A five-point call to action manifesto for fleets

The call to action for fleets grows ever louder as our journey to zero emission transport gathers pace.

Clean air and low emission zones have been rolled out across UK cities and the government has doubled down on its commitment to ban the sale of new internal combustion engine (ICE) cars and vans from 2030. What’s more, as we approach this deadline, the ZEV mandate is set to introduce electric vehicle (EV) sales targets for manufacturers.

So, it is very much a case of when, and not if, businesses make the electric transition – despite research by Bridgestone Mobility Solutions finding that more than three-quarters (76 per cent) of commercial vehicle fleets are postponing electrification, in response to the cost of business crisis.

Whether the electric transition takes place today or tomorrow, the baton must be grasped, and failing to plan means planning to fail. Here we outline five key steps – a manifesto for change – to help ensure electrification takes place cost-effectively and with minimal business disruption.

1. Become a sponge

An eagerness to seek out and absorb new information and ideas has long been a characteristic of progressive business leaders looking to stay one step ahead of the competition.

And with a new mobility landscape emerging, this has never been more important. When we tilt the lens on the world of electric vehicles, there is always a new development on the horizon and always something new to learn.

What’s more, access to information is becoming more readily available. There’s a growing body of advice, shared knowledge and guidance – from support and consultancy groups to online resources, dedicated forums and events. Extensive information and advice can be found, for example, via organisations such as The Energy Saving Trust, Zemo Partnership and the government’s Office for Zero Emission Vehicles.

And here at Bridgestone Mobility Solutions, alongside game-changing innovations, we have published a wide range of specialist guides to decarbonisation and electrification, designed to educate and inspire.

2. Have an effective charging strategy

Charging an EV is becoming easier with each passing day, as charging providers innovate and roll out public charging stations in increasing number. But having a strategy tailored to the operational needs of your fleet remains paramount.

Electric vehicles must be charged to meet their daily journey needs and should be operated to maximise their range and optimise business productivity. But what infrastructure will your fleet rely upon? Will public, home or private business charge points be needed?

Insights from fleet management solutions can help here by revealing where vehicles spend the most time, their typical mileage and dwell time. Workplace charging is likely to be of particular value to commercial fleets whose vehicles return to a central depot, for example, for companies whose field-based employees face long car journeys to the office or for those who, due to a lack of off-street parking, are unable to install home chargers.

Fleets should be mindful that the charging landscape is rapidly changing making it prudent to futureproof infrastructure, as much as is possible. Charge points should be OPCC, for example – an open-source standard which supports interoperability. Solutions such as Webfleet can also allow businesses to monitor real time battery levels, remaining driving ranges and vehicle charging statuses.

3. Ensure operational efficiency

Maintaining service delivery standards is critical when transitioning to EVs. In addition to efficient charging strategies, businesses need to ensure effective route planning, navigation that takes account of live traffic information and workflow management optimisation. Fleet management solutions such as Webfleet can, once again, play an important role here.

4. Educate your drivers

Most fleet drivers will be unfamiliar with the distinct characteristics and idiosyncrasies of electric vehicles – and this can compromise their safety and efficiency behind the wheel. Education is essential. Performance data can help underpin training programmes, as it does for traditional ICE fleets. The latest EV management tools, for instance, allow fleets to compare the energy performance of drivers, analyse kinetic energy recovered through regenerative braking and provide targeted coaching where it’s most needed. Miles per kWh can also be optimised by monitoring and mitigating incidents of speeding, harsh acceleration and braking.

5. Foster a supportive working environment

The negative impact of stress on workplace performance has long been recognised. Mitigating this to optimise EV driver performance is therefore vital.

According to our research, more than three quarters (76 per cent) of fleets currently believe that work pressures facing drivers are intensifying in the wake of the ‘cost of business’ crisis. A similar number (75 per cent) believe the cost-of-living crisis is negatively impacting their mental health. To help alleviate stress, almost three-quarters (74 per cent) have admitted they need to review their current systems and processes. By using fleet management solutions to streamline workflow, simplify operations and digitise time-intensive tasks, businesses can boost job satisfaction and help foster a happier, healthier working environment. L