

The company’s EV industry experts ensure it can support businesses, beginning with a Drive to Zero suitability analysis – an assessment of a company’s current fleet and driver journeys. Through this analysis, Northgate builds a complete understanding of vehicle needs, movements, distances travelled and journey times, which helps customers to understand which vehicles can be immediately switched to electric. The suitability report also supports customers’ ESG requirements by demonstrating potential CO2 emissions savings through both tailpipe and fuel.

Vehicle choice plays a major part in fleet electrification – and Northgate works closely with existing and emerging manufacturers. It continually adds to its range of EVs – from micromobility vehicles through to large electric vans – with a broad lineup of models that that are ready to go. Northgate’s flexible hire packages provide the opportunity for drivers to change vehicles as technology evolves without being tied into long-term, inflexible contracts or purchases.

Servicing and maintenance are key when running EVs, so Northgate has invested heavily in its fully equipped workshops and 68-strong branch network, ensuring that trained EV technicians are employed across the country.

Suitable charging infrastructure is another a crucial step to ensuring a smooth transition to electric for any business. Northgate works with ChargedEV to ensure that the best possible solution can be found, whether a customer needs to consider workplace charging, home charging or even public charging facilities. ChargedEV has installed more than 55,000 domestic and 3,000 commercial charge points, with its specialist team of engineers on hand to advise customers.

Northgate’s focus is very much on a customer’s transition to EVs. Within that, it works with the support of a team of proven experts to assess individual customer requirements, including infrastructure, energy and billing – combining these elements with the most suitable flexible rental package available. With these plans in place, Northgate customers know they can rely on its dependability and flexibility, to ensure that it can support more companies to deliver their own Drive to Zero.

DEALER AUCTION

Remarketing EVs: the digital direction

The unstoppable shift to electrification is reshaping various sectors of the automotive industry. While attention has mainly focused on the new vehicle market, it’s the used sector, particularly fleet vehicles and their end-of-life units, that demand greater consideration. Fleets are at the forefront of EV adoption, accounting for approximately 77% of battery electric vehicle (BEV) volumes, compared to 57% of the overall market (according to SMMT figures).

As these numbers surge, the challenge of disposing of growing numbers of end-of-lease EVs looms large. Managing the remarketing of numerous vehicles is time-sensitive for two key reasons. Firstly, the widely reported price volatility in the used EV sector necessitates fleets to maximise returns quickly to beat depreciation. Secondly, the physical management of vehicles for sale, including imaging and administration, raises environmental concerns. Fleets seek efficient remarketing to achieve good returns while saving on other costs.

Having an engaged buyer audience is crucial. Partnering with a proven remarketing solution that offers agnostic digital solutions is essential. Dealer Auction has already addressed these challenges for existing fleet customers, offering a seamless and efficient remarketing process. By leveraging their expertise and established systems, fleets can ease the pressure of remarketing demands – ensuring a smoother, more profitable transition for end-of-life units.

With an active EV buyer base of 1,300 (and growing), Dealer Auction supports fleets such as Hertz, Santander Consumer Finance and Mobilize Financial Services to achieve quick sales and improved performance compared to traditional remarketing routes. Fleet leaders can swiftly deploy a proven and robust digital solution, paired with their own defleet services, to streamline EV remarketing. The digital route offers tangible benefits, including potentially fewer vehicle movements, reduced depreciation, and peace of mind.

DAWSONGROUP VANS

The charge ahead with net zero solutions

Dawsongroup vans believes in sustainability and is committed to leading the charge towards net zero. The company’s ongoing decarbonisation initiatives, such as installing solar panels and EV charging carports across its nationwide branches, reflect its dedication to reducing its carbon footprint, contributing to a cleaner, more sustainable environment.

As fleet operators consider the transition to a zero-emission fleet, Dawsongroup vans is here to help them every step of the way. With a growing fleet of electric vehicles to support a wide range of industries, the company provides customers with a complete and practical solution for their electric, zero-emission vehicles. Strategic partnerships with third-party companies further support its customers on their journey to net zero.

As the requirement for a connected commercial fleet increases, Dawsongroup vans has introduced telematics technology from Geotab. The data from this telematics offers customers an insight into which parts of the fleet are ready for the shift to electric models. Real-time vehicle monitoring and detailed, data-driven reports and analytics enable customers to make informed decisions regarding their fleet management, vehicle maintenance and overall operational decisions. It will also enhance the safety and security of customer vehicles and secure cost savings through optimised routing, vehicle charging, and proactive maintenance scheduling.

Dawsongroup vans is committed to providing customers with the tools to streamline their operations, improve productivity and support them on their journey towards a zero-emission fleet. Minimal risk acquisition methods, coupled with cutting-edge telematics technology, enable fleet operators to introduce electric vehicles to their fleets without concern about the cost of maintenance, repairs and disposal.

ATHLON

Top tips for the big EV switch

Athlon is helping UK businesses achieve their sustainability goals by embracing electric mobility

Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) continue to grow in popularity as businesses strive to both achieve CSR and ESG targets to reduce carbon footprints and fleet operational costs. Using a combination of total cost of ownership (TCO) calculations and its EVReadyTool, Athlon is helping UK businesses achieve their sustainability goals by embracing electric mobility.

Greater choice across the vehicle cost range is making it easier to incorporate EV products into fleet strategy. However, businesses need to ensure that their fleet policy and implementation plan supports good practice and efficiency to secure optimal cost savings from their new fleet.

Thankfully, Athlon has some key considerations for those planning their EV policy:

• There is no one size fits all: the EVReadyTool analyses your individual driver routes and usage to return an EV score. In some instances, the data may reveal that a driver’s current situation, mobility habits or routes cannot yet accommodate the transition. Before an EV is allocated, consider their circumstances and transition options. For example, would a PHEV be more suitable?
• Driver training: training drivers on the best use of their EV can lead to noticeable savings – for example understanding regenerative braking and individual battery ranges. EVs also have a lot of acceleration power, which can lead to drivers using more aggressive brake-power. Keep drivers safe and avoid frequently replacing costly tyres by encouraging and training drivers to maintain safe speeds and accelerate more gently.
• Route planning and telematics: data on vehicle usage can determine a drivers’ EV suitability. It can also be used to reduce running costs by allowing fleet operators to plan more economic routes. By mapping optimal charge points with lower priced tariffs expensive motorway charges can be avoided.
• Charge late for better rates: depending on tariff, the rates for charging can fluctuate throughout the day. By scheduling charging during off-peak hours, fleets can take advantage of lower rates, reducing running costs.
• SMR packages: regular maintenance is advised for any vehicle. By taking a bolt-on service, maintenance and repair product your costs are budgeted and planned. You can benefit from portals such as Athlon365 to pre-book appointments, avoiding long wait lists and delays for approved parts. Regular servicing is known to prevent breakdowns and extend the life (and value) of a vehicle.

Grants for going green: there are incentives offered for businesses starting their EV transition now. These include instillation discounts and subsidies for purchasing BEV light commercial vehicles. Drivers could also take advantage of tax benefits by engaging with a Salary Sacrifice product, rather than traditional leasing or purchase.