VWFS Fleet Shares Insight into Managing Fleet EVs
As the UK gears up for the 2035 deadline to phase out the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles, businesses are taking the lead in adopting EVs. 80% of all new EV registrations in 2024 were for business use, indicating a significant shift toward sustainable fleet management.
To help navigate the transition, Volkswagen Financial Services (VWFS) Fleet shares insights into optimising fleet EV charging strategies.
The Shift Toward Fleet EV Adoption
Emma Loveday, Senior Fleet Consultant at VWFS Fleet, highlights the importance of fleets in driving the UK's EV adoption. According to Emma states:
"Fleets are pivotal in this transition, and to ensure a smooth changeover, businesses must carefully plan their EV charging strategies, including providing robust support to drivers and optimising charging infrastructure."
Supporting fleet drivers with EV charging
Transitioning to EVs involves more than swapping petrol for electricity; it requires a shift in mindset regarding how, when, and where to charge. However, with the proper planning, EV charging can be seamless and cost-effective.
Emma emphasises, "By educating drivers on the variety of EV charging options available and sharing best practices, fleet operators can facilitate a smoother transition to an EV mindset."
Journey planning for efficiency
Just as with traditional vehicles, planning can optimise routes and minimise downtime.
For EV drivers, tools like VWFS Fleet Journey Guide and apps like ZapMap can identify charging points along longer routes and display the associated charging rates.
Considerations for EV charging
Maximising off-peak charging opportunities: For drivers with access to home charging, taking advantage of off-peak electricity rates can lead to significant savings.
According to data from Ohme, the average UK driver could save more than US$803 (£624) annually compared to fueling a petrol vehicle. Smart chargers can further enhance savings by scheduling charging during these lower-rate periods.
Exploring community charging initiatives: For drivers who lack home charging options, community charging schemes like Co Charger offer an innovative solution.
The schemes allow drivers to 'rent' another driver's home charge point, providing a convenient and cost-effective charging alternative.
Implementing cross-pavement charging solutions: The UK government has extended its home charge point grant, making it possible for drivers without off-road parking to apply for funding for home charge point installations.
After securing permission from local authorities, drivers can install cross-pavement charging solutions, enabling convenient on-street charging.
Optimising fleet charging infrastructure
Beyond supporting drivers, businesses must focus on optimising their fleet's charging infrastructure.
"While on-site charging is often associated with fleet vehicles, ensuring accessible and reliable charging for all employees is key to accelerating EV adoption across the board," Emma notes.
- Assess Charging Needs: Evaluate EV charge points' current and future requirements. Consider the number of vehicles, when charging is needed, available space, electrical capacity and budget.
- Identify Necessary Equipment: Determine the charging equipment based on use patterns. For instance, depot-based fleet vehicles may only need lower kW chargers for overnight charging, whereas a sales fleet might require rapid charging during frequent office stops.
- Evaluate Electrical Capacity: Before installation, assess the site's existing electrical supply, current demand, available capacity and the additional power required for charging infrastructure.
- Strategic Chargepoint Location: Carefully select the locations for charge points, considering proximity to the electrical supply and available parking areas.
- Establish an EV Charging Policy: Implement a clear EV charging policy that promotes workplace charging adoption and ensures proper use of the charging infrastructure.
Driving the future of fleet management
As the UK's EV landscape evolves, fleets remain at the forefront of this change. Developing a transparent and efficient EV charging strategy is essential to supporting drivers and ensuring the smooth integration of EVs into fleet operations.
Following these tips, businesses can ensure a seamless transition and foster greater driver engagement with EVs.
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