2023-01-27
Despite it only being 7 years until the 2030 green strategy, a significant number of businesses are behind on their EV targets…
Missing EV Targets?
New research, conducted by Volkswagen Financial Services (VWFS), suggests that a significant number of the nation’s fleets are falling behind on their EV targets. It found that 29% of the businesses it surveyed believe that only half, or less, of their fleet vehicles will be electric by 2027. This could cause considerable problems, given that the Government intends to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles in 2030.
Fleet-specific issues could include installing charging infrastructure, winning over employees to the new technology and adapting policies and procedures in a timely fashion. The research noted that there are a variety of reasons as to why some fleets are falling behind on their EV targets. Most notably, 19% said that EVs simply remain too expensive. Many others cited a lack of charging infrastructure for their drivers.
VWFS is now advising businesses to pursue a planned and gradual transition, in order to make steady gains and to avoid significant disruption.
‘At Risk of Being Left Behind’
Emma Loveday, senior fleet consultant at VWFS, commented on the research. She said, “while it’s great to see that many organisations are making real progress with their EV transition, there’s a concerning number of businesses that are at risk of being left behind that we need to support”.
She continued, “organisations need to approach EV transition with a strategy and plan in place. And ensure all relevant stakeholders, not just fleet managers, understand and are committed to the transition. Undertaking a sudden switch can lead to problems with vehicle utilisation if the charging strategy isn’t thoroughly thought-out or issues with driver engagement and acceptance if they haven’t been suitably supported with a switch to EVs”.
Loveday emphasised how few vehicle cycles remain until 2030. She explained, “with a standard four-year/48-month replacement cycle, there are typically only two to three vehicle replacement cycles left before the 2030 ban comes into place. And with the ongoing issues with vehicle supply and lead times, this timeline is going to be further compounded for fleets”.
Used Electric Vehicles Still ‘Too Expensive’ – https://www.autoserve.co.uk/motoring-news/used-electric-vehicles-still-too-expensive/