FEATURE
TURN SAVINGS INTO EV INVESTMENT Samer Choucair says fleet managers looking to reduce their carbon footprints can implement a range of measures to the vehicles they already own and use the savings to begin their transition into EVs.
of legislation to enforce green vehicles to be used in fleets, the higher purchase cost of EVs and a lack of historical data comparing the total cost of ownership of a green fleet with an ICE fleet. Sacrifices need to be made, and these barriers can be overcome if the world is to conserve its ecosystem. In Dubai, DEWA has solved one significant problem by spearheading the rollout of charging points. We at ION have partnered with SEWA to establish a charger network in Sharjah. Resistance to
We should soon see the Tesla Semi on the region’s roads”
the idea of EVs will, we believe, disappear with time and greater awareness. The debate over the overall cost of sustainability measures will continue. In the short term, the financial impact is negative as the cost of implementing green initiatives, including the purchase of EVs, is absorbed. There is, however, an economic benefit of 15 to 20% if the fleet is operated for three years or more. In the context of EVs, legislation is vital for two reasons. It first and foremost signals the intent of regulators. It also incentivises the first movers in the ecosystem by providing them with subsidies or discounts. Naturally, there is friction between policymakers and civil society groups regarding the stringency of green fleet legislation; however, as we become aware of the negative effects of global warming, regulators are now being embracing opportunities to make our future more sustainable. The UK government is amongst those leading the way, with plans to end the sale of new diesel and petrol cars by 2035. Fleet managers looking to reduce their carbon footprints can implement a range of measures to the vehicles they already own. As these savings start to manifest on balance sheets, they can begin planning the long-term transition to an electric fleet with motivated vigor, and a belief that change is both feasible, and profitable, in the not so distant future. ION is a sustainable transportation company, established in 2018 as a joint venture between CE-Creates (Crescent Enterprises) and Bee’ah.
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WhatsApp: +971-54-998-1442 E-mail: export@mcb.ae www.mcb.ae MORE DELAYS FOR TESLA Tesla said last month that the launch of the all-electric Tesla Semi has been once again delayed with production and deliveries now penciled in for 2021.
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MAY-JUNE 2020
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