When managing a fleet full of business vehicles, there often comes a time when you focus on what comes next in your fleet strategy plans.
One move which may be worth considering is making the transition from ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) vehicles to fully electric alternatives, which could be revolutionary for your business.
What are Electric Vehicles?
Electric vehicles, also commonly referred to as ‘EVs’, are cars or vans that are powered by an electric motor rather than an internal combustion engine that powers petrol and diesel models.
This rechargeable electric battery gives the vehicle the energy it needs for the motor to power it, and can be recharged via an electric charging point as opposed to filling it with fuel.
Some vehicles are fully electric, while some are hybrids, which combine an electric motor with a combustion engine. Hybrids have their advantages, but there are much fewer benefits than their fully electric alternatives.
Benefits of Switching to Electric Vehicles for Your Fleet
- As they produce zero emissions, EVs are much more environmentally friendly when compared with petrol and diesel alternatives.
- There is no road tax for vehicles under £40,000.
- Running costs of EVs tend to be a lot lower than their more standard ICE counterparts, and charging costs are lower than the cost of diesel and petrol (with this gap growing larger all the time).
- Noise pollution is massively reduced as EVs are almost silent when running.
- EVs tend to run into less wear and tear maintenance problems over time as they are made with fewer moving parts.
- You can avoid charges such as the Congestion Charge in London, while also benefiting from reductions from areas like Clean Air Zones (CAZ).
- Company tax that your business will have to pay is lower, while your drivers can benefit from lower Benefit In Kind (BIK) rates.
- More and more public chargers are becoming available for EVs, making them easier to access for your drivers when they are out on the roads.
- Some government grants are available to install chargers for your business.
- The ban on the sales of new petrol, diesel and hybrid models in 2030 means the market is shifting towards EVs, so why not beat the rush?
Can Having an EV Fleet Save Your Business Money?
Research from Wessex Fleet determined that a business could save the following on average per vehicle, per year by switching to a fleet of fully electric vehicles:
- Fuel costs: £899
- Charging: £318
- Car tax: £165
- Maintenance and repairs: £250
- Low-Emission Zones: £3,250
These numbers are just an average, but offer a glimpse into potential savings that can be made. The research continued by looking at potential average savings per year for fleets of different sizes:
- 2 vehicles: £9,764
- 5 vehicles: £24,410
- 10 vehicles: £48, 820
- 25 vehicles: £122,050
- 50 vehicles: £244,100
- 100 vehicles: £488,200
It may be worth considering making the switch for all of your fleet vehicles, as the 2030 ban rapidly approaches.
How Wessex Fleet Can Help with Electric Fleet Management
Our fleet management experts have years of experience in providing bespoke solutions for businesses all around the UK.
We can help your business make a smooth transition from petrol, diesel or hybrid fleet vehicles to fully electric while analysing whether it is the right move for your company.
There is plenty to consider before making these moves, such as the costs and changes to the fleet operations.
The experts at Wessex Fleet will analyse the data for you and provide advice every step of the way. Contact us today and see how we can help your business grow in the upcoming EV revolution.