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ISSUe 124

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GreenFleet DRIVING THE SWITCH TO CLEANER FLEETS

GREENFLEET AWARDS

AWARD-WINNERS REVEALED Recognising the organisations committed to reducing their fleetâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s impact on the environment

ENERGY AUDITS

SAVING ENERGY ESOS audits can help develop a transportspecific energy and fuel reduction strategy

BEST PRACTICE GUIDE: HELPING FLEETS IMPROVE OVERALL EFFICIENCY

PLUS: TESLA MODEL 3 ROAD TEST | ELECTRIC VEHICLES | LEASING | GREY FLEET

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ISSUe 124

www.greenfleet.net

GreenFleet DRIVING THE SWITCH TO CLEANER FLEETS

GREENFLEET AWARDS

AWARD-WINNERS REVEALED Recognising the organisations committed to reducing their fleet’s impact on the environment

ENERGY AUDITS

SAVING ENERGY ESOS audits can help develop a transportspecific energy and fuel reduction strategy

BEST PRACTICE GUIDE: HELPING FLEETS IMPROVE OVERALL EFFICIENCY

PLUS: TESLA MODEL 3 ROAD TEST | ELECTRIC VEHICLES | LEASING | GREY FLEET

Follow and interact with us on Twitter: @GreenFleetNews

Who are 2019’s award winners? This year the government enshrined in law a target to be net zero-emission by 2050. This will filter down to different industries, and the transport and fleet sector will no doubt face further pressure to decarbonise fleet operations. Thankfully there are many great examples of organisations that are successfully reducing their fleet’s impact on the environment, despite the challenges that exist. It was excellent to see so many of them recognised at the GreenFleet Awards. Grocery delivery company Milk & More scooped the Outstanding Achievement Award for converting its entire fleet to electric vehicles, while online supermarket Ocado won Private Sector Fleet of the Year (medium to large) in recognition of its significant investment into its own CNG refuelling station, as well as working with electric and hydrogen-fuelled vehicles. Standing out in a highly competitive category, Renault was given the title of Electric Vehicle Manufacturer of the Year for making electric mobility a realistic option for business users with its long range ZOE, as well as large and small electric vans.

et nFle TS GreeSWITCH TO CLEANER FLEE

Well done to all winning and commended organisations and individuals; they all deserve praise for their dedication to making fleet operations less harmful to the environment. Read about all the winners on page 17.

THE DRIVING

Visit et fleet.n ws, n e e r g ne t s te la d for the ad tests an s, ro feature terviews in

Angela Pisanu, editor

P ONLINE P IN PRINT P MOBILE P FACE-TO-FACE If you would like to receive 6 issues of GreenFleet magazine for £150 a year, please contact Public Sector Information Limited, 226 High Road, Loughton, Essex IG10 1ET. Tel: 020 8532 0055

GreenFleet DRIVING THE SWITCH TO CLEANER FLEETS

GreenFleet® would like to thank the following organisations for their support:

PUBLISHED BY PUBLIC SECTOR INFORMATION LIMITED

226 High Rd, Loughton, Essex IG10 1ET. Tel: 020 8532 0055 Web: www.psi-media.co.uk EDITOR Angela Pisanu PRODUCTION MANAGER Dan Kanolik PRODUCTION CONTROL Lucy Maynard PRODUCTION DESIGN Joanna Golding WEB PRODUCTION Victoria Casey PUBLISHER George Petrou ACCOUNT MANAGER Kylie Glover ADMINISTRATION Charlotte Boudaboussa REPRODUCTION & PRINT Argent Media

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Issue 124 | GREENFLEET MAGAZINE

COMING SOON

100

MOST INFLUENTIAL

GreenFleetâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pick of the people that have shaped the low-carbon fleet industry over the years returns in January. Will YOU be included? SUBMIT YOUR NOMINATIONS HERE:

gf100.greenfleet.net/form/submissions

Contents

Contents GreenFleet 124 07 News

New Renault Zoe integrates recycled materials; Electric city car Škoda CITIGOe iV released next year; All electric Ford Mustang to come out late 2020; £1.36m to support greener vehicles across NHS Scotland

12 Energy Audits

The Energy Saving Opportunity Scheme (ESOS) mandates that large organisations undertake an assessment of their energy use every four years and identify opportunities to improve their energy efficiency. As ESOS includes transport, Cenex reminds fleet managers what is expected before the December deadline

17 GreenFleet Awards

Fleet operators, vehicle manufacturers and other companies serving the fleet industry were praised for their commitment to reducing emissions at the 15th annual GreenFleet Awards, which took place on 14 November at the British Motor Museum Sponsored by

41 Best Practice Guide: Duty of Care

Having effective fleet safety policies and procedures in place that are supported and promoted from the top of the organisation will help you to develop a strong safety culture among your workforce, writes Ross Moorlock, chief operating officer of road safety charity Brake

42 Roundtable: Public Sector

Grey fleet is still heavily used in the public sector, and while it does need to be reduced for environmental and financial reasons, it often gets pushed down the priority list. This was highlighted at the public sector roundtable on 16 October

46 Expert Panel: Zero Emissions The UK’s net-zero emission target will no doubt mean further pressure on organisations to end their contribution to climate change and air pollution. Our expert panelists discuss the challenges and solutions to achieving net-zero emission operations

50 Road test: Tesla Model 3 27 Best Practice Guide: Finance & Leasing

All fleets have different operating models, so no one funding method will fit all. Here’s a look at the different options available

31 Best Practice Guide: Electric Vehicles

42 50

The majority of fleet operators want to embrace a zero emission future, but there is still confusion regarding the cost of ownership, infrastructure, journey planning and driver education. Peter Eldridge, director of ICFM, gives food for thought for those considering the switch to electric vehicles

35 Best Practice Guide: Electric Vehicles

57 Commercial GreenFleet: News

Hyundai conducts self driving truck platoon trial; Peugeot to launch electric Expert van in 2020; More funding to retrofit buses in Scotland; Thermo King introduces hybrid refrigeration system for trucks

61 Commercial GreenFleet: Retroft Technology

Seasoned electric vehicle integration manager Nigel Morris, shares some advice for those considering implementing electric vehicles into a fleet

37 Best Practice Guide:

63 Commercial GreenFleet:

Staff-owned vehicles are still widely used for business purposes, which poses a problem for employers in terms of ensuring the safety and green credentials of such vehicles. So what should a grey fleet policy look like and what are the alternatives?

CNG Fuels has announced plans to become the UK’s first supplier of carbon neutral fuel for HGVs using manure. We chat to the company’s CEO Philip Fjeld to find out more

Grey Fleet

39 Best Practice Guide: Telematics

Performance

Telematics gives organisations insight into their fleet operations, enabling more informed-decision making for a smootherrunning and cost effective fleet

GreenFleet magazine

Alternative Fuels

64 Commercial GreenFleet: Ford Transit Custom PHEV road test Plug-in hybrid technology tested in real world trials has resulted in Ford’s first electrified light commercial. Richard Gooding finds out how the Transit Custom PHEV debuts segment-first plug-in tech for both maximum usability and zero-emission running

www.greenfleet.net Issue 124 | GREENFLEET MAGAZINE

M E A S U R E D I S TA N C E I N E M O T I O N S . NOT MILES.

ALFA ROMEO GIULIA

CO2 from 128g/km* | BIK from 33%* | P11D from £33,595*

ALFA ROMEO STELVIO

CO2 from 138g/km* | BIK from 35%* | P11D from £37,745*

Created and crafted in Italy, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio and Alfa Romeo Giulia are true masterpieces. They couple the most exciting driving dynamics with elegant Italian design. The technology behind Alfa Romeo is created to enhance performance and to give great driving sensations. Both models feature all the latest cutting-edge technology in safety and infotainment including Alfa™ D.N.A. driving mode selector, Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) and 8.8” Connect 3D Nav with DAB radio. All this combined with exceptional fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. For more information call 0808 168 7152 or email alfaromeo.fleet@fcagroup.com

OFFICIAL FUEL CONSUMPTION FIGURES FOR THE ALFA ROMEO RANGE MPG (L/100KM) COMBINED: 53.3 (5.3) TO 24.5 (11.5). CO2 EMISSIONS: 227 – 123 G/KM. Fuel consumption figures determined on the basis of the new WLTP test procedure as per Regulation (EU) 2017/1347. CO 2 figures are determined on the basis of the NEDC outgoing test cycle and will be used to calculate vehicle tax on first registration. Fuel consumption and CO 2 figures are provided for comparative purposes only and may not reflect real life driving results, which will depend upon a number of factors including the accessories fitted (post-registration), variations in weather, driving styles and vehicle load. Only compare fuel consumption and CO2 figures with other cars tested to the same technical procedure. *MODELS SHOWN ARE ALFA ROMEO GIULIA DIESEL SALOON 2.2. JTDM-2 190HP SPECIALE 4DR AUTO MY19 E6D (P11D PRICE: £37,530. BIK: 33%. CO2: 128) AND ALFA ROMEO STELVIO 2.0 PETROL TURBO 280HP SPECIALE 5 DR AUTO MY19 E6D (P11D PRICE: £45,035. BIK: 37%. CO2: 175)

News

ELECTRIC VEHICLES

Electric city car Škoda CITIGOe iV to be released next year

Škoda will be releasing the CITIGOe iV, the brand’s first fully-electric production car, early next year. Based on the multi-award winning Citigo, the new CITIGOe iV has been completely reengineered to incorporate a compact battery

pack and efficient 61kW electric motor, and has a WLTP range of up to 170 miles on a single charge. The new CITIGOe iV will be available in two value-packed trim grades that will be familiar to owners and buyers of the current petrolpowered model; SE and SE L. Both models

feature the same battery and electric motor and offer identical levels of performance. Despite the addition of the new battery and electric motor, the CITIGOe iV has the same levels of boot space as the standard model with 250 litres available with the rear seats in position and 923 litres with them folded flat. The CITIGOe iV’s battery is a 60‑Ah lithium‑ion pack with a capacity of 36.8 kWh and delivers a range of between 140 and 170 miles on the WLTP cycle. Both models can be charged using a domestic or workplace wall box. With a 7.2kW AC wall box, the battery can be charged to 80 per cent in around four hours, or around 12 hours using a lowerpowered 3.6kW home‑charging station. The SE L model can be charged using a CCS charging cable connected to a 40kW DC fast charger, which takes around 60 minutes to get a charge of 80 per cent. The CITIGOe iV is priced from £20,455, exclududing the Government Plug-in Car Grant. READ MORE tinyurl.com/smok3qr

MOBILITY

SEAT unveils new e-Scooter concept for 2020 release SEAT is developing its first electric e-Scooter, which will be available to buy in 2020. Aimed at private users, shared services and fleets, it will have a range of 71 miles. SEAT has signed a collaboration agreement with Barcelona-based scooter manufacturer Silence, which will see the e-Scooter built at its facilities in Molins de Rei. The e-Scooter concept is equipped with a 7kW motor with a peak rate of 11kW (14.8hp), equivalent to 125cc, which delivers instant engine torque of 240Nm.

The scooter reaches a top speed of 100km/h (62mph), enough to accelerate to 50 km/h (31mph) in just 3.8 seconds. The battery can be removed and easily charged at home or public charging stations at an estimated cost to all customers of only 60p for every 62 miles in continental Europe. In addition, the e-Scooter concept has enough storage space for two helmets beneath the seat, it is connected, and users can track its battery charge level or location via a mobile app.

The company also presented a concept of its new generation e-Kickscooter at the Smart City Expo World Congress. This new version features a range of up to 40 miles, two independent brake systems and a much higher capacity battery that reaches 551Wh. Sales of the current version – the SEAT EXS presented in 2018 – totalled over 10,000 units. READ MORE tinyurl.com/uhv6ndu

PEOPLE

Nissan fleet director Peter McDonald to continue EV work Nissan Motor (GB) has announced the appointment of Peter McDonald as its new Fleet Director to continue its work with electric vehicles. Peter has extensive experience of the UK automotive market, and fleet in particular, having been with the Volkswagen Group for nearly 20 years, and leading the SEAT UK fleet team for the last six years. Peter joins an established team with substantial fleet industry experience that includes: Adam Connelly (National

Corporate Fleet Manager), Mark Johnson (National Leasing Manager), Marco Capozzoli (National Dealer Fleet Manager), Kevin Childs (National Rental & Broker Manager), Adam Hurren (Fleet Operations Manager); supported by a network of 179 dealers across the UK. Peter said: “Corporate Fleets are currently managing the complexity that comes from the inevitable transition to electric vehicles and are looking for trusted and experienced partners that can provide support and advice.

“I’m really excited to be joining the brand that has the most experience in selling electric vehicles to fleets in the UK, and looking forward to working with the Nissan leadership team, dealer network and supplier base to simplify this complexity and accelerate this change for customers.” READ MORE tinyurl.com/tr2cvju

Issue 124 | GREENFLEET MAGAZINE

Charging the future of business. Drive your business further with the All-New Ford Kuga Plug-in Hybrid. A full charge of the electric powertrain gives you a range of 35 miles with zero emissions. Re-charge via mains power or let the 2.5 litre Duratec Petrol Engine take over. The sleek and stylish exterior is mirrored in the versatile interior which is filled with the latest technology, including pre-collision assist and intelligent speed assist. Search All-New Ford Kuga PHEV to discover more.

CO 2

BIK

COMBINED MPG

26g (NEDC)

ÂŁ176 to ÂŁ201 per month for 40%

201.8 MPG *using the electric range

Model shown is an All-New Kuga Plug-in Hybrid ST-Line X, Transmission 2.5 Duratec Petrol with CVT Automatic Transmission. Fuel Economy mpg (1/100km), Combined 201.8. CO2 emissions 26g/km. Figures shown are for comparability purposes only; they only compare fuel consumption and CO2 figures with other cars tested to the same technical procedures. These figures may not reflect real life driving results, which will depend upon a number of factors including the accessories fitted (post-registration), variations in weather, driving styles and vehicle load. *There is a new test used for fuel consumption and CO2 figures. The CO2 figures shown, however, are based on the outgoing test cycle and will be used to calculate vehicle tax on first registration. BIK/P11D prices are based on published pricing as of 22.10.2019. Pricing is subject to change.

News

ELECTRIC VEHICLES

All electric Ford Mustang to come out late 2020

Ford has announced it will be launching an electric Mustang, called the Mach-E, to arrive in late 2020. The all-electric SUV will be available with standard and extended-range battery options with either rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive powered by permanent magnet motors. Equipped with an extended-range battery and rear-wheel drive, Mustang Mach‑E has a targeted pure-electric driving range of more than 370 miles according to the World Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP). In extended-range all-wheel drive configurations, Mustang Mach-E is targeting 337PS

(248kW) and 565Nm of torque. Ford’s special performance version, the Mustang Mach-E GT, is targeting 0-62mph acceleration in less than five seconds, as well as an estimated 465PS (342kW) and 830Nm of torque. “The Mustang Mach-E is one of the most exciting vehicles Ford has ever introduced,” said Stuart Rowley, president, Ford of Europe. “This purpose-built all-electric vehicle is unique, but still unmistakably a Mustang, and it’s coming at exactly the right time for customers in Europe.” READ MORE tinyurl.com/sfrmhfq

COMMERCIAL

New Morris JE makes public debut

Morris Commercial has unveiled its stunning new battery electric light commercial vehicle, the Morris JE, at London’s Design Museum. The 21st century re-imagining of the iconic Morris J-type van has been labelled as the start of a new future for the British brand, with the company expecting production to begin in late 2021. The range is expected to be 200 miles, placing it within the urban commercial vehicle market. With a retail price of approximately £60,000, the Morris JE contains a lithium-

ion battery powertrain, as well as featuring a modular chassis and carbon‑fibre body, making it adaptable for future derivatives, such as pick-up, minibus or camper van. Morris Commercial’s founder, Dr Qu Li, said that the vision was “to bring a new concept to the LCV market’ as well as to ‘introduce a timeless design that takes the aesthetics and appeal of such a vehicle to a whole new level”. READ MORE https://bit.ly/37i6AK4

LowCVP’s Andy Eastlake Will 2020 be the year when transport decarbonisation hits the fast lane? The General Election has inevitably resulted in a temporary hiatus in transport (and all other areas of) policy. With the urgency for change growing all the time, the stop-start nature of politics can be frustrating for those of us closely involved. General Elections aren’t the only reason for this; there have been 13 different transport secretaries since 1997 (more than one every two years) and there have been even more transport ministers responsible for our particular policy area. Every different change of administration, or minister, can result in delay or a change in policy direction, of course, but fortunately for LowCVP, our overriding mission of decarbonisation transcends any party political agenda. So, despite the current hiatus, it’s clear that big changes are in the pipeline in terms of road transport policy. In October, responding to the passage of the net zero legislation the (then) Government published a document setting out ‘measures to go further and faster on climate change’. Recognising the need to scale up efforts in the transport industry, the Government said, the UK’s first Transport Decarbonisation Plan has been announced which will “bring together a bold and ambitious programme of coordinated action needed to end the UK’s transport emissions by 2050”. While, at this stage, this is only a plan to make a plan, the Government is signalling that major changes are coming down the pipeline. The outgoing Transport Secretary, Grant Shapps said: “From driving our cars, to catching a train or taking a flight abroad, it is crucial that we ensure transport is as environmentally friendly as possible. “This is why, as well as agreeing to the CCC’s recommendation on net zero by 2050, we have launched this ground-breaking plan to achieve net zero emissions across every single mode of transport.” LowCVP are anticipating prompt action on this agenda early in the new year, soon after the General Election dust has settled, irrespective of who is in power. We expect plans will set out what government, business and society will need to do to deliver the significant emissions reduction needed from all modes of transport to get us to 2050. In particular we need consider not just how UK technology and innovation can be implemented, but also the science and stimulus needed to encourage major changes to the way people and goods move across the UK. Apart from the obvious requirement to show that the net zero mandate is more than a distant aspirational target by enabling significant actions to put the UK on a credible pathway to net zero in 2050, the Government has a further compelling reason for doing so. The eyes of the world will be on the UK in November 2020 when the 26th CoP (Conference of the Parties) will take place in Glasgow. This international follow-up to Paris 2015 will be a major landmark event in attempts to convene global action on tackling climate change. The UK – particularly in what may be a post-Brexit world – will want to demonstrate that it is still a major player in world affairs and, crucially, that it has a credible plan for delivering its own legal target, providing it with the authority to lead other nations down a path to net zero. So, watch out for some major developments on this agenda once ‘Auld Lang Syne’ has been sung and the decorations are put away once more! Perhaps our biggest celebrations of transport decarbonisation will actually be next year.

FURTHER INFORMATION www.lowcvp.org.uk

Issue 124 | GREENFLEET MAGAZINE

News

SUSTAINABILITY

New Renault Zoe integrates recycled materials French manufacturer Renault has announced that it will be using a new fabric for its car seats made of 100 per cent recycled material. The patented fabric, which will be used in the electric Renault Zoe, is made out of recycled seatbelts, textile straps and plastic bottles. In total, eight square metres of the Zoe’s cabin will be covered by the material, including the dashboard, gear lever surround and door fittings. The supply and short loop manufacturing of this recycled carded yarn – without chemical or thermal transformation – reduces

associated CO2 emissions by more than 60 per cent compared to the previous Zoe fabric from a standard manufacturing process. Jean-Philippe Hermine, director of Environmental Strategy & Planning for Groupe Renault, said: “Faced with the challenge of the energy transition, industries have an essential role to play in changing their production methods and reducing their environmental impact. With the support of our partners Filatures du Parc and Adient Fabrics, we are demonstrating that it is possible to implement circular and competitive development

models focused on resources, while acquiring a valuable competitive advantage at a time when the availability and cost of raw materials are becoming a real strategic issue. This approach contributes to the Group’s commitment to reduce the environmental impacts of each vehicle throughout its life cycle and to reduce its global carbon footprint by -25 per cent in 2022 compared to 2010.” READ MORE https://bit.ly/2qiHBpy

PUBLIC SECTOR

ELECTRIC VEHICLES

£1.36m to support greener vehicles across NHS Scotland

Reservations open for Peugeot e-2008 SUV

NHS Scotland has accessed £1.36 million of available support through the Transport Scotland Switched on Fleets Fund for 112 new electric cars. This will increase the number of Ultra‑Low Emission vehicles in the NHS shared service fleet by almost 80 per cent, replacing existing fossil fuelled vehicles across a number of NHS shared service functions and regions, reducing the CO2 equivalent tailpipe emissions by at least 168 tonnes every year by comparison. Michael Matheson, Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity, said: “NHS Scotland is demonstrating leadership by moving at an incredible pace in taking steps to improve air quality and reduce carbon emissions through their plans to decarbonise their vehicle fleet. The 2019 Programme for Government outlined our commitment to phase out the need for new petrol or diesel cars in the public sector fleet by 2025 and for all other vehicles in the public sector fleet by 2030. “This decision by the NHS directly supports that ambition and responds to the climate emergency, supporting our

Climate Change Plan and our vision for Scotland’s air quality to be the best in Europe – and builds on the activity already undertaken by the Scottish Ambulance Service. I’m pleased we can support public sector leadership by providing support through the Scottish Government Switched on Fleets Fund which exists to help local authorities and public organisations, like the NHS and Scottish Ambulance Service, to make the important transition to greener, zero-emission vehicle fleets.” Shelley MacKay, national fleet manager for NHS National Services Scotland, added: “We have worked closely with manufacturers to ensure that this new fleet of electric vehicles delivers best value for the NHS and for Scotland. We will continue to support the Scottish Government and work with Transport Scotland, and other partners, to achieve our shared ambition of a cleaner, greener transport future.” READ MORE https://bit.ly/343LSvt

Reservations for the all-new PEUGEOT 2008 SUV and e-2008 SUV are now open (in GT Line trim), costing from £26,100 and £32,000 respectively. The all-new 2008 SUV and e-2008 SUV will also be available later in Active, Allure and GT trim levels. Fleet and company car drivers benefit from low company car tax rates. The zero-emission, all-new e-2008 SUV will be exempt from paying Benefit-in-Kind (BIK) tax from April 2020 onwards, while customers opting for the efficient 1.2 PureTech 130 S&S 6-speed manual all-new 2008 SUV will be subject to 24% in BIK. The all-new e-2008 SUV is powered by a 100kW (136bhp) electric motor with a 50kWh battery giving it 193 miles of range. Capable of rapid charging at 100kW, an 80% charge will take just 30 minutes, while a full charge using conventional 7.4kW charger will take 7.5 hours (or optional 11kW charging in 5 hours for customers with access to three-phase power). Charging points can be installed at a customer’s home or workplace through PEUGEOT’s charging partner.

HYBRIDS

New Škoda Octavia line-up includes PHEV The new Škoda Octavia line-up has a choice of powertrains: plug-in-hybrid, mild hybrid and more efficient petrol, and diesel engines. In the Octavia iV, a 1.4 petrol engine and an electric motor deliver a combined power output of 150 kW (204 PS). The high-voltage lithium-ion battery allows for an all-electric range of up to 55 km in the WLTP cycle. The eTEC variants fitted with latest EVO-generation 1.0 TSI or 1.5 TSI petrol engines feature mild hybrid technology when equipped with DSG. Using a 48-volt belt-driven starter motor and a 48-volt lithium-ion battery, brake energy recovery is possible to support the combustion engine with an electric boost, and to coast

with the engine completely switched off. The EVO diesel engines apply a new ‘twin dosing’ exhaust gas treatment, where AdBlue® is injected specifically in front of the two catalytic converters that are arranged one after the other. Dynamic Chassis Control, which is optional, now comes with slider controls within the different driving modes, allowing the driver to change individual parameters such as the suspension, damping and steering characteristics or the operation of the DSG to suit their preferences. READ MORE tinyurl.com/vjw4k66

Sponsored by

27 Leasing All companies have different operating models so no one funding method will fit all. To help clear the confusion on what finance options are available for purchasing vehicles, the BVRLA has published a Vehicle Funding Guide, done in partnership with Grant Thornton

31 Electric vehicles The majority of fleet operators want to embrace a zero emission future, but there is still confusion regarding the cost of ownership, infrastructure, journey planning and driver education. Peter Eldridge, director of ICFM, gives food for thought for those considering the switch to electric vehicles

35 Electric Vehicles Seasoned electric vehicle integration manager Nigel Morris from Swansea Universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Active Building Centre, shares some advice on what to consider when implementing electric vehicles into an organisationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fleet

37 Grey Fleet Staff-owned vehicles are still widely used for business purposes, which poses a problem for employers in terms of ensuring the safety and green credentials of such vehicles. So what should a grey fleet policy look like and what are the alternatives?

39 Telematics Fleet Telematics gives organisations insight into their fleet operations, enabling more informed-decision making for a smoother-running and cost effective fleet. Here is a look at some of the common uses and benefits of telematics systems

41 Road Safety Having effective fleet safety policies and procedures in place that are supported and promoted from the top of the organisation will help you to develop a strong safety culture among your workforce, writes Ross Moorlock, chief operating officer of road safety charity Brake

Sponsor’s Comment

Making informed best practice decisions Chevin is delighted to be the platinum sponsor of this year’s Best Practice guide. As the environment and sustainable initiatives receive more media attention, the fleet industry is facing perhaps one of its biggest challenges to date – and it’s moving at a pace we have never seen before It will, for example, be possible to make more intricate conclusions relating to predictive maintenance, allowing fleet professionals to automate business‑enhancing processes, from booking alternative mobility solutions to eliminating the risk of road accidents altogether. Chevin expects to see a drive towards mobility, and by taking insight from “big data” fleet decision makers will be able to understand not only the total cost of ownership (TCO), but also the much broader cost of mobility with regards to people, vehicles, associated assets and commercial goods.

This pace of change is due, in large part, to technological advancements such as alternatively powered vehicles, network enhancements and the rise of “big data”. Companies that operate large fleets are under increasing pressure to invest in greener vehicles, and the demand for “mobility over metal” is on the rise. But saving the planet is not a one-player game, we all – manufacturers, operators and suppliers alike – have an important part to play when it comes to creating a sustainable future for the industry. That’s where Chevin and its FleetWave software plays a pivotal role. Within its web-based solution, a multitude of third-party data sets are seamlessly integrated into one platform, allowing fleet managers to make informed decisions. This, in turn, helps fleet professionals to drive industry best practice, simplify important operational insight and connect all aspects of the supply chain. Modern day fleet managers live in a world of fluctuating costs and tight budgets, so finding a means to reduce operational expenses – at the same time promoting a sustainable business model – should be high on any list of priorities. When it comes to this challenge, the most successful fleet managers are those who combine industry knowledge with real-life data – both historical and live – in order to make informed decisions and drive best practice.

Using Chevin’s FleetWave, it is possible for fleet professionals to make informed best practice decisions, in key business areas such as procurement; fuel management; preventative maintenance; compliance and risk; inventory management and driver safety. Leading provider Today, Chevin is the leading global provider of dedicated fleet management solutions, and its multi award-winning software is used in more than 180 countries worldwide, to manage in excess of 1.2m vehicles and associated assets. Its client base includes some of the world’s largest, most reputable organisations across multiple industry sectors, from major OEMs, construction and utilities to government, non-profit and emergency services. Chevin views its client base as a large community, working together where possible to promote industry best practices, generating positive outcomes from a sustainability standpoint. By working as one, it is possible to speed up change that will have a positive outcome for all concerned. Looking to the future, the role of data will become even more important, particularly as technology advances further and smart vehicles start to dominate the market. Artificial Intelligence (AI) will be a driving force here, enabling advanced automated workflows that are facilitated by live data feeds, further supporting the value of industry best practices.

DRIVING THE SWITCH TO CLEANER FLEETS | www.greenfleet.net

The best strategy It is Chevin’s belief that implementing resultsdriven decisions based on sound and accurate knowledge about your operation is the best strategy for weathering change in the most efficient manner. It recommends taking steps to gather as much data as possible, to help make more balanced decisions. Its FleetWave product has a proven track record in allowing fleet managers to make better, fully informed decisions, providing a means of comparison across all business areas and enabling individuals to drive best practice in this fast paced and ever-changing environment. Ultimately, nobody knows what changes the future will bring, but the best decisions will be made by those organisations that are proactive rather than reactive. If you would like to learn more about industry best practice and how software can help to optimise fleet operations, contact Chevin today to arrange a free demonstration or speak to one of its fleet experts. L FURTHER INFORMATION +44 (0)1773 821992 sales@chevinfleet.com

Financing your fleet vehicles All fleets have different operating models, so no one funding method will fit all. Here’s a look at the different options available

All companies have different operating models so no one funding method will fit all. Indeed even within a fleet itself, different vehicles may be suited to different finance models. To help clear the confusion on what finance options are available for purchasing vehicles, the BVRLA has published a Vehicle Funding guide, done in partnership with Grant Thornton. Contract hire Contract hire is the main type of vehicle leasing. Explaining the process, the guide says: “Contract hire sees a user hire a car for a set period of time and pre-determined maximum mileage at fixed monthly rentals. There is no option for the hirer to purchase the vehicle and at the end of the contract, it is returned to the leasing company.” The monthly rental rate takes into account registration fees, road fund licence, its period of use, agreed mileage, funding costs, and forecast residual value, as well as the cost of the car. The number of miles a car does has major implications for both its service requirements and resale value and so will have an impact on the rental rate. The monthly fee may include a ‘service’ element covering additional services, such as maintenance, replacement vehicles, roadside assistance, motor insurance, accident management and fuel cards. Finance lease A finance lease allows the lessee to hire a vehicle for a fixed monthly fee, with the vehicle remaining the property of the leasing company. This is similar to contract hire, however, the vehicle will appear on the lessee’s balance sheet, with outstanding rentals represented as a liability because the risks and rewards of ownership rest with the lessee.

balloon payment can be varied to reduce or increase the monthly repayment amount. “This type of funding appeals to companies that want to retain ownership of their vehicles, do not want to use their capital or overdraft to pay for them, and want to avoid mileage restrictions,” the guide says. However, it presents a residual value risk and requires inhouse expertise and management resources.

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Outright ownership Purchasing a vehicle outright is regarded as an acquisition of a fixed asset for accounting purposes. As such, the vehicles are recorded on the organisation’s balance sheet and depreciate over their useful life down to an estimated residual value. This gives the greatest level of control over how a vehicle is procured and also provides a potential influx of funds when vehicles are sold. But that does mean tying up capital in a rapidly depreciating asset, the guide says.

Zero emission vehicles The government’s Road to Zero strategy made clear that it Contra wants to pursue a zerohire see ct emission transport future. sa user hir But for many, there are still too many concerns a set pe e a car for that electric vehicles will r i o and pre d of time The BVRLA / Grant not be fit for purpose in d Thornton guide fleet operations. Leasing maximu etermined m says: “A finance and rental, over outright m i l e at fixed a lease generally purchase, can help lessen monthl ge conforms to one of these concerns and allow y r entals two standard formats: fleet operators to try the a lease with a final vehicles without the risk. balloon payment (smaller Explaining the benefits of monthly payments with a final leasing electric vehicles, the BVRLA’s big payment at the end), or the fully Gerry Keaney said: “Many of the longamortised lease, in which the finance is standing benefits associated with vehicle spread over a fixed period with the same leasing are particularly attractive when amount being paid on a regular basis, it comes to fleets and people looking to usually monthly. “In a lease with a final adopt zero or ultra-low emission vehicles. balloon payment, the overall depreciation of “These vehicles are expensive and leasing the vehicle is reflected in the monthly rental, companies can pass on the purchasing with the final payment covering the original discounts they get from buying so many estimated residual value at the end of the of them. Leasing enables you to fix the contract. If the vehicle is subsequently sold cost of your vehicle acquisition over a at a price above that of the predetermined set period, meaning that you don’t have balloon payment, the leasing company will to stump up a lot of money up-front. refund a percentage of the proceeds to “This can be particularly attractive for the lessee. If the price is below the balloon businesses that would like to use that payment, the lessee will be liable to pay working capital elsewhere. With the the shortfall to the leasing company.” most popular form of leasing, contract hire, you never actually own the vehicle. Contract purchase This means that you are immune from Contract purchase sees a customer agree any risk associated with that vehicle’s to purchase a vehicle via a series of residual value. Should a vehicle’s residual monthly instalments, the BVRLA guide value fall sharply, perhaps due to the says. Ownership passes to the purchaser introduction of a new range of much at the outset or the end of the contract, more efficient electric vehicles, the leasing depending on whether a conditional company will have to absorb this cost.” sale or credit sale agreement is used. With London’s ULEZ and the imminent Hire purchase meanwhile is a type of arrival of Clean Air Zones around the UK, agreement where the purchaser in effect leasing may also provide an attractive takes out a loan to buy vehicles from a way to use compliant vehicles. L third party. The agreement may require a three or six month deposit at the outset and FURTHER INFORMATION usually terminates with a balloon payment – typically equivalent to the expected residual See the BVRLA / Grant Thornton guide on value of the car. Both the deposit and the Vehicle Funding at tinyurl.com/rgcmqql

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What to consider when switching to electric vehicles? Making a case for an electric vehicle (EV) fleet continues to be something of a conundrum for UK fleet operators given the broad range of business-critical factors involved. The majority of fleet operators want to embrace a zero emission future, but the road to get there remains fraught with challenges and continuing confusion regarding the cost of ownership, infrastructure, journey planning, driver education etc. It is no surprise that many fleet operators simply don’t know what to do for the best and that, of course, is no basis to move forwards strategically. The first golden rule of any change process is clarity and the problem with the way that EV technology is being dealt with in the UK is that there continues to be a great deal of shifting sand surrounding the subject. Let’s take a look at some of the key areas involved. On a positive note, ‘range anxiety’ is progressively becoming yesterday’s news and in real terms, it is now perfectly feasible for fleet drivers to successfully fulfil their business and private journeys with an electric vehicle.

That said, ensuring that EV choices are finely tuned to a specific driver’s journey Fleet Consider the and mileage profile is decision charging critical, as there are still makers infrastructure marked differences n e e d present to The current charging in the achievable financia powerful infrastructure in real ‘real world’ mileage l terms continues to ranges of available their bo arguments t o ards in be one of the more EVs. Providing drivers order to significant drive en areas with information that viro of uncertainty as far helps them understand policy c nmental hange as the average fleet the range capabilities driver is concerned. of their chosen EV and There is no question how to strike a good balance that the situation could be greatly between energy efficiency and improved if all motor manufacturers performance usage is a vital first step. and charging point providers were to get together and deliver a more mature and Getting the most from an EV joined up approach to universal plug-in Continuing with the topic of driver awareness, compatibility, the variable charge point let’s explore a few more key elements capabilities/timescales involved and the involved with educating drivers to ensure multitude of payment systems in place that they get the best from their EV. depending on the charge point provider. Driving style has a significant impact and it Depending on the actual vehicle choice is highly advisable to maintain steady speeds and battery kilowatt performance, a full E when driving an electric vehicle. ‘Gunning’ the

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vehicle will rapidly consume valuable battery performance and thus reduce ‘real world’ range. Avoiding harsh braking also pays dividends in respect of extending battery charge, since it maximises the use of the regenerative braking system. Improved anticipation when overtaking and braking and leaving enough space for routine driving manoeuvres is another key to maximising energy efficiency. Many EVs are equipped with some form of economy mode that automatically chooses the most energy-efficient way to drive from A to B. Maximising the use of these systems will ensure that economy parameters are utilised and enhanced battery life promoted. Encouraging drivers to adopt a frugal approach with the use of the vehicle’s climate control, in-car entertainment, satellite navigation and mobile phone charging systems, will also positively improve range capability. This is particularly important during periods when battery power is low.

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 recharge can take anywhere from circa 35 minutes to 13 hours and this is obviously an unacceptable variable. This is particularly relevant for the latest, high mileage range, manufacturer offerings, which equipped with larger 75-100kw batteries, but are left somewhat exposed as a result of the limited numbers of commensurate charging points available in the UK. These dynamics are also driving a shift from ‘range anxiety’ to real concerns about reported ‘recharging congestion’ at many of the outlets available and this continues to have a real impact on driver and fleet operator confidence regarding EV uptake. Additionally, EV production lead times continue to frustrate potential buyers and when all the elements are taken into consideration, it explains why the current fleet registrations provided by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders clearly endorse that although progress is being made towards a zero emission future - it still has a long way to go. Battery electric/ hybrid electric/plug-in hybrid/mild hybrid vehicle registrations represents 9.9 per cent of the market share, while conventional petrol and diesel vehicles take the lion’s share at 91.2 per cent. Petrol is the predominant player at 62.4 per cent and mild hybrids make up the balance at 3.5 per cent. Once the stakeholders involved stop battling for supremacy in terms of the different technologies and adopt a more universal charging point system and payment mechanism approach, the situation will improve significantly. Cost of ownership Turning to the matter of cost of ownership, fleet decision-makers require encouragement to introduce and present powerful financial arguments to their boards in order to drive environmental policy change. However, a failure by Government until July this year to announce company car benefitin-kind tax rates post April 2020, although slightly incentivising the take-up of zero emission vehicles, also failed to take account of the lack of availability of those cars in today’s marketplace and further frustrated a proactive switch to an electric vehicle future. It should also be noted that with the cancellation of the November Budget due to a general election being called for December 12, the company car benefitin-kind tax rates post April 2020 have yet to be enshrined in law as the 2020 Finance Bill - usually published postBudget - has been delayed as a result. One assumes that post the election a Budget will be held quickly – but due to Christmas and the New Year and the Parliamentary recess being December 21 to January 5 that is unlikely to be until the New Year. We must therefore wait and see if the announced tax rates are retained by a newly elected Conservative administration or replaced by a Government of a different political persuasion. For fleets and company car drivers to truly embrace the plug-in vehicle revolution, the Government needed

to take greater account of reviewing benefit-in-kind tax rates in conjunction with model launches and availability. The benefit-in-kind tax changes due in April 2020 promoting a 0 per cent rate, followed by one per cent in 2021/22 and two per cent in 2022/23, coupled with a plug-in grant of up to £3,500, will attract fleet operators and employees to EVs, but lead times must be in-line as well. If all the elements come together, then real progress will be made with EVs, but there is also a word of caution that needs to be mentioned. There is a real danger that because of the benefit-in-kind tax changes, drivers will rush to take advantage of the personal financial benefit available and, if not managed carefully, fleet operators could be left heavily exposed by drivers making uninformed vehicle choices, that for the reasons mentioned earlier do not fit for their business use profile. This is not a new problem and the previous switch to petrol hybrid cars to take advantage of the benefit-in-kind tax benefits, exemplifies how, what was intended to be a positive environmental move, for many, actually had the opposite effect. The reason was simply that for many fleet operators they became a proverbial duck out of water due to poor driver/journey analysis that resulted in hybrids operating predominantly outside of their economic efficiency zone. The outcome - significantly higher operating costs, specifically fuel bills, compared to their previous (now demonised) diesel counterparts. In summary, fleet drivers will make improved environmental vehicle choices, but only if the benefit-in-kind tax regime is beneficial; electric vehicle recharging is straightforward at all points in their business and personal travel; and electric vehicle selection is straightforward. Fleet operators will then be able to get down to business and select the right EVs for the right application; help employees understand the benefit-in-kind tax implications of their company car choice; provide driver guidance on how to run electric vehicles efficiently and responsibly. This will include maximising electric only miles in plug-in hybrids and the effective management of street, home and workplace charging routines and etiquette. Let’s be completely clear - fleet operators are not averse to change, but they will not expose themselves or their businesses to the potential fall-out of poor or uncertain policy decisions. Consequently there are presently still too many unknown factors across a sector that remains embryonic in terms of sales. If you would like to find out more, the best place to start is by taking a look at the ICFM training and education programmes. More details are available on the ICFM website www.icfm.com or you can contact administration@icfm.com for further information. L FURTHER INFORMATION www.icfm.com

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EV charging: Supporting the electrification of your fleet Charging electric vehicles doesn’t have to be a minefield. If the correct vehicles are acquired for the business operations and adequate, resilient charging infrastructure is specified to support those requirements, then it will be a proverbial ‘walk in the park’ It is all too common (and incredibly frustrating for users) that adequate consultations have not been carried out by charging providers and as such, the infrastructure installed is unsuitable or, in many cases, inoperable. I recently travelled to London for an event where I was speaking about the correct implementation of EV charging and was, I’ll admit, a little excited to see that the car park had charging units installed. As I proactively search for the nearest charging units to my destination, they were a bit of a surprise as they weren’t listed on any of the usual charging point maps but I recognised the network they were attached to so I set about registering with them to allow me to charge up. However, once I had registered (at the cost of £10) I called them as the charger wasn’t showing on their portal. I was informed that the chargers were no longer on their network and that I should call another network provider. Which I did and I registered for that network as recommended (at the cost of another £10) only to the be told that, while the chargers were a part of their network, they “had been consumed, but not yet activated”. This meant that there were perfectly adequate charging facilities that users wanted to access but were unable to because the back office was not correctly configured. The whole process took about 30 mins (that frankly I didn’t have) and lead to a lot of frustration and no charge for my car. I find this unacceptable. Charging frustrations Technological advances in vehicles mean greater ranges and more models

available, which in turn mean that more and more private owners and businesses are looking at electric vehicles as a truly viable option. However, in the majority of cases, it is the issues with charging these vehicles that tops the list of concerns when considering EV as the choice of vehicle. But it’s not just public charging units that cause issues for users. I met with a delegate at an event a short while ago whose charging infrastructure was failing him terribly: electrification of his fleet was ideal for their operational requirements; his staff loved the vehicles and they did the job required of them. However, the charging infrastructure installed hadn’t been properly specified and were installed in an area of poor GSM (mobile phone) reception that the chargers rely on to communicate with their management network or ‘back office’. This meant that the chargers couldn’t be accessed remotely or managed in any way but most catastrophic to the business case for the electric vehicles was the fact that when the charging units lost connection to the back office, they either stopped charging, refused to begin charging or shut down completely. This resulted in vehicles not being charged ready for work and staff not being able to initiate charging of the vehicles. Consequently (and somewhat tragically in my opinion) the staff are now asking for them to be replaced with conventional combustion engine vehicles. Charging needs to get easier If the predictions are correct and our transport future lies firmly away from petrol and diesel fuels, then the charging and refuelling

solutions that are provided have to be better. I have written articles in previous Greenfleet magazines (issue 120 & 123) regarding the requirements of implementing EV charging and where the crucial factors are considered, EV charging can be successful, resilient and user friendly. ElectrAssure’s objective is to fully satisfy the charging requirements of our customers while minimising the disruption their business during the installation and operation of the EV charging system. We believe that the provision of charging solutions does not finish when the installation is handed over to the customer; in fact it is only the beginning of the support and assistance that we provide. We ensure that our installations are monitored and managed by a back office or CPMS (chargepint management system) that provides the information the customer requires, authorises users correctly, reports faults or issues and allows remote maintenance to be carried out. We have access to the management portal directly and are therefore able to react quickly and efficiently to any issues reported by the either the back office or the customer. Couple this with an installation of quality charging units that satisfy the customer’s need and an electrical installation of the highest standards and complies with the BS7671 18th edition wiring regulations, and the EV charging infrastructure provided will support the business case to electrify the fleet vehicles for years to come. L FURTHER INFORMATION www.electrassure.com

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Implementing EVs into your fleet: how to get it right 1. Why go green? Sustainability, decarbonisation and the environment are headline issues. All of us with the opportunity to do so have a responsibility to review, reflect and do better. In the fleet world change is here and now; our dependency on importing and burning fossil fuels with associated emissions is under heavy scrutiny. Change costs but no change will cost us more. Get it right and we can create new opportunities and benefits and secure a healthier future for the industry and those effected by it. 2. Team up Find or become an EV Champion; this is an opportunity to make a difference, boost a new career or breath new enthusiasm into an existing one. Then find your stakeholders; this is not just transport anymore, this is energy managers, carbon managers, E&FM, policy makers, sustainability and marketing. There will be issues along the way so find your sponsor – the person with influence in your organisation that gets it, will have your back and unblock the inevitable. This step has inter-dependencies and will evolve so keep the right people near you at the right time. Work to get the decision makers and the end users on board. 3. Phases No one size fits all but there are commonalities. Not many fleets will shift wholesale overnight other than

sole traders and even then, there will be a few phases before adoption. Do some research on vehicle types, battery sizes, charging speeds, charger types, apps and maps and learn the lingo of kWh, kW and miles/kW. Gen up on Clean Air Zones and Congestion Charges in your operational area, taking into consideration the costs and potential savings. Talk to dealers, manufacturers and fleet providers and get extended demonstrators in. Promote a few EV try out sessions. Get bums on seats and target your allies from step two. Get your CEO in a white van, get your van drivers in a good electric car. Enable first hand experience. Might be wise to look at EV charge cards, fobs or apps at this stage too and if your drivers take vehicles home, look at the OLEV funding deals so you can answer questions on cost. 4. Plan Confirm resources and strategic buy in. Talk to fleet providers or specialists on evaluation tools and gather data to determine best EV fit to your business. Look at daily mileages, look for regular duty cycles, look for easy EV deployment. You want this to work so don’t set it up to fail. Average daily mileage is less than most drivers think and telemetry data can back that up. Think about charging infrastructure; will it be depot style back to base? In which case plan a scalable solution, work

with your E&FM and energy buddies from step two to look for best location. Talk to commercial charge point operators for a managed solution or buy outright and operate. Again, look for the OLEV workplace charging available. Local grid capacity – do you have sufficient? Can you consider embedding solar PV generation and building battery to assist the local grid and reduce costs over time or to avoid costly grid upgrade? A small roll out may suit some firms; one charger, one vehicle and rotate amongst your operational groups for evaluation. Go large and put a bigger project into motion. Educate and train your drivers. Change driving style to a safer, more economic technique. Explain benefits of using heated seats and steering wheel instead of cabin heaters, explain regenerative braking. Hammer home the benefits and keep the emissions, air quality and renewable energy strand live and kicking along with running cost savings. Communicate internally, promote externally, leverage value, logo your zero emission investment, play social media and look for local events to attend and exhibit – this can be free advertising to a new market opportunity. 5. Monitor and feedback Encourage and listen to user feedback, work together to reward and resolve issues, encourage and coach behavioural change. Develop and review policy. Some may need this before action but either way, policy can anchor decisions. Etch a fuel policy in decision makers minds but be mindful of user requirements and duty of vehicles. Remember – set up to succeed. Evidence success, gather data, report, case study. You can do this of your competitors if this would help support your case. Publicise your achievements, keep the internal and external comms going and look for next steps.

Written by Nigel Morris, electric vehicle integration manager, Active Building Centre at Swansea University

Seasoned electric vehicle integration manager Nigel Morris, shares some food for thought when considering implementing electric vehicles into a fleet

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6. Acceptance Are your drivers now requesting EV? Are other departments or sections within your organisation coming to you for advice or trial vehicles? Are the numbers adding up or projecting well? Can you see your leasing or ownership model changing? Is the issue now availability of EVs and not finance, procurement or desirability? Hopefully so; whether a one vehicle trial or a 150 vehicle fleet change, if scoped and phased, you have user acceptance, data to evidence and achieved EV integration. L FURTHER INFORMATION www.activebuildingcentre.com

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BP Fuel & Charge delivers maximum flexibility to fleet managers With electric vehicles moving further and further up the agenda, fleet managers will need to make vital decisions on how, why and when to transition to electric in the future be most effective when the majority of charging is carried out overnight at home, taking advantage of lower electricity rates. So, while new infrastructure offers convenience and peace of mind on the road, drivers’ capability to charge at home is something important to consider within your fleet. BP offers customers fully integrated support through the installation of home and office charging via BP Chargemaster. With an extensive public charging network – and work and home charging solutions – BP is committed to ensuring EV is a viable option for more and more fleet customers. And for those who rely on on-road charging it’s good to know that once signed up to the Fuel & Charge subscription, the majority of the Polar network is free to use.

While some may say the move to an EV or even to a plug-in hybrid vehicle is inevitable, there are many things to consider when switching an entire fleet to being electric. The needs of each driver and vehicle will be different, so while some might be ready, others won’t be and managing this effectively will be crucial. BP’s innovative Fuel & Charge card option offers a seamless, nationwide option for managers and fleet vehicles of all engine types, which delivers maximum flexibility, so fleets can make the decisions that are right for them. Taking the plunge to electric can often be daunting but there is no reason to be apprehensive. As ever, research is key, but BP’s Fuel and Charge card can help eliminate some of the biggest concerns facing fleet managers facing this industry change. Range Range anxiety seems to be the biggest thing playing on drivers’ minds when considering the switch to an electric vehicle. While the charging network is growing and always being improved, particularly with infrastructure

being put in place by the Polar Network, you should consider the effect charging time will have on your fleet especially if your drivers will be required to make long journeys. BP’s Fuel & Charge package covers access to the Polar network – the UK’s largest public charging network which consists of over 7,000 EV charging points. Drivers can easily plan ahead using the Polar app to map convenient charging points on their route, and check availability. With BP Chargemaster also installing ultra-fast charge points on BP forecourts in the coming months, fleets have another reason not to suffer range anxiety. The new 150kW chargers are able to provide convenient ultra-fast charging to the latest and next generation of EVs with an expected dwell time of 10-12 minutes, not dissimilar from the average of around seven minutes spent by drivers of petrol and diesel cars on a forecourt today. Charging Many fleet managers will switch to EV to make fuel cost savings by charging however you should be aware that cost saving can

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Cost Fleet managers need to consider the long-term gains when weighing up the cost of switching to electric, and consider the upfront cost of the vehicle against savings on fuel, tax and maintenance. BP’s Fuel and Charge card, can be used by fleet drivers to pay for petrol, diesel or electricity, offering flexibility for fleets who don’t want the restraints or the cost of committing an entire contract to EV, giving you the time to make the right decision. Time Fleet managers are busy, and some may think they don’t have time to process all the admin that comes with changing to EV. The easy-to-navigate BP Fuel & Charge card online reporting provides one simple solution and an overview of expenses for individual fuel types and EV charging in one place, allowing precious admin time to be cut to a minimum. Jo McDonnell, UK Fuel Cards Manager, commented: “The shift to EV is happening and at BP we are committed to serving our fleet customers with safe and convenient fuelling options regardless of the engine type they choose. Our new BP Fuel & Charge offer gives fleets the flexibility and the solution if and when they chose to move to electric vehicles.” L FURTHER INFORMATION www.bpplus.co.uk/FuelCharge 0345 603 0723

Grey fleet and staff travel dilemmas Staff-owned vehicles are still widely used for business purposes, which poses a problem for employers in terms of ensuring the safety and green credentials of such vehicles. So what should a grey fleet policy look like and what are the alternatives?

Grey fleet refers to employee-owned vehicles that are used for business-purposes. As a vehicle is considered a place of work, the same diligence over employee health and safety must be applied. What’s more, organisations are accountable under the corporate manslaughter act. It is therefore important for organisations to consider the safety of the vehicles their staff drive for business journeys. Grey fleet vehicles tend to be older than company cars and are likely therefore to be fitted with fewer safety features. As a result it is more difficult for organisations to demonstrate that they are meeting the duty of care requirement. Older grey fleet vehicles may also emit higher emissions, and may incur costs in clean air zones and London’s ULEZ scheme, making it harder for organisations to meet any environmental goals. Grey fleet can be expensive Grey fleet is typically reimbursed at 45 pence per mile (ppm) for the first 10,000 miles, and 25ppm thereafter. There is the risk that an employee could round up journeys. In its Grey Fleet Guide, the Energy Saving Trust says that a driver rounding up a claim from 8 to 10 miles increases the journey cost by 25 per cent. For 50 drivers, averaging 2,000 miles a year, inflating their mileage claims by 25 per cent would mean £11,000 being unnecessarily reimbursed. A grey fleet policy A grey fleet policy should outline the minimum vehicle standards in terms of Euro NCAP safety ratings, vehicle age, emission levels, required safety features and breakdown cover. It should also state that the employee is responsible for ensuring their vehicle complies with laws on roadworthiness, is being serviced in line with manufacturer guidelines and has the appropriate level of insurance and breakdown assistance cover.

average journey lengths are often shorter and electric vehicles (EVs) offer the most viable and sustainable option. Enterprise has also installed car club technology, including the ability to book online or via a mobile app, in many of the council’s own pool cars. The Highland Council estimates that it has cut its carbon footprint from staff travel by approximately 377 tonnes of CO2 equivalent in 12 months by transferring grey fleet mileage onto dedicated hybrid and electric Enterprise Car Club vehicles, a reduction of 19 per cent. The Council covers a large area of Northern Scotland, roughly equivalent to the size of Belgium. Many of its 10,000 employees travel great distances for business to and from around 700 local offices, schools and depots to deliver Grey essential local services. fleet po Before bringing Enterprise should licy on board, its grey fleet o u t mileage amounted to l i n e the min more than six million It should also outline i m u m vehicle miles a year at a cost of the need for drivers to in term standards more than £2.2 million. check fuel, lights, oil, A significant factor rust, water, electrics, ratings, s of safety vehicle in the success of indicators, windscreen ag and em the club has been an (including wipers), ission e, employee communications mirrors and tyres at the levels programme that provides start of each journey. clear information on how to The policy should also state make better travel choices. This that drivers need to show a valid will shortly include the generation of and clean driving licence, details of automated emails to notify when employees insurance, and breakdown assistance cover. could be utilising vehicles more efficiently. The Council aims to increase its car club What are the alternatives? fleet to 80 vehicles by the end of this Today organisations should consider a mix of year to achieve even greater savings. mobility solutions when it comes to business In addition, the Council is rollingtravel. This could include car pools, car share, out an improved ICT infrastructure to public transport and other on-demand encourage video conferencing and is services. Video conferencing could also be focusing on shared and public transport adopted to negate the need to travel. for service delivery where practical. Organisations could also consider installing telematics in grey fleet vehicles. This would Electric vehicles allow for better insight into a vehicle’s location Introducing electric vehicles onto a fleet of and journeys as well as information on how pool cars can be a great way to reduce the safely and efficiently an employee is driving. environmental impact of business travel, Addressing the issue of high grey fleet as well as get more people to try plug-in miles, the Highland Council has reduced vehicles, therefore increasing awareness its annual business mileage by more than and confidence. West Sussex County 825,000 miles and made cost savings Council is using four electric Renault ZOEs in excess of £400,000 in the first 12 as pool cars, helping the council tackle months since introducing a car club. grey fleet car use by offering staff an This represents a 15 per cent reduction in alternative to using their own vehicles. overall business travel costs. The council’s The Scottish Fire & Rescue Service grey fleet mileage has fallen by nearly a (SFRS) has also seen the benefit of quarter (22 per cent) and its overall business offering electric vehicles as pool cars. mileage has dropped by 13 per cent. The fire service will use 45 Renault ZOEs as A fleet of 60 Enterprise Car Club vehicles general pool vehicles, with each covering at located across 21 Highland Council least 10,000 miles a year. They will be used offices is now available for booking by by uniformed staff, office employees and the hour or day by employees who would management to interact with the public in have previously used a private car and non-emergency situations, which span free claimed mileage reimbursement. home safety visits to community events, The majority of the 60 vehicles are plug-in and will be spread across the whole of hybrids. Five plug-in Nissan LEAF electric Scotland, including all major cities and as cars are also based at Council offices in far as Orkney and the Shetland Islands. L Inverness, Golspie and Fort William, where

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Technology for more efficient fleet operations Improved operational efficiencies, cost control and ensuring legislative compliance are among the benefits that organisations across the UK have realised from implementation of Jaama’s multi award-winning Key2 system

Jaama, the industry-leading, fleet software innovator, is seeing a significant increase in both public and private sector interest in its technology. During the last 12 months, the Key2 systems procured has resulted in more than 1.35 million cars, commercial vehicles and assets now being managed via Key2. Cost control is one of the top priorities for all organisations with savvy decision‑makers investing in technology to help them effectively and efficiently manage their transport operations. Martin Evans, managing director of Jaama said: “Some organisations continue to rely on outdated systems and processes to manage fleet vehicles. These ‘historic’ methods are invariably time consuming, administratively cumbersome, involve intensive paper trails and, ultimately, are inefficient and costly. “Too often organisations look to spend money attempting to modernise outdated systems when they would reap significantly enhanced benefits by installing a new solution fit for the 21st century that delivers high‑level reporting and exception reporting.” Recent developments have seen Jaama become a ‘validated IT supplier’ for the Driving Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) Earned Recognition Scheme by

launching a new module that enables commercial vehicle operators to create, store and manage compliance data. The Earned Recognition Scheme is designed to reduce the number of vehicle roadside stops and checks by enforcement officers. Operators that use Key2 are able to send defined Earned Recognition Scheme key performance indicator information to the DVSA every four-weeks including data captured from walk-around vehicle inspection checks, servicing and MoTs. Martin Evans said: “The Key2 module is designed to exactly replicate the requirements of the Earned Recognition Scheme. The

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information recorded in Key2 by transport managers will clearly demonstrate to the DVSA that their fleets are practising robust and timely compliance methods.” Jaama, an Associate member of the Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS) and a partner to the Freight Transport Association’s Van Excellence scheme, is firmly focused on helping fleets achieve compliance best practice through Key2 implementation. With both standards becoming ever-more crucial in the battle to win business and show compliance requirements are being met, Key2 is used increasingly by organisations to meet and exceed legislative standards. Consequently, Jaama has significantly enhanced the Key2 Compliance Manager module. It enables fleet managers to create their own regular and one-off events relating to vehicles for example; servicing in accordance with manufacturer requirements, MoTs and commercial vehicle inspections - ensuring key events are never missed. Drivers can also carry out their daily vehicle checks through Jaama’s award-winning and industry-leading ‘MyVehicle App’. The app integrates in real-time with Key2, triggering rectification processes. ‘MyVehicle App’ delivers unprecedented levels of efficiency and integration, whilst helping employers meet their compliance requirements. Jaama has invested over £2 million a year in product development to ensure Key2 remains the industry-leading system. Jaama’s policy of continual upgrades included within the customer’s annual fees is a huge advantage for many organisations as they work hard to meet the demands placed on them by their finance departments to remain in allocated budgets. L FURTHER INFORMATION www.jaama.com

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available through a full reporting suite. Instant alerts and notifications can also be sent to emails or via text messages as well.

Case studies Industrial maintenance provider Altrad Services UK is benefiting from vehicle tracking, driver behaviour scoring, and vehicle health alerts from Trakm8. The company has reduced its total fleet mileage Telematics gives organisations insight into their fleet operations, by 1.5 million miles, more than halved its enabling more informed-decision making for a smoother-running accident rate, and average driver scores have and cost effective fleet soared from a baseline 68 per cent to 97 per cent. In addition, vehicle health alerts help prevent breakdowns and costly repairs, Telematics uses GPS tracking to gather More efficient routes saving the company ÂŁ20,000 per annum. information on vehicles like location, speed, You can use data from telematics to The company has also achieved a return and driving behaviour. Onboard cameras optimise routes by identifying congested on investment due to an 11 per cent can also be installed to record driving routes. You can also set up zones and georeduction in its fuel bill through smoother incidents. This gives organisations better fences to identify problem roads or Clean driving and better vehicle utilisation. visibility of their fleet operations, and Air Zones so that they can be avoided. Traffic management solution provider allows for inefficiencies to be remedied. Telematics can also be set up to alert Class One in Scotland has improved its This will allow organisations to save you if your vehicle goes off route so that fleet safety and efficiency by deploying a money through lower insurance you can swiftly detect unauthorised use. new mobile application with integrated premiums, lower fuel consumption and Video footage from cameras can be used telematics from the Algorithm People. through more efficient operations. as evidence to protect firms from false The mobile app is helping Class Oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s allegations and insurance claims. Onboard workforce carry out daily equipment Better customer service cameras can allow you to take control of the and vehicle checks, reducing paperwork One of the benefits of using telematics claims management process by alerting you of and leaving a digital record. is improving customer service. Real-time possible incidents. Having video proof can also The company also required tracking from telematics allows organisations reduce the number of at-fault incidents. vehicle tracking with driver to keep customers updated on location behaviour analytics to help of drivers and provide them with a more Benefits for drivers B y it cut costs, improve efficient service. For example, you can Drivers may be reluctant to monitor productivity, and use telematics to show to customers that be monitored by telematics, in g driver b enhance road safety. drivers have been on site, tell them where but it increases their safety through ehaviour The Algorithm People your drivers are located, and see where by allowing employers to you can telematics, provided Class One other drivers are when support is needed. locate their whereabouts. t a with an integrated Drivers can also use k e a c unsafe telematics and Improved compliance telematics to justify driving tion on habits camera solution By monitoring driver behaviour through any over-time claims or before t which is proven telematics, you can take action on unsafe explain why they were to morehey lead to reduce accident driving habits before they lead to more late to a job, protect s e rates by up to 39 serious incidents. Better driving behaviour themselves from false claims incidentrious s per cent, improve fuel will help reduce accidents and wear resulting from collisions, and economy by up to 10 per and tear on your vehicles, meaning less safeguard themselves from cent and reduce instances expensive insurance claims, less vehicle complaints regarding their driving. of speeding by up to 35 per cent. downtime, and improved safety. Data from telematics can be made easily The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) has added Masternaut telematics to 650 of its vehicles, which are used for flood response, fundraising support and lifeguard patrol, around the coast of the UK and Republic of Ireland. This is helping the RNLI to reduce CO2 levels by 25 per cent and improve the safety of its drivers on the road. In addition to that, the RNLI aims to minimise the fuel consumption by 10 per cent as well as reduce the risk of accidents. Ethical grocer Farmdrop, which runs an electric fleet of over 30 Nissan and Renault vehicles, has seen significant improvements in driver behaviour and fuel/energy use thanks to LEVL and Geotab telematics. The companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s electric delivery vehicles has been able to monitor electric energy use and fuel high engagement among drivers. In just a few months, Farmdrop has seen a 33 per cent reduction in incidents of poor driving per mile and a 27 per cent reduction in the kW/ mile needed for its last mile deliveries in London, Bristol and Bath. L

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Managing road risk is your duty of care

As an employer using vehicles to do your killed every day on our roads and more business, no matter the size of your business, than 60 suffer serious injuries. Around a or the type of vehicle you use, or who owns third of reported crashes involve an atthose vehicles, you have a responsibility work driver, and it’s likely this figure is to manage the associated risks, for any being under reported because of the way related legal reasons but also moral reasons the data is collected. Research shows to protect people from death and injury. that at-work drivers are up to 40 per cent Having effective fleet safety policies and more likely to crash than other drivers procedures in place that are supported and and that work-related road crashes incur promoted from the top of the organisation a greater average time lost in worker will help you to develop a strong safety absence than any other workplace claim. culture among your workforce. The legal obligations in relation By making improvements to to health and safety at work are work-related road safety clear. These include the Health procedures, organisations & Safety at Work Act 1974, It is can improve safety for which places a legal duty importa drivers, other workers, of care on all employers n t t o note th road users and to ensure the health, a legal v at, from members of the public. safety and welfare at Investing in fleet work of all of their a vehicle iewpoint, safety can also employees, and the is consid ered to be a deliver significant Corporate Manslaughter pla business benefits and Corporate of work ce such as improving Homicide Act 2007. . productivity, increasing Under this act, companies legislative compliance, and organisations can, for reducing workplace deaths the first time, be found guilty of and injuries, reducing workplace corporate manslaughter as a result absences, and reducing crash-related costs, of a gross breach of duty of care regulations. therefore positively affecting the bottom line and helping to protect the brand image. Duty of care The consequences of one of your drivers The main responsibilities imposed by this legal being involved in a fatal or serious crash are framework fall on the shoulders of the vehicle potentially horrendous for your organisation’s owners. It is important to note that, from a workforce, finances and reputation. legal viewpoint, a vehicle is considered to be a place of work. And companies have a duty of The problem care responsibility to their drivers to make sure In 2017 alone, 1,793 people were killed on that vehicles are fit for purpose and that they Britain’s roads and 24,831 were seriously are as safe as possible while out on the road, injured. That means that five people are with adequate and appropriate insurance.

Fleet safety policies Organisations can minimise this impact through sound fleet safety policies and procedures, such as routing journeys to avoid residential areas and town centres as much as possible, and stipulating that if staff drive in built-up areas, they should drive at no more than 20mph to help protect people and reduce noise and pollution. Beyond any legal responsibilities, managing road risk can also provide benefits to organisations, helping to reduce insurance premiums and claims, improve reputation and morale, and avoid the potentially catastrophic effects of a serious crash. To help reduce costs of collisions, organisations should aim to create a ‘collision-free culture’ that includes management championing of safety issues, a proactive risk management strategy, detailed collision and cost investigation and analysis, assessment of risks, a robust fleet safety policy and tailored procedures. Having a road safety culture is not only about preventing the negative consequences of a crash. It can also have a positive effect on the reputation of the business. It also provides opportunities to engage further with staff, their families, other businesses and the wider community. Brake is a road safety charity working to prevent road deaths and injuries and make communities safer and providing free support to families affected by crashes. Brake administers Global Fleet Champions, a global campaign to prevent crashes and reduce pollution caused by vehicles used for work, by sharing best practice in road risk management. Visit www.globalfleetchampions.org for more details. L

Written by Ross Moorlock, chief operating officer, Brake

Employers also have a duty of care towards the employee and members of the public who may be affected by his or her work activities. Organisations also have moral and social responsibilities, particularly to staff, customers and the communities in which they operate. If a driver is involved in a crash, it may harm their physical and emotional wellbeing, lead to lost working time, cause distress to colleagues, and damage your reputation locally. If someone is killed or injured in a crash, this has a devastating effect on families and the community. Motor-vehicle traffic itself also has a huge impact on communities, public health and the environment. Organisations should ensure drivers drive as little as possible, and in a safe and fuel-efficient manner. They should also consider the impact of driving on the social environments in which drivers operate, such as the impact on schools and communities of heavy, fast and polluting traffic on their lifestyles and health. For example, if you have a lot of goods vehicles driving past a school or through a town centre, it can cause danger, noise and pollution, put people off walking and cycling, and affect your reputation with local families.

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Roundtable: Public Sector Written by John Curtis

EVENT REVIEW

ROUNDTABLE Lowering public sector fleet emissions Grey fleet is still heavily used in the public sector, and while it does need to be reduced for environmental and financial reasons, it often gets pushed down the priority list. This was highlighted at the public sector roundtable on 16 October at the Oval cricket ground On 16 October, public sector fleet professionals gathered at the Oval cricket ground to explore the barriers and solutions to achieving a cleaner fleet. The topics covered all aspects of managing large fleets including clean air legislation, what to consider before introducing electric vehicles, transport policies and government and industry support. For many, changing to a cleaner vehicle fleet is a standard part of every day. But for many, making the leap to zero emissions still requires a leap of faith; a leap some have yet to wrestle with, despite mounting pressure from central and local government. Air quality challenges The day began with the attendees looking at the rapidly changing political and regulatory frameworks that are demanding action. Air quality is getting worse with increased levels of nitrous oxide, carbon dioxide and

particulate matter causing ever increasing respiratory problems. And now the issues are becoming even higher profile, with protestors making headlines on a daily basis. The public sector, which has to show leadership, has rarely been under closer scrutiny. Michael Lawrence, fleet and passenger manager for the London Borough of Camden said that whilst targets for achieving environmental standards are held by others within the Borough, he is tasked to support the improvement of air quality as a key measure of his success. A recent deal with Ford for plug in hybrid vehicles utilising geo-fencing technology will enable his fleet to switch between electric and CNG dependent upon where they operate. Interestingly, few around the table had specific targets for changing vehicles to electric, but summarised their work as reducing emissions where possible.

DRIVING THE SWITCH TO CLEANER FLEETS | www.greenfleet.net

For the greater good The attendees discussed links between poor air quality and public ill health. Simon Barr, public sector sales manager at Daimler Fleet Management highlighted data recently published to corroborate these links, showing that the “poorest communities are often the ones most affected by poor air quality” – supporting the notion that inner city fleet managers shoulder a greater responsibility to clean up their fleet as a result. This brought about a discussion about the reasons for greening public sector fleets; are we doing this to improve air quality or because of the climate emergency? Whatever the reason, is there sufficient funding available, now to make the necessary changes? It was widely felt that despite the various political statements about stronger environmental protection and new legislation

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Roundtable Attendees John Curtis GreenFleet Ambassador & Chair Alun Davies ElectrAssure Simon Barr Daimler Fleet Management Martin Stroud Renault Trucks representative Brian Avery Surrey Police Danielle Hammond Essex Police & Kent Police Ed Potter Cherwell District Council Gregg Scott London Borough of Redbridge Jason Tyrrell Essex Police Matthew Cox Hampshire & IOW Police Michael Lawrence London Borough of Camden Mike Foley London Borough of Redbridge Roy Finan London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham

in the recent Queen’s Speech, little has actually changed on the frontline. Budgets are tight, and while electric vehicles have a role to play, they are not yet the single silver bullet to decarbonise all fleet vehicles. Meaningful change However, the public sector representatives had all made some move towards decarbonising the fleet and introducing a mix of hybrid, plug in hybrid and fully electric, as well as CNG and hydrogen vehicles. This speaks volumes about the tenacity and enthusiasm in the room to drive through necessary change. What emerged was a picture of hard working civil servants, doing miracles with precious resources to meet a range of key performance indicators within budget. Brian Avery, service delivery manager for Surrey Police set out what he has introduced into his fleet which includes a wide range of vehicles and fuel types. We all agreed that whilst the financial and regulatory regimes present challenges, they do not prevent meaningful changes being implemented.

Vehicle charging Alun Davies, operations director at ElectrAssure took the delegates through a masterclass on vehicle charging and dealt with a number of enquiries about how to equip old buildings and facilities with adequate power to fuel a fleet of electric vehicles. Involving a chargepoint installer early is key to success. Alun said: “We have good relationships with the Distribution Network Operators (power companies) and so early sight of plans can help us both ensure we find the most cost effective solution, which in many cases is to simply run a new supply to the chargers rather than burdening an already creaking electrical supply. This is significantly cheaper than upgrading existing infrastructures.” De-risking new technology Fleet managers need to embrace new technology but fear making the wrong decision. To address these concerns, the discussion examined how introducing new technologies can be de-risked; especially important when spending tax payers money. Leasing vehicles rather than buying them outright is one such way. Simon Barr said: “It is important to make the right decision for your organisation. Manufacturers and suppliers are more than happy to be involved in helping customers to select the right vehicles for the right job, and to fund them in the most suitable way. Manufacturers want to make these new EV projects work.” Simon went on to say that particularly in the electric vehicle LCV market, which is relatively new, manufacturers want you to be considering a change to their low emission vehicles and are therefore very flexible and accommodating when it comes to demo initiatives.

Wider transport policies Making changes to fleet vehicles is only part of the corporate challenge and so discussion turned to the wider transport policies. Procurement and grey fleet miles were discussed at length. The delegates agreed that smart procurement is a necessary part of the process to safeguard public money. But this risks it all being about the lowest price, according to Roy Finan of the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham. Local authorities are at liberty to rank environmental criteria as they see fit and may still place a low weighting on this vital criteria. In terms of grey fleet miles, Ed Potter, head of environmental services at Cherwell District Council spoke about how he had made a proposal about pool car use but it was felt to be too difficult to implement compared to other things that were going on. It was accepted that grey fleet miles do need to be reduced for environmental and financial reasons, but grey fleet does get pushed down the list of priorities. Even accessing data about current grey fleet miles has proved to be a challenge. Any move to reduce emissions and grey fleet vehicle use has to be made easy for employees, according to Simon Barr. “As soon as you start making it difficult, that’s when staff will gravitate towards using their own vehicle,” he said. Staff can be incentivised to use pool cars, low emission vehicles and public transport. Using carrots rather than sticks was felt to be the right way to tackle grey fleet. Businesses can also make the whole thing fun; Daimler Fleet Management has experience introducing E Issue 124 | GREENFLEET MAGAZINE

Roundtable: Public Sector

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 electric pool cars into local authorities and seen people get upset if they can’t book an EV because they are more fun to drive. As Roy Finan rightly said: “The days of the “perk” of driving your own car for work and getting a healthy allowance for doing so, are well and truly numbered.” Environmental and fiscal policies need to combine to reward good behaviours, and a collaborative approach across organisations is a must. It was then quickly established that little thought or effort is put into considering the impacts on how staff members get to work and the subject of encouraging use of pool Event Sponsor

cars and public transport was discussed at length. It was the general feeling that a process of consultation and taking people along on the journey are all important. Working together As we move towards a period of deep introspection about how we operate public bodies and local authorities, caused by increased legislation and environmental pressure, it was refreshing to see how so many have made inroads, but sobering to think that so much still needs to be done. The key to success seems to be about having an overarching strategy, committed Event Sponsor

Alun Davies, operations director, ElectrAssure

Simon Barr, public sector sales manager, Daimler Fleet Management

Alun Davies is operations director at ElectrAssure Ltd with over six years of experience in the specification and installation of EV charging infrastructure and it’s integration with back office services. Alun is responsible for the quality standards of installation that ElectrAssure prides itself on and is an elite certified installer for ABB, Chargegpoint, Schneider and Delta.

With almost 20 years in the fleet industry, Simons expertise includes detailed knowledge of the public sector and extensive experience of helping operators integrate electric vehicles into their fleets.

DRIVING THE SWITCH TO CLEANER FLEETS | www.greenfleet.net

people and the resources to embed change. Most important of these are the people. It takes commitment from the top, knowledge right through the organisation and behaviour change programmes to demystify and inform. It was agreed by us all that picking off the low hanging fruit of identifying shorter journeys, enthusiastic drivers and putting in the right charging infrastructure are essential ingredients. Fleet managers cannot make change happen in isolation. It takes the teamwork of the right suppliers, who understand their business and yours to be able to bring successful projects to fruition. L Event Sponsor

Martin Stroud, general manager at Norfolk Truck & Van (representing Renault Trucks) Martin manages a Truck Dealership in North London. He works with Renault Trucks on new initiatives to grow market share in all areas of the business. Martin has extensive local council experience with Renault Trucks’ products.

Every couple of years the current cohort of Fleet and Operations Managers ruminate on how the next generation of vehicles will affect the future of their fleets. In reality, not much has altered over the last few years - but it looks like in 2019, we are on the cusp of a change. With the ever-increasing demand for environmentally-friendly vehicles, the introduction of more low emission zones and the development of new technology, electromobility is no longer just a ‘buzz’ word. Now it’s a term grounded in reality. The switch to electric may seem daunting. Vehicle selection and price are only part of the story of introducing electric vehicles to an operational fleet. It’s important to ensure you fully understand the technology in order to make a well-informed decision. Experts who take a consultative approach to help guide you on the journey to electromobility can help. Civic duty Renault Trucks, for example, has been working with operators over the past ten years to prove the operational capability and commercial viability of fully electric vehicle technologies. Its latest generation of Z.E. 100 per cent electric vehicles from 3.1 tonnes right up to 26 tonnes are already in operation with

customers, proven performance with proven experts in the dealer network ready to help customers transition to electromobility. Assisting Lyon Metropole with its plans to diversity the energy of its fleet of refuse collection vehicles, the manufacturer has supplied the first 100 per cent electric 26 tonne Renault Trucks Range D Wide Z.E. In fact, refuse collection is an application for which this technology is particularly well suited; operating cycles with up to 800 stop‑starts every collection round increase fuel consumption as well as significant dust and particle emissions that are linked to the rapid wear of the braking system. As electric vehicles mainly use their engines to slow down, use of brakes and the production of related emissions are both reduced – ideal for urban operations. Further real-world examples include Kent County Council’s nine-seater wheelchair accessible electric minibus, a Renault Trucks Master Z.E., which provides accessible transport services for disabled and vulnerable people. As well as the environmental benefits of going electric, reduced noise pollution when operating in residential areas is a key factor, and one that is equally valued by the passengers inside the minibus who enjoy chatting without having to talk over the noise of the engine.

Indeed, for diverse municipal applications, electromobiliity is the answer to the problematic issue of air quality and noise pollution in urban areas and one of the answers to global CO2 emissions. Working with a partner that understands both operational complexities to deliver efficient, sustainable solutions is key. The arrival of Renault Trucks’ expanded Z.E. range in the UK in 2020 includes the first 100 per cent electric trucks, alongside new Red EDITION Master Z.E. chassis cab variants that are ideal for a range of municipal applications. Green shoots By tapping into expert advice, with a roster of approved suppliers throughout the chain, you can be assured a smooth and simple transition to a greener future. Before you start, let’s take a look at the most common concern for those considering the move to electromobility – charging. There are a few key questions you’ll need to cover off first. What vehicles are you planning on running from each depot? Where will they be charged within your depot? Does the location impede or block access whilst vehicles are on charge? Do you need a landlord’s permission? Can you share charging resources with other businesses? Once you have the answers, you will need to review the potential drain of charging electric vehicles on your power system. This will necessitate discussions with your local power supplier to understand the requirements at the depot. Measures can be taken to improve how cost effective the charging is, for example staggering the load of charging during the day and night, reducing strain on the grid. With the right people and partners in place, the transition to electric is seamless. Replacing older diesel vehicles with the latest generation of electric vehicles as they come up for renewal is the natural next step, whilst ensuring that as you increase the number of electric vehicles, you have all the necessary processes and systems in place to support your changing fleet. In depots very soon, the sight of a diesel tank or bunker in the corner of the yard and a tanker coming once a week to refill it will be ancient history as we migrate into a cleaner, quieter and greener future. L

Written by Grahame Neagus, Head of LCV and Municipal, Renault Trucks UK & Ireland

Renault Trucks has been working with operators over the past ten years to prove the operational capability and commercial viability of fully electric vehicle technologies. Grahame Neagus from Renault Trucks UK & Ireland explains how fleets are experiencing the benefits

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FURTHER INFORMATION www.renault-trucks.co.uk

Issue 124 | GREENFLEET MAGAZINE

Panel of Experts

EXPERT PANEL ZERO EMISSIONS The UK’s net-zero emission target will no doubt mean further pressure on organisations to end their contribution to climate change and air pollution. Our expert panelists discuss the challenges and solutions to achieving net-zero emission operations The UK has passed into law a target to cut greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050. This replaces the previous target of at least 80 per cent reduction from 1990 levels. Net zero means any emissions that can’t be cut are balanced by schemes to offset an equivalent amount of greenhouse gases from the atmosphere, such as planting trees or using technology like carbon capture and storage. With transport a major contributor to polluting emissions, the sector will no doubt be targeted with stricter policies in the years to come. For fleets daunted by the prospect of achieving zero emissions, what advice would our panelists give? Stuart Thomas from the AA says that while zero emission ambitions are both laudable and necessary, fleets and businesses will need to be given time to make the transition. He says: “Discussions about bringing targets forward from 2040 to 2030, or even 2025, are only relevant if there are enough appropriate vehicles on the market to meet the needs of even the most niche fleet operator. “Half of respondents in a recent industry poll said they were against an outright ban on fossil fuels. However, that doesn’t mean that organisations are not ready to make the change. More than a third of those interviewed for our Operational Fleet Report last year expected to invest in alternatively-fuelled vehicles in the coming five years. We anticipate this year’s data will show an even higher result.” When it comes to transitioning to a zero-emission fleet, Duncan Chumley from Daimler Fleet Management advises to focus on the “quick wins” – the vehicles that can easily be replaced – while also keeping in mind long term plans. “Having a long term replacement focus will allow you to stay one step ahead of emerging technology in the alternative fuel market,” Duncan says. Duncan also advises to look at the vehicles that run low miles and work to a routine that suits electric vehicles. “Your lease company will be able to show you Whole Life Costs

Danny Winn, business unit director, EV Solutions, Schneider Electric Danny is responsible for the EV Solutions business across the UK & Ireland. He has over 10 years’ experience within senior commercial and transformation roles across multiple industries including energy, manufacturing, supply chain, distribution & IT. Duncan Chumley, chief commercial officer, Daimler Fleet Management Before joining Dailmer Fleet Management (DFM), Chumley worked as managing director of Free2Move Lease UK and as sales director of Citroen Financial Services. DFM is a multi-marque vehicle leasing company that procures, funds and fleet-manages for public and private sectors businesses from SME through to large fleets. Stuart Thomas, director fleet & SME services, the AA With more than 20 years’ experience in the fleet sector, Stuart’s extensive knowledge of the industry comes from roles across contract hire, disposal and related fleet services. Stuart is responsible for managing all aspects of the AA’s fleet and SME clients, including some of the UK’s largest fleets and most diverse business users. based on the pence per mile it costs to run an EV against a traditional ICE engine. The savings in running costs will help you to make some obvious changes that will have an immediate impact in starting your journey to zero emissions,” adds Duncan. Research and learning from others is important before making any transition to electric, believes Stuart. He says: “Talk to the early adopters, those who’ve already invested, and find out what went well and what they would do differently next time. Engage with industry suppliers across the whole life of the vehicles; it is no use basing decisions on the initial purchase or rental cost. Organisations will need to explore the implications

DRIVING THE SWITCH TO CLEANER FLEETS | www.greenfleet.net

on servicing schedules, maintenance regimes and downtime management.” Stuart also highlights the importance of assessing routes: “It is also worth doing some analysis of the most-driven routes for fleet vehicles. Do they spend more time on motorways or in urban areas? Are they in use 24/7 or do they have a rest period? Do they stop regularly in lots of shorter journeys or undertake one longer one? The answers to all these questions will help determine the best fleet mix in terms of vehicle and fuel types.” Before switching to a zero-emission fleet, the workplace charging infrastructure must be considered, but fleets should not be put off. Danny Winn says: “The scale of the initial cost

Panel of Experts

of upgrading your grid capacity and power distribution to charge the new fleet vehicles can be disheartening. However, by looking at power infrastructure holistically and using a dynamic energy management system, such as Schneider Electric’s Load Management System, you can minimise upfront costs and unlock the inherent capability of your infrastructure. This will mean you can scale your electric fleet, generating substantial savings that can be used when larger upgrades are required.” Plug-in hybrid vehicles The subject of plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) provokes debate. Some believe that they are not a good environmentally-friendly option because there is nothing to stop people from only using them in petrol/diesel mode, rather than charging up and using its electric capability. Others believe that they are a good zero emission option for those with short commutes when used properly (ie fully charged and used mainly in electric). The government too has their reservations, as they have withdrawn grants for buying PHEVs to encourage more people into pure electric vehicles. Giving his thoughts on PHEVs, Danny Winn says: “Fundamentally government subsidies of PHEVs have fallen short of their overall aim of a reduction in C02 as a result of transport emissions. Ultimately it has

proven almost impossible to mandate for the behaviour of drivers with complete accuracy. “Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) have to be charged, so naturally guarantee a reduction in CO2. With more affordable vehicles coming to the market, BEVs should be more obtainable. However, businesses need to improve the use of the data at their disposal. Fleet managers can use smart chargers to monitor charging at the driver level. By combining this with mileage data, it should be fairly straight forward for a business to incentivise ‘electric miles’ in PHEVS.” A mix of fuels Rather than ruling out any particular fuel or powertrain, choosing the right mix of fuels to fit business needs is the right way to approach vehicle choice, believes Stuart Thomas. He says: “We are in favour of fleets and organisations being able to select the right vehicle, using the most appropriate fuel, for the specific job at hand. Considering all the environmental, health, commercial and logistical factors, this could mean a Euro 6 diesel model, pure electric or PHEV, or indeed hydrogen or CNG-fuelled vehicles.” Duncan believes that PHEVs have an important role to play in the lowering of fleet emissions as a whole. He explains: “The government has tried to encourage company car drivers to look at pure electric and have

introduced some tangible incentives to opt for pure electric. However, not every driver will find that a pure EV is right for them, and with interesting options with both diesel and petrol PHEV choices in cars and manufacturers now offering PHEVs in their LCV range, introducing PHEVs to your fleet can be a good starting point when looking to lower your fleet emissions. Again it is important to ensure that any low emission replacements are fit for purpose and suitable alternatives to any current ICE fleet vehicles.” Keeping PHEVs charged properly should be something that is mandatory, and there are methods that fleet managers can take to ensure they are, says Duncan. “Fleet Managers could try a soft or hard approach to enforcing the responsibility,” he says. “A soft approach would centre around communication and reporting. Asking drivers to submit their consumption of electric vs petrol/diesel each month will add gentle pressure to do better. A hard approach could be limiting the fuel card allowance from £50 or £100 per month, or a hard stop for those who don’t plug in at all.” Stuart agrees that drivers need to be educated on how to get the most from their vehicles: “For those who have embraced PHEV on their fleets, it is important that drivers are given support in how to get the best value from their vehicles. We recommend E Issue 124 | GREENFLEET MAGAZINE

Panel of Experts

Final thoughts  that drivers are given a thorough briefing at any vehicle handover, or when they step into a new vehicle for the first time, which should include information on the safety critical features, as well as fuelling or charging as appropriate. Not only is it good practice and potentially saves money, it also helps meet duty of care obligations.” Grey fleet Grey fleet could be a barrier to a company achieving zero emissions, as staff driving their own vehicles for work purposes tend to be older and less green. So what can be done to make grey fleet journeys greener? One idea is to make mileage reimbursement based on how ‘clean’ a vehicle is. Danny Winn says: “We naturally look to government to drive change, but large business are substantial polluters and employ huge numbers. They have the opportunity to change company policy and incentivise environmental-friendly behaviour from employees, both in and out of work. This is not simply to improve energy efficiency and cost but to help shape wider society.” Grey fleet is not going to disappear any time soon, but incentives do have a role to play in getting staff to travel greener. Stuart Thomas explains: “Many organisations do not have the resource to manage their own fleet, or it just doesn’t stack up financially for business or driver to take up a company vehicle. As such, we will continue to see significant numbers of privately-owned or leased vehicles being used for business purposes for many years to come.” “It is up to each organisation how they choose to incentivise their drivers to make the switch into ‘greener’ vehicles and we wouldn’t want to prescribe a ‘one size fits all’ approach, as it will very much depend on the types of journeys being undertaken, the mileage, the journey and driver profile and a number of other aspects besides. “However, we do see incentives given for employees who choose public transport or active travel for particular journeys and it is conceivable that, at a government level, decisions could be taken to offer both ‘carrot and stick’ nudges towards individuals choosing electric or alternative fuels when they switch.” Having a policy in place is an important way to manage the environmental impact of grey fleet. Duncan Chumley says: “A grey fleet policy should ensure that any grey fleet drivers using their own vehicles are driving a safe, compliant car or van that is fit for purpose. “Part of your grey fleet policy might see you introduce a requirement whereby grey fleet drivers can only use their private cars if those vehicles are of a certain age and have low enough CO2 emissions. Grey fleet drivers could also be encouraged to look at alternatives to their own vehicle use if pool cars and other methods of transport are made easily and readily available. Most fuel reimbursement schemes are based on CO2 emissions so if you are looking to decrease the amount of grey fleet usage of less clean vehicles then a “carrot” approach of

rewarding grey fleet drivers who use EVs and PHEVs on company business with beneficial mileage reimbursement could be a good first step to cleaning up your grey fleet.” Charging infrastructure Knowing where electric vehicles will charge is vital in the decision to adopt a zero emission fleet. Will staff charge at home and be reimbursed, or is it worth putting in place workplace charging stations? The government’s Workplace Charging Scheme is a voucher-based scheme designed to provide eligible applicants with support towards the upfront costs of the purchase and installation of EV chargepoints. The contribution is limited to the 75 per cent of purchase and installation costs, up to a maximum of £500 for each socket, up to a maximum of 20 across all sites for each applicant. “Before making a large investment in on-site charging infrastructure, or selecting a charging partner, fleet managers should assess specific needs,” says Stuart Thomas. “This will include analysing routes and utilisation, assessing required vehicle types, reviewing driver behaviour and looking at the financial case for each of the options. “Speaking with early adopters in their sector and engaging with suppliers at the start of the process can help organisations avoid spending time going down rabbit holes sourcing information which just isn’t relevant to their circumstances. Fleet managers should be clear with suppliers about everything they need a charging infrastructure to do, as well as the bugbears they want to avoid.” Business continuity when charging is essential, according to Danny Winn. He explains: “The charging market is already heavily saturated. While the industry is set for exponential growth, we will see consolidation in the years to come. This makes business continuity a top priority; the last thing managers need is stranded assets with no after sales support. Drivers are rightly nervous of chargers – in many cases the medium and low voltage equipment is done at the lowest possible cost as it is less visible than the charger but is just as crucial. “Ensuring your charging infrastructure is smart, interoperable and is made by a manufacturer who specialises in energy management will ensure your charger is for life – not just for the short term.” Involving third party experts when looking at setting up your charging infrastructure is important, believes Duncan: “Charge point providers can provide invaluable advice on the best place to position charge points, the most suitable tariffs to charge your EV fleet at the right time of day, and can advise on what systems have worked best with customers that have similar sized fleets. Ultimately you will need to look at peak usage to ensure that whenever possible vehicles are being charged when not in use. Dedicated EV charge zones will show your employees that your business is taking considerable steps to moving your fleet towards zero emissions.” L

DRIVING THE SWITCH TO CLEANER FLEETS | www.greenfleet.net

Duncan Chumley Business should not be intimidated by the initial cost of EVs, sooner or later they will need to embrace the new technology and make it work for their fleet – recent studies have indicated that in five years’ time, one in ten vehicles will be an electric. The cost concern can be dispelled using a Whole Life Cost operating model which will factor in all associated costs and savings giving you a true reflection of the operating cost of the vehicle. The proposed introduction of clean air zones within many of our cities will undoubtedly increase fleet operating costs so it’s important to keep visibility of these and factor in to the operating whole life cost model accordingly. Danny Winn The scale of the initial cost of upgrading your grid capacity and power distribution to charge the new fleet vehicles can be disheartening. However, by looking at power infrastructure holistically and using a dynamic energy management system, such as Schneider Electric’s Load Management System, you can minimise upfront costs and unlock the inherent capability of your infrastructure. This will mean you can scale your electric fleet, generating substantial savings that can be used when larger upgrades are required. Stuart Thomas For fleets and businesses looking to make the switch to EVs, it is important to research the subject thoroughly. Talk to the early adopters, those who’ve already invested, and find out what went well and what they would do differently next time. Engage with industry suppliers across the whole life of the vehicles; it is no use basing decisions on the initial purchase or rental cost. Organisations will need to explore the implications on servicing schedules, maintenance regimes and downtime management.

Fleet managers cannot ignore the push towards lower and zero-emission fleets going fowards The electric future has many challenges for fleet managers, but also incredible opportunities. We’ll all be driving electric vehicles soon. There are over 200,000 hybrid or electric vehicles in the UK, by 2024, there’ll be over a million. Meanwhile, the government’s Road To Zero strategy lays out a plan for an ultra-low emissions society. But while electric vehicles offer drastically lower benefit-in-kind (BIK) tax rates, and sustainability should be everyone’s priority, there’s no doubt the aggressive timeframe is putting pressure on business. Many fleet managers are put off by the time and complexities involved in properly assessing the cost and impact of switching. The good news is, there’s never been more choice or opportunity in electric vehicles. However, there’s no time to waste. Last year’s Automated and Electric Vehicles Act allows the creation of further laws and regulation if the government does not feel the market is moving quickly enough. The rollout of Clean Air Zones (CAZ) such as the one piloted in London is gaining pace with the majority of local councils across the UK beginning to put in place the equipment and resource needed to start daily penalties.

Plans have also been announced to begin consulting on the possibility of equipping qualifying cars and vans with a new socalled “green number plate” to promote the environmentally-friendly credentials of a vehicle. Similar schemes have been running in Norway, Canada and China and provide opportunity to explore added local incentives such as free parking or low emission vehicle lanes. All this only highlights the appetite for change from the lawmakers in the UK and emphasises that fleet managers cannot ignore the push towards lower emissions indefinitely. The government is further encouraging take-up with grants of up to £3,500 for cars and £8,000 for vans; plus up to £500 incentives for home charging installation. There’s also been a huge growth in charging points nationwide, from 25,000 currently to over 100,000 by 2024.

For most fleet managers, their EV journey starts at the dealership. Standards of knowledge and support are rising all the time, but to be fully prepared, it helps to seek out a specialist – such as Daimler Fleet Management, who provide a Fleet Fit service. Starting with a free Fleet Fit health check, our coaches help you assess and plan the benefits of EV – comparing whole life operating costs to the needs of your business. Then, we deliver a bespoke solution with ongoing support. With fleet vehicles that are more competitive than ever before, it’s easier than you think to be part of the electric future. Learn more about Fleet Fit and to book a free fitness test at visit daimler-fleetfit.co.uk FURTHER INFORMATION daimler-fleetfit.co.uk

It’s time to

electrify your fleet

Get the facts visit daimler-fleetfit.co.uk/ev or call 01908 697468

Issue 124 | GREENFLEET MAGAZINE

Road Test

FIRST DRIVE

Tesla Model 3 Performance

Written by Richard Gooding

In the offing since 2003, the Model 3 is the smallest and most affordable Tesla yet. With similar range and performance hallmarks as its more expensive siblings, does it have what it takes to revolutionise the electric car market, and has the wait been worthwhile? Richard Gooding finds out What is it? After the success of its Model S and X, the Model 3 is the car which was always if not Tesla’s endgame, the machine that would cement it in the affordable electric car marketplace. Three years since buyers could first place a reservation, the Model 3 has arrived. The most affordable Tesla yet, its smaller footprint doesn’t necessarily mean less equipment, performance or range, rather much the same qualities as the Californian company’s much-lauded larger cars, just at a cheaper price. How does it drive? From the outside, the 4.69-metre long Model 3 shares its silhouette with the larger Model S. But, whereas the bigger car is a fastback-styled five-door hatch, the Model 3 is a four-door saloon with a traditional boot. There’s 542 litres of luggage space in the front, rear and underfloor storage compartments, and the more simply-styled interior works better than any Tesla so far. It’s easier to use and looks more stylish, the landscape-orientated 15-inch colour touchscreen controlling all the car’s functions. A single air vent spanning the width of the dash provides ventilation, and more conventional door pulls signify Tesla’s massmarket aim. Build quality appears better than the larger Teslas, despite the Model 3 costing less, and although lower quality plastics do appear in the centre console, there is so little to distract, the cabin is a calming place to be. A glass roof is standard on every Model 3, helping to create favourable first impressions. The theatre starts even before you get into Tesla’s new star. Beating any starting

What range does it have? button for drama, the car is turned on by The entry-level 54kWh Model 3 Standard tapping the RFID key card on the B-pillar Range Plus can travel 254 miles (WLTP) on a and centre console. The Model 3 debuted single charge, with Long Range 75kWh cars a switch from Tesla’s traditional use of AC adding 94 miles to that. Perhaps as expected, induction motors to permanent magnet the Model 3 Performance offers less distance synchronous items and compared to the from the same 75kWh lithium-ion battery as Standard Range Plus (184kW/243bhp) the Long Range, but not that much less. At and Long Range (271kW/358bhp) Model 329 miles, it’s only 19 miles fewer than the 3s, the Performance car predictably has Long Range car, given its much improved the most power at 360kW/476bhp. performance figures. But, if the supercarAs you’d expect, the pace is blistering, even baiting 0-62mph time of 3.2 seconds – the for an electric car. With 471lb ft of torque, Long Range car takes 4.4 seconds – is utilised the Model 3 is a very fast car, regardless of often, we’d expect that range to fall quite powertrain. The pace can be wound back, significantly. On paper, though, there doesn’t though, thanks to one of the two ‘Chill’ and seem too much range penalty choosing the ‘Sport’ acceleration modes. The overall feel performance-advantaged car. of the newcomer is one of agility, the firm suspension still imparting comfort, and the How long does it take to charge? well-weighted steering adjustable by way of A 7.4kW home charger will refill a Long ‘Comfort’, ‘Standard’ and ‘Sport’ settings. Range Model 3 in around eight hours. The The Model 3 offers a keen and direct Model 3 is compatible with Tesla’s welldriving experience, helped by its low centre established Supercharger network, but of gravity and almost ideal 47 per cent front unlike Model S and X, Model 3 customers’ and 53 per cent rear weight distribution. access is limited to a pay-per-use basis. It’s Dual motors and all-wheel drive on the still the fastest way to top up the Model 3’s Long Range and Performance versions aid battery, though, with a 30-minute charge surefooted-ness, the independent motors replenishing 170 miles of range. digitally controlling the torque to There are 430 Supercharger the front and rear wheels. The stations and 3,600 chargers Standard Range Plus car throughout Europe (1,600 has just the one motor lthough A stations and 14,000 and rear-wheel drive. t s o the m Tesla chargers worldwide), Tesla has been building e l b a so finding one electric cars since 2008, d r affo ean m t shouldn’t be difficult. and the two-stage ’ n s e o Add in ‘destination regenerative braking yet, it d quipment, charging’ points and is as good as you’d e s s e l ance the availability of third hope, the retardation perform ge party networks thanks to strong and consistent.

DRIVING THE SWITCH TO CLEANER FLEETS | www.greenfleet.net

or ran

the Model 3’s CCS socket, and the Model 3 probably lives up to Tesla’s claim of having the most charging flexibility of any EV on the market. What does it cost? Similarly to other Tesla cars, the Model 3 is available in Standard Range Plus, Long Range and Performance versions. Living up to Tesla’s most affordable car tag, the entry-level Model 3 Standard Range Plus starts from £38,500 including the government’s £3,500 Plug-in Car Grant (PiCG). Predictably, as you move up the range, prices escalate. The Long Range version begins at £47,000, with the rangetopping Performance car tested here priced from £52,000. Options are kept to a minimum, and there are little equipment differences between the trio of cars. Standard Range Plus and Long Range Model 3s wear 18-inch ‘Aero’ alloy wheels, the Performance version has 20-inch rims. The Performance car also has a small rear lip spoiler to mark it out from its siblings. An all-black premium ‘vegan’ leather interior is standard on every Model 3, the white and black ‘Premium’ interior of our test car £1,000 extra, although additional audio and navigation options are thrown in, too. Pearl White Multicoat paint is included in the price of all cars, with a range of four additional colours costing between £800 and £2,000. Tesla’s automatic driving ‘Autopilot’ software is part of the standard specification of all Model 3s and can be upgraded to a full driving package. Standard Range Plus cars also have fewer connectivity options with maps and navigation software, but no real-time traffic information. Android Auto or Apple CarPlay connectivity is not available on any version.

Seemingly better built than its longestablished relatives, too, the Model 3’s simpler-styled cabin is better for ease of use, as well as appearance. The more agile feel of the chassis means the driving experience also lives up to expectations. All things considered, the wait was worth it. A welcome new market proposition, the Model 3 earns its praise with its broad range of abilities. L FURTHER INFORMATION www.tesla.com/en_gb

Tesla Model 3 Performance ENGINE:

360kW / 476bhp permanent magnet synchronous electric motor and 75kWh lithium-ion battery

RANGE (WLTP): CO2*: VED:

329 miles 0g/km

£0 first-year, £320 thereafter

BIK: PRICE (OTR):

16% £52,000 (including VAT and government PiCG, £53,000 as tested)

Road Test

New model army

The Model 3 may be grabbing Tesla headlines, but refinements to the long-established Model S and Model X add range and comfort benefits. Both gain updated suspension which is softer set for a more comfortable ride, and the Long Range Model S is claimed to travel the longest distance on a single charge. Tesla quotes 379 miles (WLTP) between charging stops from the 100kWh-equivalent battery, both the £77,700 Model S Long Range and 367-mile, £92,300 Model S Performance fitted with all-wheel drive and dual motors. The more efficient drivetrain also enables the revised Model S and Model X to charge at 200kW on Tesla’s ‘V3’ and 145kW on ‘V2’ Superchargers, which is around 50 per cent faster than before.

How much does it cost to tax? Tesla only makes all-electric vehicles, so the Model 3 emits 0g/km of CO2 emissions. As a result, VED is rated at £0 for the Standard Range Plus car. However, as the Long Range and Performance versions have list prices that exceed £40,000, they attract the £320 ‘Premium Rate’ from years two to six. BIK for all Model 3s is rated at 16 per cent for the 2019/2020 tax year, dropping to 0 per cent for 2020/2021 under new government regulations. Why does my fleet need one? Less expensive than both the Model S and Model X, the Model 3 offers range and performance hitherto limited to both of Tesla’s larger and more established cars. And while ‘affordable’ may be considered a moot point when it comes to the Performance variant, which we readily admit will not the optimum choice for green-minded drivers, there’s no denying the smaller Model 3 encapsulates Tesla’s much-admired range and effervescent pace qualities, and is every inch a product from the Palo Alto-based company. With its minimalist design, extremely usable range on paper and more compact size, it will appeal to drivers who don’t need a car as large as the Model S or X.

Issue 124 | GREENFLEET MAGAZINE

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