Electric future is the current reality

Fleet operators who don’t start moving towards electrification today risk being caught in a supply chain crunch later in the decade, warns independent maintenance provider Sapphire Vehicle Services.

As the end of combustion engine production looms, any businesses not already preparing to make the switch could find themselves caught in a race against time to acquire vehicles, set up charging infrastructure and ensure they have the right specialised workshop support – that’s the view of Sapphire Managing Director Perry Reeves.

“Fleets are at the heart of the UK economy and are the among the biggest influences on energy transition, contributing an estimated 10% of the UK’s total carbon emissions,” he said. “Along with the forthcoming legislative changes, that means there is increasing pressure on transport operators to electrify, as well as significant business and reputational benefits to be unlocked through electrification.

“Managing the transition will require significant preparation, investment and support from the right partners. At Sapphire Vehicle Services we’re ideally positioned to help busy operators plan, design and deliver scaled enterprise fleet solutions. We’ll help you optimise your fleet, charging and operations to make electrification an opportunity, not just an obligation.”

Reeves and his leadership team recognised the need to play their part in the journey towards electrification several years ago: as a result, Sapphire is already well down the road, having invested in its people and facilities.

“We designed bespoke training platforms to deliver more IMI accredited EV level 3 and 4 technicians than any other national fleet repairer,” Reeves asserted. “Our vision was to provide a safety net for the operators transitioning to electric. We’re also delivering on-site charging at all of our IRTE accredited workshops, and offering support from our mobile service vans which are fitted with 125KVA super chargers – with the aim of helping our customers deal with any hurdles as they learn to adapt to range and usage changes.

“We’re working with key partners to build a robust and extensive network from supply of vehicles to charging and aftersales support, while every one of our 350+ employees will be equipped with the tools to safely advise operators and service fleets while they move from fossil fuel to fully electrified.

“Existing Sapphire customers can take confidence from the fact that the same familiar faces who have supported their conventional diesel-powered fleets will have the expertise to handle their new battery-electric vehicles, ensuring business as usual. Meanwhile newcomers to Sapphire Vehicle Services can be assured we have many years of experience delivering industry-leading standards of vehicle up-time, MOT pass-rates and support to the most important areas of road transport.

“We are ready! Are you?”