Expert Panel: Best Practice
EXPERT PANEL BEST PRACTICE Our panel of experts discuss some of the electric vehicle safety and charging concerns that can be dispelled through education, and look at what 2019 will have in store for the fleet market
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The government has made it clear that it wants road transport to become as close to zero emission as possible, with an ambition for at least 50 per cent of new car sales and 40 per cent of new van sales to be ultra low emission by 2030. And with a number of new electric and hybrid models hitting the showrooms this year, the electric vehicle momentum is continuing to grow. However, misconceptions still exist when it comes to electric mobility, and more education and training is needed if businesses and consumers are to confidently make the switch.
Terry Mohammed, CEO, BMM Energy Solutions Terry has over six year’s experience in the EV infrastructure industry. Terry works closely with both public and private clients along with EV network providers such as Chargepoint Services, Engenie & Vattenfall. Terry & BMM Energy Solutions have delivered national contracts for the likes of DEFRA, NHS, TFL and various local authorities.
Safety considerations The safety of electric vehicles is often cited as a concern, with people unsure about charging and what would happen in a crash. The safety of pedestrians is another issue, as electric vehicles are near-silent when at slow speeds and so could pose a risk to distracted walkers. When it comes to charging electric vehicles, Tony Greenidge from IAM RoadSmart reminds us that dealing with any fuel poses a risk: “The handling and storage of fuel is not a totally risk-free business, but today we have tried and trusted systems that are easy to use while keeping the danger to minimum, and fires are a rare occurrence in modern vehicles. There’s no reason why electric vehicles and their charging equipment shouldn’t come to be viewed in the same way.” He adds: “There have been one or two sensationalist headlines about EVs catching fire when on charge, and operation of any electrical equipment carries with it a risk, but there is no real reason why such risks cannot be mitigated by users following the correct procedures.” As a fleet vehicle is an extension of the workplace, Peter Eldridge from ICFM urges that the same health and safety procedures are followed to ensure an employer’s duty of care. With an electric vehicle, this should include information on safe charging. He said: “The actual execution of safe vehicle charging procedure can be delivered in a variety of ways, including physical demonstration, interactive online training, and inclusion in the company vehicle policy.
Tony Greenidge has over 30 years’ experience in the corporate fleet sector working for a number of leading global and UK providers. He joined IAM RoadSmart in 2017, and now helps further the charity’s road safety objectives, by growing and developing their training and risk management solutions for business fleets.
Tony Greenidge, business development director, IAM RoadSmart
Peter Eldridge, director, ICFM Peter has enjoyed a successful fleet industry career, which started at Fiat Auto UK in 1963. Encompassing almost every aspect of customer service and technical support, it includes spells as fleet manager of a large blue chip fleet operation and management positions within the franchised motor trade and with major contract hire, leasing and accident management companies. “But the important requirement is to ensure that every driver involved signs a mandate to confirm that they have read and understood the requirements and that they are fully conversant with the safe process required.” Turning attention to the installation side, Terry Mohammed from BMM Energy Solutions highlights the need for charge points to be installed correctly to ensure their safe use. He says: “Probably the most important factor regarding safety whilst installing chargepoints is having a comprehensive knowledge of current wiring regulations and understanding the risks associated with powering up a large piece of metal or carbon fibre whilst it is in contact with the general mass of earth. Electrically speaking, this is a relatively unique situation and one that comes with
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a unique set of rules and regulations in the form of a Code of Practice from The IET. Our technical director sits on the IET Advisory Panel and is constantly striving to improve electrical safety and ensure chargepoint installations are carried out correctly.” A risk for pedestrians? There is a fear that electric vehicles when moving slowly are a danger to pedestrians as they are near-silent. To address this, from July this year, all new electric and hybrid models seeking approval in Europe will have to emit a noise when travelling at low speeds, while existing vehicles will be gradually retrofitted with devices. Peter explains the problem: “Research suggests that pedestrians are being exposed
