Ensuring SMEs are not overlooked in the switch to EVs
Drivers are positive about electric vehicles, which is another reason why businesses should consider alternatively fulled vehicles. In fact, the AA’s 19/20 Operational Fleet Report indicated employees favour EVs for work purposes rather than personal use, while 73 per cent of the fleet managers surveyed felt the use of EVs could actually be better for driver health. SMEs should also be reassured that if they breakdown in an electric vehicle, they have support. Most of the AA’s Patrols are now trained to the equivalent of IMI Level 2 and a third of its Prestige Network of over 500 As the UK moves closer to switching to electric vehicle fleets, garages are already EV capable. The addition how can we ensure smaller businesses have the information of the AA’s Freewheeling Hub allows us to recover EVs from the roadside, extending and support they need to confidently make the switch? our operational capability. The AA has also invested in a hybrid training rig and concept hydrogen refuelling van, so they have all bases covered, giving drivers peace of mind. The AA yellow paper also points out the ‘Last mile’ savings of The alternatively fuelled vehicles. The AA’s use of ‘micromobility’ vehicles, busines such as smaller vans, bikes s services and scooters, for local and division has lau ‘last mile’ delivery makes the n use of alternatively fuelled “yellow ched a new ” pape vehicles more suitable r called than Keepin those run on petrol or gt diesel, particularly as more SMEs o he UK’s n th clean air zones are activated Road e in UK cities. Not only does this benefit fleets economically, but environmentally too. The UK’s almost six million SMEs have had partners, ask the difficult questions There is also the tax relief to a challenging 12 months, with preparations and make sure their voices are heard. consider – pure EVs will not receive any for Brexit and the impact of COVID-19. “Indeed, we recently celebrated a 98th Benefit-in-Kind tax for 2020/21 – irrespective Although refreshing the SME fleet mix anniversary with one of our SME customers, of the date the vehicle was registered. In may not have seemed business critical, the which is a fantastic testament to our heritage 2021/22 they will attract a BiK rate of just journey to zero emission road transport of working with smaller businesses. We’re 1 per cent, and just 2 per cent in 2022/23. for new cars and vans in 2030 is picking ready to listen, support and guide now, just up pace. Backed up by calls from the likes as we have been for more than 100 years.” No one-size-fits-all approach of the British Chambers of Commerce, AA President Edmund King OBE, said: “As the right support will help SMEs embrace Investigating alternative fuels is expected, but often overlooked, SMEs opportunities and get ahead of the EV curve. The government’s current goal is for zero net represent a wide range of organisations from In response to this, the AA’s business services emissions by 2050. It has brought forward an single person operations through to multi-site division has launched a new “yellow” paper end to the sale of new petrol, diesel and most offices. These businesses also span a huge ‘Keeping the UK’s SMEs on the Road’, which hybrid cars and vans by 2030, which means variation of sectors ranging from retail through gives advice to smaller businesses and this milestone is now less than a decade away. to construction and finance so they all have explains the AA’s commitment to ensuring While this seems like a long way off, and very different needs. Therefore, there’s no onethey are not overlooked as they navigate electric vehicles may not appear right for every size-fits all approach to supporting SMEs. What the journey to a zero emission fleet. current business need, it is an exciting time is clear, is that for our economy and innovation Luke Flinders, head of affinity partnerships, for the industry and the AA has pledged to to thrive, SMEs must also succeed and it’s vital British Chambers of Commerce, said: “We support drivers in their next steps into EV. these businesses get the right support, tailored warmly welcome this pledge of support for Van usage has increased over the last to their specific needs. Managing a fleet, be it SMEs from the AA. Businesses have been 25 years, with 55.5 billion miles driven by one vehicle or over 50, is no exception to this. busy adapting since the events of 2020 and vans in 2019. Yet, while the use of ultra low “We understand that every SME will be early 2021 but it is hugely important smaller emission vans is increasing, it’s relatively using, procuring and managing its business organisations aren’t overlooked. SMEs need low at just 10,400 licensed vans at the vehicles differently. While we work with clear advice and trusted partners in order to end of 2019 (Department for Transport, each organisation to offer bespoke advice, be able maximise the opportunities ahead.” September 2020). So, there are opportunities there are core principles that underpin fleet Marc Samuel, head of SME and B2B telesales for SMEs, whatever the make-up of their management, be it for breakdown and at the AA, added: “2020 was a year we will vehicles, looking to refresh their fleet and set accidents or regular service, maintenance never forget and one that many businesses themselves up for the next stage of growth. and repair. We’ve created this paper to are still working hard to navigate. Now, more The AA’s yellow paper explains why SMEs collate all of that advice and insight into one than ever, we want to ensure SMEs are front should consider alternatively fuelled vehicles. place, to support our SME customers.” L of mind and getting the support they need. It says there’s a range of cars and vans “We’re at a really exciting point in on the market, so it is all about deciding automotive history and, looking ahead, there which fuel or power source is right based FURTHER INFORMATION are many options for businesses to embrace on the business’s needs. It recommends Download the AA’s Yellow Paper low emission vehicles and the benefits for fleets take the time to analyse how their from www.theaa.com their operations. I urge SMEs to lean on their vehicles are used and to get expert advice.
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ELECTRIC VEHICLES
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