Destination Net Zero Magazine

Page 20

Green fleet aspirations now a higher priority than safety and cost savings, new study reveals S

ustainability and carbon reduction is now the number one business priority for almost half of UK commercial fleets (45 per cent), according to new research from mobility solutions specialists Bridgestone and Webfleet Solutions. The need to decarbonise topped both the digital transformation of fleet processes (cited by 42 per cent of decision-makers) and driver safety (37 per cent), with the same number prioritising cost reduction. Despite their net zero commitment, however, the study among 300 fleet decision-makers revealed they believe it will be more than eight years before their fleets are fully carbon neutral – 7.5 years for HGV operators and 8.7 years for van fleets.

“Decarbonising a vehicle fleet and making the electric transition can represent a significant change management undertaking. Ultra-low emission vehicle (ULEV) adoption is being incentivised with a range of measures, including a two-year extension to the plug-in van and truck grants announced in the Spring Budget – but operators clearly feel more must be done.

Forty-three per cent of HGV operators plan to invest in alternative fuel vehicles over the next 12 months, while 36 per cent of van fleets plan to introduce electric vehicles (EVs). Almost two in five fleets (39 per cent) will purchase energy efficient tyres.

“As government seeks to meet this challenge, the ecosystems of advice, shared knowledge and guidance – from support and consultancy groups to online resources, dedicated forums and events – will continue to grow.”

“These findings embody the generation-defining zeitgeist of climate change, with the road transport industry at the very epicentre of our collective efforts to secure a more sustainable future,” said Andrea Manenti, Vice President North Region, Bridgestone EMIA. “Strategic action is being spurred not only by regulation, but by increasing recognition that the cost of buying, operating and maintaining EVs – their total cost of ownership (TCO) – is now typically lower than for fossil-fuelled equivalents.” Alongside the business impetus to decarbonise, decision-makers harbour strong personal motivations, with 61 per cent wanting to protect their health, that of their family and the next generation. To accelerate the transition, three in five (60 per cent) have called for greater financial support and guidance from government.

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Beverley Wise, Regional Director UK and Ireland, Webfleet Solutions

COMING SOON: New online green hub for fleet operators

Are you up to speed with all the latest evolutions in green vehicle and transport tech? Do you know how to create an effective EV charging strategy? Confused about how to calculate TCO on an electric fleet? Look out for the imminent launch of the Fleet Greenroom Hub, a multimedia knowledge and insights hub to support fleet operators on the Road to Zero. From the latest green vehicle trends to wider innovations in transport infrastructure, we will be bringing you insights and updates on the very latest solutions and sharing the very latest best practice with white papers, videos, podcasts and opinions from industry leaders and EV trailblazers. Keep up to date with the latest Fleet Greenroom hub developments in future issues of Destination Net Zero this year.


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