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GreenFleet DRIVING THE SWITCH TO CLEANER FLEETS

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ELECTRIC VEHICLES

ROAD TO ELECTRIC GUIDE Information to help fleets confidently make the switch to electric vehicles

ALTERNATIVE FUELS

HYDROGEN TRUCKING What needs to happen to achieve a commercially-viable hydrogen trucking system?

PLUS: EV TYRES | COMPANY CAR POLICIES | PROCUREMENT | CV SHOW REVIEW | ROAD TESTS

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ISSUe 135

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GreenFleet DRIVING THE SWITCH TO CLEANER FLEETS

Sponsored by

ELECTRIC VEHICLES

ROAD TO ELECTRIC GUIDE Information to help fleets confidently make the switch to electric vehicles

ALTERNATIVE FUELS

HYDROGEN TRUCKING What needs to happen to achieve a commercially-viable hydrogen trucking system?

PLUS: EV TYRES | COMPANY CAR POLICIES | PROCUREMENT | CV SHOW REVIEW | ROAD TESTS

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Future-proofing fleet operations With the UK banning the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles from 2030, fleets will need to think carefully about their future vehicle purchases. While some fleets may already be on their journey to electrification, many others will not have started yet. This issue of GreenFleet focuses on the shift to electric transport, with useful information and advice on plug-in vehicles and infrastructure. Cenex explains how to avoid costly mistakes when installing chargepoints, while the Zemo Partnership clears the confusion on the different vehicle powertrains out there, with their new jargon busting guide. Elsewhere, TyreSafe explains what EV owners should be aware of when choosing new tyres, as they can be significantly different to normal tyres. There is also a feature on what to consider when devising an electric vehicle company car policy, and some useful advice from our expert panelists. Commercial GreenFleet meanwhile looks at how to decarbonise the last mile of deliveries, including the use of electric cargo bikes. We review the Commercial Vehicle Show on page seventy-one, and speak to Nancy Hobson, Hermes’ newly appointed head of environmental, social, and governance, about the company’s successful work with alternative fuels. Angela Pisanu, editor

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GreenFleet DRIVING THE SWITCH TO CLEANER FLEETS

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

Contents

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Contents GREENFLEET 135 11

07 News

50 Road test: Volkswagen ID.3

11 EV Infrastructure

52 Road test: Vauxhall

Report shows gaps in fleet sector’s drive to achieve zero emissions; Beginners EV guide launched by DfT and Electrifying. com; and Government-backed app shows cost benefit of switching to EVs Costly mistakes can be avoided when installing chargepoints for fleets with a few key considerations and a plan for the future

15 Procurement 15

James Rodgers from the government’s procurement agency, Crown Commercial Service, shares considerations for purchasing electric vehicles in the public sector

The ID.3 showcases Volkswagen’s new-found electric ambitions and is its most important new car since the first-generation Golf. Richard Gooding explores VW’s crucial newcomer and uncovers an impressive first effort

Mokka-e Elite Nav Premium

The Mokka is Vauxhall’s latest model to undergo an all-electric transformation. Using a proven powertrain, Richard Gooding discovers its ground-up reinvention is much more than skin deep

Sponsored by

18 Vehicle Powertrains

With the UK banning the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles from 2030, fleets will need to consider their future vehicle purchases. With many different, greener powertrains available, Zemo Partnership has released a vehicle new guide, with simplified definitions

21 World EV Day Review

Governments and transport leaders from around the globe made major electric vehicle pledges during World EV Day 2021 – a day designed to celebrate and promote electric vehicles in the move to net zero and decarbonisation. Here’s what happened

24 EV Tyres

Tyre safety charity TyreSafe highlights why electric vehicle owners should pay attention when replacing tyres, as they are specifically designed for use on EVs and can be significantly different to normal tyres

27 Company Cars

31 V2G Technology

Vehicle to Grid (V2G) technology can help electricity networks cope with the extra demand that mass adoption of electric vehicles could bring. So should fleets be looking into this technology?

34 Panel of Experts

49 Road test: Lexus UX 300e 80

A leader in electrification for the past 15 years, Lexus has put its first all-electric foot forward with the UX 300e. Richard Gooding finds that the company has developed a highly usable premium compact SUV

GreenFleet magazine

55 News

Prime Minister takes delivery of 500th British Gas electric van; HGV testing process streamlined to tackle driver shortages; and BVRLA calls for HGV phase-out delivery plan

63 Last Mile Logistics

Supported by

67 Last Mile Logistics

Supported by

A new £400,000 funding round for the eCargo Bike Grant Fund is now available, to help and support small businesses invest in electric cargo bikes

A new study has shown that cargo bikes were faster than vans when delivering parcels in London, demonstrating the vital role that cargo bikes can play in decarbonising last mile deliveries

71 CV Show Review

After a two year hiatus, the NEC in Birmingham filled with road transport professionals once again for the 2021 Commercial Vehicle Show, which took place 31 August to 2 September

78 Interview: Hermes

GreenFleet talks to Nancy Hobson, Hermes’ newly appointed head of environmental, social, and governance, who is taking forward the company’s already successful work with alternative fuels, as well as the wider green agenda

80 Hydrogen

Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are a promising option for zero emission road freight, however the limited availability of infrastructure and vehicles means this technology is not currently able to meet end-user needs. So what does a viable hydrogen trucking system look like and how can it be achieved?

www.greenfleet.net Issue 135 | GREENFLEET MAGAZINE

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Switch it up The new all-electric Corsa-e Call 0330 587 8221 to book a FREE†† 3 day test drive, or search Vauxhall Fleet Range.

Fuel economy and CO2* results for the Vauxhall Corsa-e 100kW (136PS). Mpg (l/100km): N/A. CO2 emissions: 0g/km. Electric range up to 209 miles (WLTP). The range and electric consumption figures mentioned comply with the WLTP test procedure. EV range assumes that vehicle has been pre-conditioned prior to journey. They may vary depending on actual conditions of use and on different factors such as: vehicle load, accessories fitted (post registration), speed, thermal comfort on board the vehicle, driving style and outside temperature. #You can obtain 15–80% of the vehicle charge in 30 minutes from a 100kW rapid charging station. The vehicle will rapid charge at a rate of up to 100kW, depending on the power of the rapid charging station used and will take longer to charge at a lower power. Rapid charging stations are available across the UK at various locations and their power rating varies, typically from 50kW and sometimes up to 350kW. For further information on public charging stations across the UK, please visit www.zap-map.com. †2021/22 Tax Year. ††3 Day Test Drive terms and conditions apply and vehicles are subject to availability. Please contact your Vauxhall Retailer for further information. All figures quoted correct at time of going to press (September 2021).

News

FLEET MANAGEMENT

Report shows gaps in fleet sector’s drive to achieve zero emissions

The latest BVRLA Road to Zero Report Card provides a traffic-light assessment of the decarbonisation trajectories of the UK’s car, van and truck fleets, measuring their progress against the vital criteria of battery electric vehicle supply, demand and infrastructure. Compiled by sustainability consultants Ricardo, with contributions from a range of fleets and transport and energy stakeholders, it shows a very mixed picture. The picture for cars is mostly encouraging, where a positive outlook for BEV infrastructure and supply achieves an ‘Amber - accelerating’ rating, and surging demand gains a ‘Green – cruising’ score. Most fleet car segments are embracing BEVs with enthusiasm, driven by a favourable

tax regime, a raft of new models and significant growth in the charging network. The van fleet sector is a different story. BEV infrastructure, supply and demand all get an ‘Amber – brakes-on’ assessment. This reflects growing concerns about a shortage of suitable electric vans for many key use cases, issues with public charging infrastructure and insufficient government support in the form of grants and tax incentives. The report’s biggest concerns are saved for the HGV market. With the Government poised to issue a 2035-2040 phase-out deadline, the sector receives a blanket ‘Red – parked’ rating. There is precious little momentum in this fleet segment, with no phase-out delivery plan, no technology roadmap, no mainstream vehicles and no charging infrastructure. “Every fleet is on the ‘road to zero’, but the task ahead is easier for some than others,” said BVRLA Chief Executive, Gerry Keaney. “There are ‘sweet spots’ where the tax incentives, total cost of ownership and typical journey patterns make going zero emission an attractive choice. “Elsewhere, progress is much slower as fleets grapple with a shortage of

appropriate vehicles and eye-watering charging infrastructure costs.” This diversity in decarbonisation trajectories is backed up by the BVRLA’s latest Fleet Sustainability credentials, which profiles a range of fleet segments according to BEV uptake and Clean Air Zone compliance. Less than one per cent (0.7 per cent) of the total UK car parc is currently zero emission, whereas 22 per cent of salary sacrifice cars, eight per cent of company cars and seven per cent of car club cars are BEVs. However, the unique decarbonisation challenges faced by the car rental sector is reflected in the fact that its BEV fleet currently stands at just 0.6 per cent. There is a similar picture when it comes to electric vans. One per cent of the current leased LCV market is made up of battery electric vans, which in turn make up just 0.4 per cent of the wider van parc. Again, the rental market is behind, with just 0.1 per cent of its fleet battery electric. READ MORE https://tinyurl.com/c4x7p2rp

AIR QUALITY

ELECTRIC VEHICLES

Britain’s first Zero Emission Zone pilot to launch in 2022

Steering board appointed to shape the design of chargepoints

Oxford City Council and Oxfordshire County Council have confirmed that Britain’s first Zero Emission Zone (ZEZ) pilot is set to launch in Oxford in February 2022. The exact start date for the ZEZ pilot will be confirmed later this year, followed by a review of the timeline for the wider ZEZ to cover most of Oxford city centre. The ZEZ pilot means polluting vehicles will be charged if driven in key city centre streets between the hours of 7am - 7pm, seven days a week. Under the ZEZ pilot, those who drive polluting vehicles into the zone will be charged, with the level of the charge dependent on how polluting the vehicle is. Under the scheme, zero emission vehicles will not be charged to drive in the zone. The ZEZ pilot will work in a similar way to the London Congestion Charge and Ultra Low Emission Zone. The measure will allow both councils to gain useful experience and

information before introducing a larger ZEZ covering most of Oxford city centre, subject to further public consultation. Since the scheme’s approval in March 2021, both councils have been working on preparations for the ZEZ pilot, which includes preparing innovative enforcement systems, as well as working with businesses and residents to support the launch of the scheme. This work has included, trialling e-cargo bikes to Oxford’s Covered Market, updating the Lord Mayor’s car to a Nissan Leaf, installing rapid electric charging points for taxis and residents, and the start of cable route works for the UK’s largest public electric vehicle charging hub. READ MORE https://tinyurl.com/4rhb9wxd

A new steering board has been appointed by the government to work on an electric vehicle design project, which aims to make charge points as recognisable as the red post box, London bus or black cab. Announced on World EV Day on 9 September, members of the steering board include Minnie Moll, chief executive of the Design Council, and Duncan Wilson OBE, chief executive of Historic England, alongside architect Sowmya Parthasarathy, and Professor Alan Penn, chief scientific advisor at the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government. The resulting design will be unveiled at COP26 in Glasgow this November. Science minister Amanda Solloway said: “As we get ready to host the major UN climate summit, COP26, in Glasgow later this year, the UK is leading the way in using space to help us build back greener. “With innovative government-backed projects such as this harnessing the power of space, making the switch to an electric vehicle will be easier than ever before, helping us take a giant leap towards our net zero ambitions.” READ MORE https://tinyurl.com/7bu7wx6c

Issue 135 | GREENFLEET MAGAZINE

News ELECTRIC VEHICLES

Beginners EV guide launched by DfT and Electrifying.com

The Department for Transport and Electrifying.com have launched a new Beginners’ Guide to Going Electric to help buyers explore making the

switch to an electric vehicle. The guide provides practical advice and top tips, as well as information on the incentives available to help persuade drivers to make the jump to electric. The jointly created guide, hosted on Electrifing.com, arrives as the as the UK prepares to host the COP26 climate summit this November. Rachel Maclean MP, Minister for the Future of Transport and Decarbonisation, said: “Driving is woven into the fabric of our everyday lives, and as we prepare for the mass adoption of electric vehicles, driver awareness and knowledge of zero emission vehicles is a crucial part of the transition. “Our vision is to have one of the best infrastructure networks in the world for

electric vehicles, and we want chargepoints to be accessible, affordable and secure.” Founder of Electrifying.com Ginny Buckley said: “We know that switching to an electric car can be a daunting prospect with a host of new information to absorb and jargon to cut through. But it’s not as complicated as it may seem, and our research shows that once you’ve gone electric you won’t want to go back to a petrol or diesel car. “We’re delighted to have teamed up with the Government to help clear the air for drivers with a straightforward, unbiased and jargon-free guide for World EV Day. READ MORE https://tinyurl.com/urd79ypj

EMERGENCY SERVICES

Ford builds Mustang Mach-E police concept

Ford showcased its Mach-E police concept at the Emergency Services Show in Birmingham on 7-8 September. The test car was built following many enquiries from UK police forces looking for greener solutions to the current products currently available to them. The Metropolitan Police Force has already appraised the standard Mustang Mach-E and has now requested a full evaluation of the marked concept. Also waiting for an opportunity to try the new 999 vehicle are the Sussex, Surrey, South Wales, Dyfed Powys, Devon & Cornwall and Police Scotland forces. The initial concept is a demonstrator Mustang Mach-E Standard Range AWD (all-wheel drive). Subject to testing of this model, Ford is planning to offer Extended Range version of

its RWD (rear-wheel drive) and AWD versions. The extended battery types would give the police even greater range, and therefore versatility and capability, for police operations. The new Mach-E is capable of 0-62mph in 3.7 seconds (GT version) and 111mph. The Mustang Mach-E is already a Guinness World Record holder having achieved the lowest energy consumption on a journey in an electric car. It’s capable of 379 miles range between charges. The issue of where the power to operate the concept car’s blue lights, sirens and other high-tech equipment would come from, has been addressed by Ford technicians. The conversion of the original Mach-E was carried out by Ford’s long term partner

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

to the blue light industry, Safeguard SVP, a specialist constructor based in Essex. Among the equipment fitted to the concept car are bespoke mounting pods and brackets to ensure suitable locations are found for operational use, with minimal damage to the vehicle. All lighting is LED with very low power consumption to reduce current draw from the vehicle’s 12V power system. Meanwhile, the 999 livery is a first-off design which utilises high specification material to maximise day and night visibility requirements. READ MORE tinyurl.com/6t75b22d

News

ELECTRIC VEHICLES

Government-backed app shows cost benefit of switching to EVs A new app called EV8 Switch – backed by £2.7 million of UK Space Agency funding – has been launched. It calculates how much money UK drivers could save by switching to an EV compared to their current petrol or diesel vehicle, along with details on the carbon dioxide (CO2) savings and air quality improvements they could achieve. Drivers can also see which electric vehicles would be the

most suitable for them based on their current vehicle and how switching to electric could fit in with their current lifestyle. Those with the app can also see how close their nearest chargepoints are, and which journeys can be completed without the need to top-up en-route. READ MORE https://tinyurl.com/7bu7wx6c

ELECTRIC VEHICLES

Fleets increasingly positive about electric vehicles, AA survey finds Positivity towards electric vehicles (EVs) is at an all-time high among operational fleets, according to the latest Operational Fleet Insight Report from the AA and Rivus Fleet Solutions. The research found that 82 per cent of the 500 fleet managers asked feel the quality of EVs on offer has improved since last year and 84 per cent believe the range from manufacturers has improved. Almost two thirds (65 per cent) believe that EVs have better whole life costs than diesel or petrol, 66 per cent of fleet managers recognise that EVs require less servicing, and 59 per cent have identified that EVs hold their resale value and have less downtime. Sixty-seven per cent of fleet operators expect to be using EVs within the next five years, compared to over a quarter (26 per cent) using currently. EVs appear to be increasingly on fleet managers’ day-to-day radars, with 78 per cent believing that the number of electric vans on the road have increased in

the last year, up significantly from 65 per cent last year. Although fleet managers are starting to look more positively at the broader range of benefits, there are still barriers when it comes to the practical elements of EV adoption. A third (32 per cent) have identified the lack of charging points across the country and the workplace as the top barriers. The Operational Fleet Insight report also reviewed the impact of Covid-19 over the past 18 months. While the pandemic has had a mixed effect on businesses, 41 per cent of fleet managers reported a positive impact on their environmental strategies. As well as this, 16 per cent of commercial van users increased the lifespan of their older vehicles as a response to Covid-19, and 41 per cent revealed that the pandemic had a positive impact on their mileage. READ MORE tinyurl.com/63unmm97

Zemo Partnership’s Andy Eastlake Removing fossil carbon is the first step on the road to zero The UK launch of E10 at the beginning of September was a reminder that electrification is not the only game in town in terms of decarbonising our vehicles. Increasing the bioethanol content in our standard petrol from five per cent to ten per cent will have a major step change impact on GHG emissions and is an important complement to the progress we’re all making on electrification. Over the next decade, some of the biggest and most accessible opportunities for cutting CO2 from road transport will be delivered by increasing the renewable fuels content of petrol and, particularly, diesel which will still fuel most of our vehicles for years (at least a decade) to come. The Government’s recently published transport decarbonisation plan included a lengthy section, highlighting the role of sustainable, renewable fuels in UK transport and their role – particularly in the near term – as a support to the drive for widespread electrification. In fact, in all the excitement, you may have missed that on the same day the main obligation for renewable fuels in transport was increased by 50 per cent, acknowledging the vital near term contribution they can make to decarbonisation. E10 petrol reduces emissions by replacing a larger proportion of our traditional fossil fuels with bioethanol produced from wheat, corn or sugar beet, or from biogenic wastes. Supplies to the UK market have to meet rigorous sustainability criteria. Also the amount of fuel from crops is capped and must reduce over time. As every new petrol car and van built since 2011 has been designed to use E10, the change won’t be an issue for most fleets, but those with older vehicles can check them out using the DfT E10 vehicle checker, which covers cars, motorcycles and mopeds. (Zemo has also produced quick and easy number plate-driven compatibility checker). Zemo Partnership recently also produced a study (referenced in the TDP) into the prospects for high blend renewable fuels (HBRF) which showed that there are very significant opportunities for sustainable, renewable fuel adoption by heavy duty vehicles and, in particular, trucks and coaches which are currently responsible for around five per cent of the UK’s total GHG emissions. The study showed that with a market average of 30 per cent HBRF, used in place of fossil fuels (diesel and natural gas) by 2030, the sector could save an additional 46m tonnes in GHG emissions over the next decade, with savings continuing to 2050. The renewable fuels covered were biodiesel, hydrotreated vegetable oil and biomethane. The study showed that reducing the barriers to adoption of these fuels and maximising their use in high blends could be a great complement, supporting different rates of electrification across fleets. (And we’ve been working since to reduce one of the key barriers through the introduction of our Renewable Fuels Assurance Scheme which gives clear and robust information about the fuel life cycle greenhouse gas emissions and wider sustainability performance of renewable fuels supplied in the UK.) I recently chaired a GreenFleet round-table event for heavy duty vehicle operators, focusing on the ‘Transition to Biofuels’. Supported by Iveco, attendees had the opportunity to drive that latest S-WAY Natural Power truck and to discuss and share their experiences of operating on biomethane. Every person there was committed to rapidly reducing the carbon impact of their fleet and supported the long term aims, but before we change the heavy trucks on our roads, maybe the best first step is to remove the fossil carbon from the ones we currently use. Perhaps ‘Net Zero’ is just a waypoint on the journey to absolute zero. FURTHER INFORMATION www.zemo.org.uk

Issue 135 | GREENFLEET MAGAZINE

Sponsor’s Comment

Helping fleets transition to cleaner transport Volvo continues to accelerate its electrification programme, now offering two fully electric models, as well as plug-in hybrid petrol-electric versions of every model in its range

Back in July Volvo Cars globally reported the best half-year results in terms of sales and operating profit in its 94-year history amid increasing demand for its cars across all regions. Volvo Car UK also saw a strong performance, comfortably outperforming the marketplace. During this continued period of business and product transition, Volvo remains true to its core brand values, putting safety and sustainability at the heart of everything we do. Our ambition is to become a climateneutral company by 2040. And this month Volvo has been named Manufacturer of the Year in the 2021 AM Awards from Automotive Management, reaffirming

the strength of the company’s vision and progress during the past 12 months. We continue to accelerate our electrification programme, now offering Recharge plug-in hybrid petrol-electric versions of every model in our range. And on our 90 and 60 series models we have just introduced a new and improved plug-in hybrid powertrain, significantly extending the electric range to 56 miles* while lowering CO2 emissions, increasing performance and improving driveability. The result of this for our business customers is BIK of just seven per cent. We are also rolling out new battery electric cars, with two already on sale and more to follow as we prepare for 50 per cent of our sales to be EVs by 2025 and becoming a fully electric car company by 2030.

*Preliminary data

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

Our latest offering, the C40 Recharge Pure Electric, is available to order now. This is a brand-new design direction for Volvo in the form of a crossover, delivering all the benefits of an SUV but with a lower and sleeker design. And until the end of September 2021 our business customers can take advantage of our complimentary home charge offer with any plug-in hybrid or pure electric purchase. For a closer look at the range and more details on how Volvo could support you and your business contact us below. L FURTHER INFORMATION 0345 600 4027 volvocars.co.uk/business

Charging Infrastructure

Sponsored by

Written by Cenex

Chargepoint strategies necessary for effective electric vehicle transition Costly mistakes can be avoided when installing chargepoints for fleets with a few key considerations and a plan for the future With the impending 2030 ban on the sale of While there are many like-for-like new petrol and diesel cars and vans, and a raft replacements, it might be that electric of other policies in the pipeline, fleet owners vehicles are not the best option right who sow early for the switch to electric will now, and there are other ways to reduce reap the environmental and economic benefits. transport emissions if that’s the case. Choosing the right vehicles is the first Once the vehicle specifications step of the journey, and considerations have been defined, suitable models about charging infrastructure are equally should be identified in line with the as important for an effective transition. business’ fleet replacement strategy. “Independent infrastructure assessments are an important step in transitioning your Chargepoints fleet to electric, in order to optimise When planning for charging the chargepoints installed and infrastructure, the amount Making ensure your site can meet of charging that will informe the charging demands of need to be done ondecision d your fleet,” says Dominic site will impact the s about electric McMahon, electric type and number vehicle infrastructure of chargepoints chargin vehicles and g early expert at Cenex. installed. save a l o “By planning early and “From an ot of m n can setting out a long-term operational point of and stre oney s strategy you can account view, installing and down t s further for future demands and recharging electric he line allow for developments in vehicles from your electric vehicle technology. premises’ might not be “Making informed decisions efficient if your drivers cover early on can save a lot of money large distances or use the vehicles and stress further down the line”. for most of the day”, McMahon says. “This can mean chargepoints are underVehicles utilised and not cost-effective, when there In the first instance, managers should review are other options already installed”. their business and fleet operations, including Drivers who complete large mileage across a the expected vehicle mileage, the types region can make use of the public chargepoint of vehicles likely to be needed, and how network which is swiftly expanding and those requirements will evolve over time. increasingly made up of rapid chargepoints, Supported by

offering over 100 miles of charge in 20 minutes for a growing number of vehicle models. Another alternative could be to utilise home-based charging where applicable, with software offering solutions for managing expenses, which means employees can avoid an additional journey to collect their fleet vehicle. Grid connection The premises’ electrical supply and capacity also impacts the charging infrastructure. In Cenex’s experience, this is the most variable cost and is highly location dependent. On-site charging of your fleet contributes an additional, and considerable, electrical load and if this cannot fit within the existing supply headroom, the premises may require an upgrade. The ownership of the depot location and length of future lease are key considerations before grid upgrades are made as landlord approvals may be required; cost sharing may be an option too for shared parking. Since transitioning to EVs is likely in many cases to require a stepwise approach, it may be possible to start-out and request an upgrade at a later date. Load management techniques can be applied to allow the site to always remain within available capacity, regardless of the number of vehicles plugged in. Future needs To give room for increased EV uptake as the technology develops, due consideration E

Right charge, right time, right place New dedicated fleet charging hubs for professional drivers, in the heart of your city.*

Between six and 40 chargers

delivering up to 50 miles of range in 15 minutes,** maximising the time your fleet is on the road

Convenient locations

in city centres and at airports across the UK*

First 22-charger hub

live in Park Lane, London now

Driver lounges

providing free WiFi, phone charging, hot and cold drinks and snacks, toilets and seating areas+

Our investment in fleet charging hubs aims to give fleet owners and managers the confidence to transition to electric vehicles. We’ll keep your business moving. Contact Fleethubs-bppulse@bp.com today to get access for your fleet.

* Hub sites in locations in central London, as well as at Heathrow, Gatwick and other central locations in Manchester and Birmingham are planned for later in the year. ** Depending on your vehicle + Where sites allow

SPONSOR’S COMMENT  should be given to the split of active and passive chargepoint provision across company car park spaces. The London Plan 2021 defines passive provision as: “The network of cables and power supply necessary so that at a future date a socket or equivalent can be added easily to allow vehicle owners to recharge their vehicle.” “By considering this early on, you can save on the additional cost and inconvenience of groundworks when expansion is needed in the future,” advises McMahon. “Mandates for active/passive provision are already being included in local council planning guidance for new builds and major workplace renovations to account for this.”

The UK’s first rapid charging hub for fleet vehicles has been opened

Charging Infrastructure

Sponsored by

Practical operations Another key consideration in the transition to an electric fleet is the accessibility to the parking bays and chargepoints: lighting and signage, disabled access, and authentication methods. Employees should also be trained in efficient driving methods and when is best to charge to optimise vehicle range and minimise unnecessary chargepoint use which could block another vehicle from using it. Procurement While switching to an electric fleet will save money in the long run, there are up front costs to consider, including the cost of installing chargepoints. Various ownership, operation and maintenance models are available from suppliers, which can range from full ownership of equipment to leasing options. The selected model may be impacted by your ability to fund upfront, existing business expertise, and whether billing of usage is needed. Fortunately, a range of grants are available. The Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS) covers 75 per cent of the upfront purchase and installation costs up to £350 per socket for chargepoints up to 22 kW. This is available for companies including SMEs to install up to 40 sockets, giving £14,000 maximum funding, and is not restricted to a single site. If charging at home is deemed an appropriate strategy, funding support for this is available separately via OZEV’s Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme (EVHS). This is currently only available to those with off-street parking but is set to include leaseholders, renters and those living in flats from April 2022. Informed decisions While there’s a lot to consider ahead of installing chargepoints for your fleet, early planning and speaking to the right experts will ensure the whole process runs smoothly and is cost effective,” concludes McMahon. “Looking at the bigger picture means managers can make informed decisions that are best for their business operation, employees, and the environment. “Cenex has worked with many public and rivate sector organisations to assess the required and available chargepoint provision in line with fleet strategies and advise on suitable technology solutions that will meet operational demands. “This gives them the confidence to make decisions and invest early to maximise the benefits. “Electric fleets, both the vehicles and the charging infrastructure, are a long-term business investment that will yield long-term results with the right approach.” About Cenex Cenex lowers emissions through innovation in transport and energy infrastructure, and is an independent, not for profit consultancy and research technology organisation with over 10 years’ experience advising on electric fleet and chargepoint strategies. Cenex organises the annual Low Carbon Vehicle event. This is taking place at UTAC Millbrook Proving Ground on 22nd-23rd September 2021, with registration open now. Seminar areas include: The journey to ‘Net Zero’; Developing a zero-emission transport infrastructure strategy; and Innovations in energy for transport. L FURTHER INFORMATION

Christoph Van Belle, senior manager Fleet Charging Hubs, bp Future Mobility & Solutions

bp pulse has opened the UK’s first rapid charging hub for fleet vehicles. The new 22 50+kW charger hub on Park Lane in Central London demonstrates bp pulse’s commitment to provide EV drivers with fast, reliable and convenient charging. The company intends to open hundreds of similar hubs across London and other UK and European cities by 2030, further supporting the transition of businesses and fleets to electric vehicles. bp’s ambition is to become a net zero company by 2050 or sooner and help the world get to net zero. Electrification is at the heart of its convenience and mobility strategy and bp aims to grow its operated network of public EV charging points to over 70,000 worldwide by 2030. “London anticipates that by 2025 taxis and private hire vehicles will account for 80 per cent of all public charging demand in the city,” comments Richard Bartlett, bp’s senior vice president, future mobility & solutions. “Fast, reliable charging infrastructure in convenient locations is essential to give business and fleet customers the confidence to make the switch to electric. That’s why we’re opening our new hubs at the heart of major cities across the UK and Europe, aiming to keep fleets charged and ready for business - whilst producing zero emissions.” bp’s EV customers already have access to around 8,700 rapid and ultra-fast charging points, including a fast-growing network at bp retail sites in the UK and Germany (Aral). These new hubs will expand bp’s offering to fleet customers by providing rapid charging in major cities. The new rapid charging hubs will deliver charging in locations where fleet and operational vehicles need it most – and importantly at scale, with a target of at least 10 chargers per site. Additional facilities may be provided at each location, including toilets, WiFi and refreshments. FURTHER INFORMATION Fleethubs-bppulse@bp.com

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Purchasing with a green agenda Since the turn of the 2020s we have seen a generation. Some 27 manufacturers market real boom in the availability and popularity pure electric cars, and 11 manufacturers of electric vehicles. The government and the market the battery electric vans. In fact, motor industry have invested £91.7 million almost 26 per cent of cars made in the to decarbonise commercial transport. And UK in July 2021 used alternative fuel. there are now many more low emission vehicles on the market – from mini and Increasing demand super-mini to large saloons and vans. Electric vehicles are certainly gaining in The average electric car on sale in the popularity. And there is increasing demand UK can travel more than 200 miles from fleet managers in the public sector. on a single battery charge – Five years ago only five per cent of travelling from London to some 25,000 new vehicles sourced There Leeds. And confidence through Crown Commercial is growing in electric Service, the government’s is a larg e vehicles as we see procurement agency, were choice of batt more on the road. ultra-low emission. Now e powere ry There is an everalmost 40 per cent of some d el vehicle increasing choice 30,000 new vehicles are s on th ectric e mark of battery powered ultra-low emission. And 25 with m et, any bra electric vehicles on per cent of vehicles used in n t heir sec d the market, with the public sector are, in fact, ond or s on t many brands on zero carbon emission – using hird genera tion their second or third battery electric technology.

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The government has set a target to reach Carbon Net Zero by 2035 and the public sector knows that electric vehicles will help them achieve this goal. Value for money Electric vehicles will, certainly, be vital in our quest to achieve Carbon Net Zero by 2035. But there are other benefits as well. Electric vehicles can be less expensive than diesel or petrol vehicles – as much as 21 per cent cheaper. Although the initial price of an electric vehicle is more, the cost of servicing and replacing parts is much less. An electric vehicle quite simply has less to go wrong. There are usually three main parts – the onboard charger, the inverter and the motor. In contrast, a petrol or diesel vehicle is more complicated with many parts – including the engine, radiator, the cooling system, pistons, spark plugs, fuel pump, the exhaust and the E

Written by James Rodgers, category lead – fleet, Crown Commercial Service

James Rodgers from the government’s procurement agency, Crown Commercial Service, shares considerations for purchasing electric vehicles in the public sector

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SPONSOR’S COMMENT  timing belt. The simplicity of the electric vehicle can, in fact, halve the cost of maintenance and repair. And with an electric vehicle you also save on fuel. There is, of course, the cost of energy and recharge. But the cost of petrol or diesel can be three times more than the cost of recharging, especially when using a closed fleet network or a home charging solution.

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Choosing the right vehicle There is a good range of electric vehicles on the market and it is vital that you select the right vehicle for your needs. Crown Commercial Service can help you make this important decision. The Crown Commercial Service Fleet Portal covers all your needs. And you can choose from a growing range of electric vehicles with different technical specifications. It gives you quick and easy access to technical and pricing information for all standard build cars and vans in the UK market – including ultra-low emission vehicles. You can use filters to select your criteria which might include fuel type, the level of CO2 emissions, ratings for the New Car Assessment Programme (NCAP) safety, mileage range and electric connector type. The Fleet Portal gives a real time view of models currently on the market – up-to-date with new and innovative vehicles from all manufacturers. The Fleet Portal also sets out the whole-life costing for each vehicle, allowing you to compare the cost of different models. You can factor in the anticipated term and mileage, discounts or lease costs. And, importantly, you can build in the cost of maintenance and fuel, and the residual value. This is very helpful when making a financial case to move from internal combustion to ultra-low emission vehicles. Grants and incentives The government’s commitment to Carbon Net Zero brings yet more financial benefits – in the form of government grants and incentives. The government’s Workplace Charging Scheme provides financial support for the purchase and installation of electrical charging points And the government’s plug-in vehicle grant offers £2,500 towards a qualifying car; or £3,000 towards an eligible ultra-low emission van. There are also grants for business vehicles – to cover the cost of home charging points. Most fleets use contract hire for vehicles but the government is currently offering a number of additional tax incentives that may be of interest. The benefit-in-kind banding is a tax incentive for electric vehicles. Electric vehicles that travel more than 130 miles on a single charge, with carbon emissions less than 50 g/km are eligible for the 2021/22 lowest tax rate of just one per cent of the vehicle’s P11D value, rising in 2022/23 to two per cent. The government is also offering green salary sacrifice schemes. When employers join, their employees can obtain a new leased vehicle through a salary sacrifice scheme. And those employees will no longer use their own, older, high emission vehicle for business, helping the government to achieve Carbon Net Zero by 2035. Long lead times – order early With demand for electric vehicles high, forward planning is needed. Planning ahead is always important so your fleet is fit for purpose. But, at the moment, there are specific delays due to a shortage of parts and raw materials. A particular shortage is with the smart semiconductor technology which is needed in almost all modern cars. All vehicles have been affected and lead times can be as long as 12 months. Accelerate your move to electric vehicles Crown Commercial Service will add power to your procurement helping you save time and money as you source your electric vehicles. Develop a sustainable fleet and move towards Carbon Net Zero with Crown Commercial Service. L Go to our Fleet Portal for quick quotations. Visit Total Fleet Solutions for more information about our fleet frameworks. Sign up to our Fleet newsletter for the latest news and industry insights.

Nick Butler, commercial director, DriveTech

DriveTech is proud to sponsor this GreenFleet EV guide. With the imminent COP26 conference on climate change being hosted in Glasgow, and the UK Government’s commitment to ban sales of all new internal combustion engine (ICE) cars from 2030, it is an understatement to say that things are changing significantly in the automotive and broader world landscape, and I strongly believe they will continue to do so. World leaders and environmentalists are racing to protect our planet from harmful CO2 emissions and global warming. Similarly, but with a more vocational and practical approach, DriveTech has been protecting drivers, and helping to protect organisations’ onroad reputations too, for over 30 years now. Whatever the powertrain of a vehicle, DriveTech offer one of the most comprehensive ranges of driver risk management and driver coaching services to businesses and we do this in the UK, and internationally too. For sure, we have seen an uplift in interest for our specific EV driver familiarisation courses and we are pleased to be working with a broad cross section of fleet operators as they begin their transitions to the new world of electrification. But whether it is helping educate drivers on EV regenerative braking, the vehicle’s lightning acceleration or maximising mileage range, the core DriveTech commitment to ingraining safety behaviour remains – to reduce costs, protect reputations, and to save lives. We do this for drivers in cars, vans, trucks, buses and coaches. And across our portfolio, from fleet risk health checks to licence checking to driver risk assessments and driver coaching and learning, we are evolving to address our customer’s needs both on road and increasingly online too. Our website has a range of whitepapers and other free downloads which I’d encourage you to explore from here: https://www.drivetech.co.uk/global-business-fleet-solutions/ As things change, we will change and adapt too, but we remain driven to keep people safe. FURTHER INFORMATION

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Issue 135 | GREENFLEET MAGAZINE

Vehicle Powertrains

Vehicle powertrains: Jargon buster With the UK banning the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles from 2030, fleets will need to consider their future vehicle purchases. With many different, greener powertrains available, Zemo Partnership has released a new vehicle definition guide Plans to phase out the sale of new petrol and diesel cars have been announced. From 2030, only cars with a substantial zero emission range will be available to buy; mainly BEVs and some PHEVs. From 2035, all new cars and vans must be fully zero emission at the tailpipe, meaning BEVs only (and possibly hydrogen or fuel cell electric vehicles). With many different, greener powertrains and vehicle technology categories available, Zemo Partnership has released a new guide, with simplified definitions. Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle A Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle (MHEV) uses a petrol or diesel engine to always power the vehicle, assisted by a small electric motor and battery in certain driving conditions. It cannot drive using only the electric motor and does not require user charging.

Hybrid Electric Vehicle A Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) sometimes called a ‘self-charging hybrid’, is a vehicle powered by both a petrol or diesel engine and an electric motor and battery. These can be used either individually or together. Because these cars have small batteries, the electric-only range is very limited. These vehicles do not have a plug. Plug in Hybrid Electric Vehicle A Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) uses a petrol or diesel engine combined with an electric motor, but with a larger battery to provide a much longer electric-only range. This needs plugging-in to fully recharge. Some PHEVs provide an electric-only range of 30 miles+. It’s worth noting that fuel economy significantly suffers if it’s not actually plugged in.

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

Vehicle Powertrain Guid Vehicle Technology Categories Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) A vehicle powered only by an engine that uses petrol or diesel. Very probably what you’re driving today. Alternative Fuel A vehicle that is powered by another fuel either in combination with, or instead of, petrol or diesel. Electrified A generic term for any vehicle that uses an electric motor to provide some or all of its power. Hybrid (or Hybrid electric) Uses a petrol or diesel engine, plus a battery and electric motor, to power the vehicle. Ultra Low Emission (ULEV) Any vehicle that emits less than 75g per km of CO2 from the exhaust when driving. Zero Emissions Vehicle A vehicle with no exhaust emissions when driving.

Vehicledefinitions Powertrain Guide – simplified definitions in Guide – simplified consumer Zero Exhaust Emissions

Does it have a plug?

Do you fill it with fuel?

What you need to know

Uses a petrol or diesel engine to always power the vehicle, assisted by a small electric motor and battery in certain driving conditions.

Yes – petrol or diesel

Cannot drive using only the electric motor. Does not require user charging.

A vehicle powered by both a petrol or diesel engine and an electric motor and battery. These can be used either individually or together.

Not usually as has short electric range

Yes – petrol or diesel

Because these cars have small batteries, the electric-only range is very limited.

Plug in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)

These also use a petrol or diesel engine combined with an electric motor, but with a larger battery to provide a much longer electric-only range. This needs plugging-in to fully recharge.

Yes when in electric mode

Yes

Yes – petrol or diesel

Some PHEVs provide an electric-only range of 30 miles+. Fuel economy significantly suffers if not charged.

Range Extended Electric Vehicle (REEV)

A Battery Electric Vehicle with an additional small petrol or diesel engine, which acts as a generator to provide extra battery charge. The electric motor always drives the wheels.

Yes – until battery becomes low

Yes

Yes – petrol or diesel

These require charging by the user to achieve their full electric range.

Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) / Pure Electric Vehicle / Electric Vehicle (EV)

A vehicle that runs on electricity only, using a powerful electric motor(s) and large battery to power the vehicle. This needs to be charged by the user.

Yes always

Yes

You’ll need the ability to charge an EV for an extended period; either at home, work or on street.

Yes – only emission is water

Yes hydrogen

There are very few hydrogen cars and limited fuel stations currently available.

Powertrain Technologies

e y

Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle (MHEV)

es ll

Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV).

Sometimes called a ‘Self-charging Hybrid’

Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) / Hydrogen Vehicle

Consumer Definition

An electric vehicle that uses its own hydrogen fuel cell to generate electricity, which then powers the electric motor that drives the car.

Range Extended Electric Vehicle Range Extended Electric Vehicle (REEV) is a Battery Electric Vehicle with an additional small petrol or diesel engine, which acts as a generator to provide extra battery charge. The electric motor always drives the wheels. These require charging by the user to achieve their full electric range. Electric Vehicle A vehicle that runs on electricity only is known as a Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV), Pure Electric Vehicle, or simply an Electric Vehicle (EV). These vehicles use a powerful electric motor(s) and large battery to power the vehicle. This needs to be charged by the user. You’ll need the ability to charge an EV for an extended period; either at home, work or on street. Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle A fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV), also referred to as a hydrogen vehicle, is an electric vehicle

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that uses its own hydrogen fuel cell to generate electricity, which then powers the electric motor that drives the car. There are very few hydrogen cars and limited fuel stations currently available. Internal Combustion Engine An Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) is a vehicle powered only by an engine that uses petrol or diesel. Alternative Fuel An alternatively-fuelled vehicle is a vehicle that is powered by another fuel either in combination with, or instead of, petrol or diesel.

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or diesel engine, plus a battery and electric motor, to power the vehicle. Ultra Low Emission An Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV) is any vehicle that emits less than 75g per km of CO2 from the exhaust when driving. Zero Emission Vehicle A Zero Emission Vehicle meanwhile is a vehicle with no exhaust emissions when driving. L FURTHER INFORMATION www.zemo.org.uk

Electrified An electrified vehicle is a generic term for any vehicle that uses an electric motor to provide some or all of its power. Hybrid (or Hybrid Electric) A Hybrid, or Hybrid Electric, uses a petrol

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Making EV charging accessible to all is essential for net zero Scaling up EV charging may be around the corner, but if electric vehicles are to play a sincere part in the race to net zero, all communities in every corner of the land must be engaged

Making the transition to electric vehicles is to many people a decision they want to make but do not feel ready to take. Whether it is through misconceptions on range anxiety or cost, a fear of the unknown, or a sheer stubbornness to embrace change, the EV industry has a long way to go before winning the hearts and minds of British motorists - and needs to work harder. At Connected Kerb, we strive to not just build a reliable charging network, but to deliver a future-proofed smart cities agenda that will benefit communities for a generation. We also aim to deliver it for everyone – the wealthy, the less wealthy, able-bodied car users and disabled car users. Let’s examine how we intend to reach that goal. Barriers to adoption What do we see as the key barriers to EV adoption? While operating costs of EVs are clearly favorable when compared with regular cars, it is essential to take practical steps to bring the cost of the transition down while initial costs of EVs are still too high for most. Tax subsidies are helpful but may not be needed long-term given the falling cost of EV batteries. It is not unreasonable to propose that EV vehicles are on the way to becoming

more affordable. At Connected Kerb, we believe it is the infrastructure dilemma and educating the public about EV that need most scrutiny if uptake is to take off. We are determined to ensure that the EV industry does not create a two-tier system of the haves and have-nots, where the often-perceived haven of instant revenue claw back – urban areas – sees a rush to install EV infrastructure in wealthy postcodes. Such a scenario would be hugely divisive and could potentially put the net zero agenda at risk. Furthermore, businesses who are electrifying their fleets soon discover that employees need to charge their car or van at home but don’t necessarily have off-street parking where to conveniently charge. That’s why a strategy with a strong focus on public on-street residential charging is critical. Those living in urban centres, high-rise flats and council estates are significantly less likely to have access to a private driveway, making it difficult to install home charging solutions. As a result, households which have access to a driveway make up 80 per cent of EV owners, with the remaining 20 per cent owned by those in houses or flats with no access to off-street parking. These communities also have the most to gain from the clean transport revolution due to being disproportionately exposed to poorer air quality from toxic exhaust emissions.

Connected Kerb CEO Chris Pateman-Jones (right) with Lambeth resident and EV user Ajai Ahluwalia

Addressing the problem With this in mind working with Lambeth Borough Council, Connected Kerb installed 22 on-street EV chargers across 11 council estates in the Borough to provide easy access to public charging, even for those without off-street parking. It forms part of the council’s wider strategy to work with multiple charge point operators to install more than 200 charge points by 2022, with the aim of ensuring every household with no access to off-street parking is within a fiveminute walk of their nearest charge point. But the inequality issue does not revolve around just social status, but also a disparity in charging provision between urban and rural areas where charging ‘blackspots’ are common. Over 30 per cent of the UK’s public charging network is located in London which has the equivalent to 63 public chargers per 100,000 people. By comparison, Gravesham in Kent has just 3.7 chargers per 100,000 people. That’s why Connected Kerb is leading on challenging the capital’s dominance of the EV landscape by working with Kent County Council to install charging points across over 40 parish locations. Another means to banishing EV inequality – achieving what the Government calls ‘levelling up’ – is to improve access to better energy tariffs. At Connected Kerb, we pride ourself on our prices which average £0.23 per kWh – 23 per cent lower than the national average of over £0.30 per kWh. We are trying to put downward pressure on that rate. But our real contribution to this quest for equality lies in our work to bring on-street smart charging to our nation’s streets. Projects such as Agile Streets, the first trial of public EV smart charging in the UK will allow people without off-street parking access to smart tariffs and to charge their vehicles when it is cheapest e.g. when there is a surplus of solar or wind energy or when demand is low. Drivers could cut the cost of charging by around 40 per cent – equivalent to saving around £290 a year on a Renault Zoe. So scaling up EV charging may be around the corner but if EVs are to play a sincere part in the race to net zero, it must engage with communities in every corner of the land. L FURTHER INFORMATION www.connectedkerb.com

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

Nissan used World EV Day to kick off pre-orders of its electric Ariya

A day to celebrate and promote electric vehicles Governments and transport leaders from around the globe made major electric vehicle pledges during World EV Day 2021 – a day designed to celebrate and promote electric vehicles in the move to net zero and decarbonisation. Here’s what happened World EV Day 2021, which took place how switching to electric could fit in with on 9 September, saw governments and their current lifestyle. Those with the app can industry leaders around the globe commit also see how close their nearest chargepoints to funding and incentivising the shift are, and which journeys can be completed to zero emission electric vehicles. without the need to top-up en-route. The UK government used the day to What’s more, the Department for Transport, reiterate its commitments to sustainable Together with Electrifying.com, unveiled transport, highlighting its £50 million fund a Beginners’ Guide to Going Electric, to to install electric vehicle chargepoints, help drivers understand what’s which has been extended to reach involved in switching to an smaller businesses such as B&Bs. electric car. The guide World What’s more, those in leasehold provides practical EV Day and rented accommodation advice and top tips can now enjoy the as we accelerate the laun saw benefits of the Electric towards a new ap ch of a p Vehicle Homecharge Scheme. zero emission c a ll e Switch, World EV Day also saw transport future. which c d EV8 alculate the government launch a Founder of how m s new app called EV8 Switch – Electrifying.com drivers uch money could backed by £2.7 million of UK Ginny Buckley Space Agency funding – which said: “We know switchin save by g to calculates how much money UK that switching an EV drivers could save by switching to an electric car to an EV compared to their current can be a daunting petrol or diesel vehicle, along with details prospect with a host of new on the carbon dioxide (CO2) savings and air information to absorb and jargon quality improvements they could achieve. to cut through. But it’s not as complicated Drivers can use the app to see which as it may seem and our research shows electric vehicles would be the most suitable that once you’ve gone electric you won’t for them based on their current vehicle and want to go back to a petrol or diesel car. Supported by

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“We’re delighted to have teamed up with the government to help clear the air for drivers with a straightforward, unbiased and jargon-free guide for World EV Day.” Transport Secretary Grant Shapps, said: “This World EV Day, I want to not only provide easy access to the tools that people need to feel confident about making the switch, but also to make sure that charge points are accessible, affordable and recognisable. That’s why we have already committed £1.3 billion to accelerate the rollout of charging infrastructure up and down the country. And as we look forward to COP26 and beyond, our vision is that the UK is at the forefront of the zero emission transport future, creating thousands of green jobs in the process.” The government also announced who will sitting on a new steering board that’s shaping the future of chargepoint design. They include Minnie Moll, chief executive of the Design Council, and Duncan Wilson OBE, chief executive of Historic England, alongside architects Sowmya Parthasarathy and Professor Alan Penn, chief scientific advisor at the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government. The resulting design will be unveiled at COP26 in Glasgow this November. The White House In the US, Gina McCarthy, climate advisor to President Joe Biden, met Ben Prochazka, executive director of the Electrification Coalition, on World EV Day to discuss the key role electric vehicles have to play in ending oil dependancy and tackling climate change. Speaking about World EV Day, Gina McCarthy says: “The exciting thing about World EV Day is that I don’t spend a lot of time dealing with climate deniers – we can see climate change happening in front of our eyes. But the great thing is that we have solutions to these things that actually are terrific. We know the future of vehicles is electric. I know it because every automaker that we deal with is saying exactly the same thing.” E

0Zone is The Grosvenor Group’s innovative and multi-award winning solution to help companies navigate their way smoothly towards ultra-low emission (ULEV) and electric vehicles (EV).

Our team of experts will help you drive down your CO2 levels and move towards a Zero emission future through a well-structured ultra low emission and electric vehicle ﬂeet policy.

Through our operational review, we will look at the current suitability of ULEVs and EVs for your business, and the measures that need to be in place for alternative fuels to become an effective part of your ﬂeet strategy.

What are the real ﬁnancial implications of moving to alternative fuels? Our 0Zone team will provide a clear and transparent analysis based on whole life costs, taxation, NI and other key considerations

For an initial, no obligation and free consultation with a member of our award winning 0Zone team, we would be delighted to hear from you.

SPONSOR’S COMMENT  World’s first EV emoji ABB, World EV Day’s headline partner, created a competition, for children, to design the world’s first EV emoji, an ‘EVmoji’. This is part of the 2021 World EV Day’s commitment to consumer education around EVs. The winner of that competition was announced as Lucía and ABB and Green.TV Media are calling on the Unicode Consortium to recognise the need for an official electric vehicle emoji. Frank Muehlon, President of ABB’s E-mobility Division, said: “We are thrilled with the response to the EVmoji design challenge and to World EV Day. Both initiatives offer a fantastic opportunity for people of all ages to learn more about electric vehicles and to generate excitement and collaboration on developments. Judging by these design submissions, the future is indeed electric.” Industry and trade announcements Nissan, a founding partner of World EV Day, used the day to kick off pre-orders of the all-electric Ariya in Norway, as well as releasing a teaser video for its next light commercial vehicle. Leon Dorssers, regional senior vice president, marketing and sales, AMIEO, said: “We are excited to open pre-orders for our electric coupé crossover on such an iconic day. Nissan has led electrification for over 10 years and we can’t wait to get customers behind the wheels of our highly anticipated Ariya. From the advanced technology on-board to the fun-to-drive performance and handling, we are confident our customers will find even more features to love.” Electric fuel card business start-up, Paua, has announced a major new partnership on World EV Day, working with leading EV charging company, Fastned to support easier payment for drivers across EV charging networks in the UK - which is a core part of Paua’s business model. Vehicle leasing company, LeasePlan, has announced a commitment to set science-based reduction targets across all emission scopes of its business. This process of setting clearly-defined and measurable science-based long term and interim targets marks a big step forward in LeasePlan’s net zero ambitions, and is a cornerstone of the company’s upcoming ‘Driving to zero’ sustainability strategy update. In line with World EV Day’s education focus for 2021, automotive digital title, Auto Trader released an online game, as part of their World EV Day takeover of www.autotrader.co.uk site, and are also featured World EV Day’s #GoEV pledge for consumers to commit to cleaner air, lower emissions and a more sustainable future. Octopus Energy announced it had hit a milestone of over 100,000 electric vehicle charging points on the Electric Juice Network (EJN) in just over a year since its launch. Customers of Electric Juice have access to a wide range of charge point operators, including global names such as NewMotion, IONITY, Has.to.be, Mer (Statkraft) and Greenflux, plus UK brands Osprey, Char.gy, Franklin, Hubsta, Alfa, and many more - who all joined the EJN in its first year. Zoisa North-Bond, CEO of Electric Juice, comments: “It’s a testament to the team behind it that the EJN has gone from 0 chargers to over 100,000 in just over a year since we launched, and we’re over the moon to be able to share this milestone on World EV Day. We already have a range of great partners on the network, but we’re always on the hunt for even more to join and help create better access to charging infrastructure, which in turn makes it easier for petrol car drivers to consider electric vehicles. Our EJN users can already do significant cross country road trips throughout Europe, and someday soon they might be able to travel by Electric Juice anywhere in the world.” Ade Thomas, founder of Green.TV Media, and the man behind World EV Day, said: “The inaugural World EV Day event in 2020 reached an audience of around 2 billion people worldwide. The response so far this year has surpassed my expectations, with so many crucial pledges, investments and developments that are a genuine catalyst for change around the globe. World EV Day 2021 drives messages home via social media, sparking conversations to educate and inform, and Green.TV Media is a strong believer in the power of using communications to ensure even greater sustainability for our planet.” Ade concluded: “It’s fantastic to see organisations, governments and individuals using the hashtag #WorldEVDay and to see World EV Day driving such a huge increase in understanding of electric vehicles and their role in the path to net zero and climate change.” L

Fifty-five per cent of Grosvenor’s new fleet has electric capability

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By Lee Brown, head of 0Zone, The Grosvenor Group

More than 55 per cent of new vehicles being delivered to The Grosvenor Group’s contract hire and fleet management customers now have electric capability. This is a credit to the hard work and quality of advice from our 0Zone team, who are offering market-leading support to help businesses make the smooth transition to electric vehicles. 0Zone is Grosvenor’s innovative and multi-award winning solution to help companies navigate their way smoothly towards ultra-low emission (ULEV) and electric vehicles (EV). Since its launch in 2017 many companies have benefited from the 0Zone team’s guidance and advice to help significantly drive down emissions, with 0Zone being made up of three key areas. The first is ‘environmental’ – how to drive down CO2 levels as part of a zero-emission goal; the second is ‘operational’ – how ULEVs and EVs fit into your operational requirements and business needs; and the third is ‘financial’ – the financial implications of moving to alternative fuels, including whole life costs, taxation, NI and other key considerations Companies looking to go green also benefit from an assessment of their environmental impact with a clear pathway to convert their fleet, over time, towards ultra-low emission and electric vehicles. This year, Grosvenor is celebrating 40 years of serving companies with vehicle fleets having first opened its doors for business on 2nd June 1981. Although Grosvenor has grown to become the UK’s largest privately-owned contract hire and fleet management specialist, we still operate with no call centres or voice mail queues which means you can talk to members of our friendly and experienced teams with ease, and enjoy advice on first name terms from our industry experts. Our 0Zone team has been helping many companies with the transition to ULEVs and EVS including Tata Steel, Weetabix, The Salvation Army Trading Company and Glenmorangie Whisky. FURTHER INFORMATION

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EV Tyres

Familiarising yourself with electric vehicle tyres The tyres on electric vehicles are specifically designed for use on such vehicles and can be significantly different to normal tyres. Charity TyreSafe explains what EV owners should be aware of when choosing new tyres TyreSafe is warning drivers that fitting the wrong type of tyre on an electric vehicles could result in loss of range, extra noise, accelerated wear and the risk of failing while being driven, which could result in a serious incident. TyreSafe has released detailed advice for EV owners at tyresafe.org and advises drivers to familiarise themselves with the technology. There are a wide range of factors which are important to choosing the right tyre, which the vehicle manufacturer has already taken into account when fitting the originals at the factory. The vehicle’s weight is just one as it influences the amount of air pressure required to keep a tyre in its optimal shape along with the stiffness of its sidewall and even its centre section. EVs are well-known for being heavier than their petrol or diesel equivalents, so an owner must be aware of their tyre’s load rating when a replacement is needed as well as maintaining the recommended tyre pressure at all times. Another consideration is the impact tyre choice can have on an EV’s range, due to its ‘rolling resistance’, as well what effect it has on noise. Stuart Jackson, TyreSafe’s Chair, said: “Tyres are an extremely sophisticated piece of technology, which we all too commonly take for granted. However, drivers of electric vehicles must be aware of how different they could be to those on other cars, and when it’s time to replace the original tyres, owners need to ensure they are buying the right specification. Choosing a like-forlike tyre will allow EV owners to enjoy the full benefit of the electric car revolution and reduce the risks of an incident.” Why are EV tyres different One key reason why tyres for electric vehicles are typically different to those of a petrol or diesel car is weight. At present, battery packs are extremely heavy, even more so than traditional engines, making EVs overall heavier than a petrol or diesel engine model. That weight is ultimately carried by the tyres. Without adaptation to compensate for this weight, the tyres would be susceptible to premature wearing, much more quickly than an owner is used to, making replacement far more frequent. As a result, EV tyres are constructed to carry the higher loadings, are reinforced and may carry the HL loading markings. Tyres work at their best when their tread is at its optimal shape, which is determined by

but not always, at a higher pressure than standard. An ‘HL’ marked tyre means the tyre is capable of carrying even higher loads at similar pressures to an ‘XL’ tyre. So for the motorist, it’s important to match the markings on the tyres recommended by the vehicle manufacturer with their replacement. An example might be 225/45 R18 95Y XL. Replacement of that tyre with one which has no ‘XL’ marking, is likely to lead to accelerated wear and a reduction in the vehicle’s range. Insurance claims could also be null and void.

the right amount of air pressure being used at the weight being carried. When a tyre is carrying too much weight, or has insufficient air pressure, the sidewall will bulge (creating a pillow-shaped tyre footprint), placing additional stress on the ‘shoulder’ of the tread. That means it will wear more quickly. Maximising range Underinflation will also cause the the When a tyre moves along the road, it is ‘stiffness’ of the tyre to reduce allowing constantly deforming and it is the energy lost it to deform when it shouldn’t. Drivers in this process (known as hysteresis) that are most likely to experience this when is the primary cause of ‘rolling resistance’, cornering as the amount of control which will naturally try to slow the vehicle. they have will be compromised. With every Watt of energy vital for range on In addition the tyre’s rolling an EV, it’s essential to minimise this effect as resistance will be affected, leading much as possible. That’s particularly true when to higher energy consumption. the vehicle is ‘cruising’, in other words when To stop that happening, some tyres for you want to maintain a steady speed. EVs feature a ‘reinforced sidewall’ Under these circumstances, high and may operate at higher rolling resistance means the pressures than for non-EVs. One vehicle will slow quickly, The sidewall of a tyre is key rea s o low rolling resistance what we see when we n why tyr means it will keep moving approach a vehicle e s f e or lectric v for a longer time. from the side, easily typicall ehicles are So a tyre for an EV identified as it has y wants to have the least all the markings of those o different to f a petr rolling resistance as the manufacturer, ol or diesel c possible. In this way type, size, date of ar vehicle battery range is manufacture and weight is not impacted negatively. so on clearly visible. Fitting a non-equivalent tyre By adding strength with high rolling resistance – or ‘reinforcing’ – that will probably mean more breaks sidewall the tyre will more for recharging during a journey and readily keep its shape and stiffness recharging an EV is not a quick activity. if it is kept at the correct pressure. However, as always, a balance needs That means owners of electric vehicles need to be struck as grip is essential for safety to be aware of the importance of correctly when it comes to braking. Nobody wants selecting a tyre and need to pay close to hit the brake pedal and wait for an attention markings on their tyres beyond excessive period of time for the vehicle to simply their size. The first is load index, stop, we all want that to be the minimum which is displayed as either two or threepossible. Minimising rolling resistance while digits, for example, 95 or 108. The higher providing high levels of grip seems like a the number, the more weight it can carry. contradictory requirement but this is one of Equally, speed rating is of importance. the key performance characteristics of tyres Displayed as a letter, such as ‘Y’, this designed for EVs that is not the same as for determines the maximum speed at petrol or diesel cars, as rolling resistance will which the tyre will perform when be an important feature of a tyre that will supporting permitted loads. influence the range capability of an EV. Load index and speed rating are shown next to each other, in close proximity to the Torque considerations tyre’s size marking. Motorists can expect to There are two common measures of a identify them as, for example, 225/45 R18 95Y. combustion engine’s power that we have In addition to load index and speed rating, all grown up with – horsepower, commonly tyres for EVs may well have a reinforced abbreviated to ‘bhp’, and ‘torque’ commonly sidewall. At present, an ‘XL’ marking means expressed as lb/ft or Nm. Defining them in a tyre can carry extra load which is typically,

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engineering terms is complex to understand without an enthusiasm for technicalities but, in short, power decides maximum speed while torque determines acceleration. In very simplistic terms, an engine’s maximum horsepower is towards the limit of an engine’s upper revolutions per minute, for example at 6,500rpm, just before you have to change gear (this limit is often higher in performance cars). To get the maximum acceleration, a driver will keep the ‘revs-up’, ‘hit the redline’ (the limit to which the engine will rev) and then change up. That’s how vehicle manufacturers set 0 to 60mph times. Meanwhile, torque is the acceleration you feel while remaining in one gear – a car can have great ‘in-gear acceleration’ if it has a lot of torque. This is experienced much lower in the engine revolution range. Let’s say you’re on a motorway in sixth gear and the rev counter is at 2,000rpm – you accelerate in the same gear – how quickly the vehicle accelerate depends on the engine’s torque. Turbo diesel cars are more commonly associated with high torque compared to petrol engines, which typically have higher horsepower. EVs are totally different. For a start, the driver will note there’s no ‘rev counter’ on the dashboard. An electric motor produces its maximum torque from standing and its maximum power is always available. Getting maximum acceleration from an EV is achieved simply by keeping your foot hard down on the throttle. This is why they accelerate so well no matter what speed the vehicle is travelling at and without the need for any gear changes that makes EVs surprisingly smooth and fast to drive. However, all that power at any speed in a heavy vehicle means if the driver regularly accelerates hard, the tyres are put under tremendous strain, fighting to grip the road and not spin. This strain and stress, as well as the instant access to power is another reason why EV tyres are different to those

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for petrol or diesel cars. In order to endow tyres on an EV with the properties to allow them to last pretty much as long as those combustion-powered vehicles, its compound and pattern design needs to be robust enough to deal with the extra stresses. Vehicle geometry is another key issue to monitor and maintain, as hard impacts from ‘pot-holes’ can negatively impact vehicle geometry, so pushing the wheel camber or toe settings out of tolerance. Therefore, regular servicing of the vehicle geometry is necessary so ensuring good wear throughout the life of the tyre, as EV tyres can have a reduced original tread depth for rolling resistance enhancement in comparison to petrol and diesel vehicle tyres. Ultimately, if an EV is driven in the same way as its combustion-engined equivalent, tyre wear should be similar. Noise matters One of the most striking parts of the EV driving experience is how quiet and relaxing they are on the road – even at motorway speeds. There are no vibrations from the engine or gearbox being transferred to the passenger compartment, as there will always be with petrol or diesel cars. The only noises an EV occupant should hear are from those outside the vehicle, those generated as it passes through air – known as ‘wind noise’ – and that of the tyres rolling over the road surface – known as ‘tyre’ or ‘road noise’. However, vibrations caused by the interaction of the tyre and the road surface can lead to interior cabin noise, which is more audible in an electric vehicle. Tyres for EVs can also accommodate technologies to reduce or negate this effect, giving a quieter driving environment. The owner of an EV will only appreciate just how much difference tyre selection makes when they fit tyres which are not specifically for an electric vehicle. Again,

tyres for EVs have been developed in sympathy with the low noise drivers of electric vehicles can benefit from.

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The future of EV tyres There are two factors to answer the question on the future of tyres fitted to electric vehicles. The first is purely down to the owners. There is concern owners may inadvertently not understand the reason why tyres for their vehicles have been specifically designed. Without that knowledge, it might be all too easy to look at the size, load and speed rating and buy a replacement tyre on those criteria alone. They may well find a tyre which is technically acceptable at a lower cost, but in the long term they will be losing out in the experience and added cost of replacement. Tyres fitted to EVs which have not been specifically designed for the purpose are likely to wear quickly and detrimentally affect the experience these cars can offer. A longer-term consideration is how tyres will adapt to the arrival in the marketplace of vehicles conceived and designed from the very beginning as EVs rather than being adaptations of their petrol or diesel sisters and brothers. In other words, vehicles designed from the start to be EVs. At present, the size of an EV wheel and tyre size is determined by the size of the brake package and how large the petrol or diesel vehicle equivalent’s wheel arch is. In future, we can expect designers to prioritise what an electric vehicle needs from the space allowed for its wheels and tyres. When that shift in a vehicle’s design happens, we should expect a wheel and tyre combination which is larger than the ones we commonly see today. It is also very likely to be narrower. L FURTHER INFORMATION www.tyresafe.org/tyresfor-electric-vehicles/

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Charging towards net zero When it comes to starting out on a fleet electrification programme, there’s a lot more to consider than just vehicles. We spoke to Elmtronics’ head of future mobility partnerships, Sara Sloman, who provided her advice on what to think about when planning for a greener fleet

Make it a wholebusiness approach The decision to switch a fleet to EVs shouldn’t be taken by one team or staff member in isolation. A fleet electrification strategy will touch so many parts of the business from senior management to the people who will be driving the vehicles. “Get people involved and excited about this new technology because it’s a really positive step for any business,” says Sara. Take stock of your existing fleet Don’t just think about replacing your fleet like-for-like - consider whether you can make changes which will reduce your emissions further. As Sara says: “If we’re to really reduce carbon, we need to be more agile with how we allocate fleet vehicles. Could a van be replaced with a car or a car with an electric bike? It’s about getting vehicles off the road as much as replacing the ones that are left with EVs.” Plan the number and type of charge points Knowing the size of your electric fleet will give you a starting point for calculating how many charge points you need. It’s natural to think that you need a charging socket per vehicle but consider when charging will take place. Is it likely that vehicles will all be charging at the same time or would you be able to rotate during the day?

You should also think about the types of charge points. For vehicles that need to be charged and on the road quickly, you might choose rapid charging. But for vehicles which will be charged up overnight or for staff, fast charge points would be better. Assess the power available To avoid the need for expensive power upgrades, make use of load balancing (which distributes power amongst charge points and makes sure the capacity is never exceeded) and software like Hubsta to monitor usage. “Power upgrades are one of the most expensive parts of installing charging infrastructure. We always start out by reviewing the power available,” says Sara. “If there’s not enough power, we can explore options and support with power upgrades as well as investigate innovative solutions like integrating battery storage, which tops up batteries with cheap energy overnight. There’s always a way!” Allocate a budget “Fleet electrification does come with the additional capital requirement for charging infrastructure so an early discussion with a charging partner will help you to understand how much budget to allocate,” says Sara. “Many companies choose to lease equipment which helps to spread the cost and avoid upfront capital costs.”

When planning your overall budget don’t miss out on the financial incentives from OZEV including the Workplace Charging Scheme. And don’t forget that electricity can be a lot cheaper if you choose your tariff carefully, especially for overnight charging. Put a charging schedule in place Charging an electric fleet does require more planning than simply filling up with petrol or diesel. Consider putting in place a schedule or process for charging which is communicated to your drivers. Making sure that vehicles aren’t left uncharged will be critical as any downtime could disrupt your work schedule. Consider at-home charging For staff that take vehicles home, it can make perfect sense for employers to put at-home charging in place. That way you can build in telematics, which collates power usage and allows for that to be billed to the employer. “This removes the pressure on individual staff to make sure they’re submitting accurate expenses, which can be difficult when it comes to electricity,” says Sara. “With grants on offer, a great range of vehicles on the market, and equipment that’s available is exponentially better than it was just two or three years ago, there’s never been a better time to switch.” concludes Sara. L

For support and advice on planning an EV fleet, visit the website below. FURTHER INFORMATION Elmtronics.co.uk

Keltruck Ltd just one of the companies partnering with Elmtronics to electrify their fleet

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Written by The Association of Fleet Professional’s EV, Alternative Fuels and Low Carbon Committee

EV company car policies: What to consider?

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What should fleet managers be mindful of when reviewing a company car policy for electric vehicles? The Association of Fleet Professional’s EV, Alternative Fuels and Low Carbon Committee shares some advice Fully electric vehicles and PHEVs are different from traditionally fuelled cars in many respects. This can create some negatives where additional cost and management time may be required, however if implemented correctly the introduction of plug-in vehicles should provide both employee and employer with significant tax savings, improve the environment, and generate other cost savings such as fuel and the avoidance of penalties in emission-based charging zones. The Association of Fleet Professionals (AFP) has launched a Best Practice Fleet Policy Guide for EVs, which shares a number of key considerations that are needed when introducing pure electric and plug-in hybrids onto a company car fleet. This article shares some of the key points. Key considerations Plug-in vehicles should be “fit for purpose” for the driver and the fleet requirements. This is both vehicle type and specification, as well as correct for the type of drive cycles the car will be used for, i.e. the typical daily Supported by

mileage should be within the electric range It is critically important to review the of an EV to ensure there is only an occasional company car selection process. Plug-in need to charge during the day. vehicles are typically higher cost For PHEVs, the majority of than Internal Combustion the daily mileage should be Engine (ICE) vehicles and It’s achieved in EV mode with will therefore normally i m portant the Internal Combustion attract higher rental rates. to cons Engine (ICE) only being However, if you factor in i d e r fuel policy a used for occasional company NI, fuel costs, n longer journeys. In SMR etc over the life reimbu d mileage rsemen general, they are not a of the vehicle they can systems t good vehicle choice and be significantly cheaper when introdu can be very expensive to than a traditional ICE. cing plu run, far more than an ICE As such, we would v ehicles g-in vehicle, if running on the strongly recommend using petrol engine more than the Whole Life Cost (WLC) as electric powertrain. Of course, the selection methodology if used correctly they can be a for any mixed fuel fleet policy. good stepping stone into pure EVs. Using a Whole Life Cost (WLC) For employees running vehicles with high policy is important, but we would also mileages per annum, be careful. Although recommend having flexibility in the it is very much possible to run an EV on company car policy. Where there are limited mileages over 20K per annum, check the plug-in vehicles on the market and many daily mileages and work with the employee of them are high cost (compared with the to ensure the vehicle can be run effectively. equivalent ICE) even under a WLC policy E

For every driver For driver For every driver Every journey, every last mile pick up and Every every last mile pick upall. and on-time delivery. They matter. To us Everyjourney, journey, every last mile pick up and on-time They To us all. on-timedelivery. They matter. matter. To We’re heredelivery. for every mile of everyus all. We’re for mile of every journey, to make them safer for all, We’rehere here forevery every mile journey, toto make safer for all, all, journey, makethem themthan saferever. and more sustainable andmore moresustainable sustainable than than ever. and

www.geotab.com/uk www.geotab.com/uk www.geotab.com/uk 28

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For Forevery everyjourney journey

For every journey

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Do not exclude employees that cannot fit a home charger at their property. Providing the employee is dedicated to make it work, work with them to ensure the company is comfortable that they can charge the vehicle effectively

The growing importance of electrification: A Geotab study

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 some employees may not be able to obtain an EV in their grade. We therefore suggest looking at allowing employees to trade up based on WLC – this will ensure the company is not exposed to higher costs and if drivers make a private contribution to trade up to a plug-in vehicle it could dramatically reduce their Benefit in Kind Tax and result in a much more cost effective option for them. Allow cash employees back into the company car scheme and review launching salary sacrifice schemes for pure EVs only. Charging considerations Any employee taking a plug-in vehicle should have a dedicated charger at their home if they have the potential to fit one in. This will allow maximum use of electric driving for a PHEV and ensure range anxiety is minimised for a pure EV. Dedicated home chargers are both safe, convenient to use, and will charge a car much faster than by a standard three pin socket (which we would not recommend). Please always refer to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations regarding using a three-pin socket. Do not exclude employees that cannot fit a home charger at their property (live with no driveway, rented accommodation and landlord will not allow fitment etc). Providing the employee is dedicated to make it work, work with them to ensure the company is comfortable that they can charge the vehicle effectively. In these examples, issue a declaration form for the employee to sign to take responsibility for charging the vehicle effectively at their cost. The company must decide whether they are to provide a charge point for the employee at home, or whether the employee will be expected to pay for it. Both methods are common although at the moment (and HMRC have changed this before so we recommend checking regularly with HMRC) benefit in kind tax will be chargeable for the employee if the company pays for the charge unit. You also need to consider what happens if the employee moves home. As further options, it is also possible to include the charge point costs within the lease costs or you could allow the company to pay for the charge point and then deduct the cost over a 6-12 month period, directly from the employee’s salary. Fuel policy It is important to consider your fuel policy and mileage reimbursement systems when introducing plug-in vehicles. It can be quite complex to deal with multiple fuel types (i.e. for PHEVs petrol/ diesel and electricity) and also to identify the amount of electricity used if employees are recharging their vehicles at home, work and on the public charging networks, where for the latter costs can vary from free, to charged by the incident or by the amount of electricity drawn. It may be worth considering using HMRC’s AFR and AER rates for reclaiming business mileage, which provide a simple and straightforward reimbursement solution. L

The Association of Fleet Professional’s electric vehicle guides cover examples of setting out an EV policy; hints and tips for assessing the suitability of electric vehicles, example sections for the company car policy; and employee communications with regards to electric vehicles.

David Savage, Associate Vice President UK & Ireland, Geotab

With the 2030 ban on new diesel and petrol vehicles for passenger vehicles and 2035 for vans fast approaching, public sectors and businesses have set ambitious targets for fleet electrification. Electric vehicles (EVs) pose countless new opportunities for fleets. And a few challenges as well relating to questions that did not require an answer before along with strategic planning to transition. However, early adopters are helping pave a way for the rest of the industry as the end goal for everyone is the same: vehicle electrification. Three questions to ask outside of the EV early adopters circle is: How can EVs reduce tailpipe emissions? Will an EV do what I need it to? What will this cost? Using Geotab’s Electric Vehicle Suitability Assessment (EVSA), and with aggregated and anonymised vehicle data, Geotab conducted a study aimed to understand what the UK fleet’s electrification potential is. More than 3,400 vehicles operating in the UK were analysed, across 51 customers and within 14 industries in order to determine their EV suitability today. The analysis takes into account the actual daily vehicle usage and then compares it to the real-world range performance of EVs available in the market today. It also keeps in mind factors such as operating temperatures. Following this, the total cost of ownership of the petrol and diesel vehicles operating in the fleet was analysed. This helped compare against a new EV, factoring in costs such as maintenance, fuel and electricity. The Geotab team found that more fleets than initially expected have vehicles that can switch to electric today, and save money. FURTHER INFORMATION

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www.geotab.com/uk/white-paper/macro-evsa-uk

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Rivus Fleet Solutions are leading the charge to electric with EVaaS Rivus Fleet Solutions helps fleet operators navigate the changes to electric as smoothly as possible with its end to end, single service solution, called Electric Vehicles as a Service (EVaaS)

vehicle. Over 80 per cent of the Rivus repair team have the capability to complete all levels of repairs to EVs, while over half of its garages already have EV charge points on-site. Sister company AutoRestore® can also deliver mobile bodywork repairs to EVs for driver convenience.

The future of electric vehicles (EV) is a hot topic in the automotive industry right now, given the impending 2030 deadline to phase out the sale of new petrol and diesel models. Fleet management companies up and down the UK are working out their long-term vision for supplying and servicing their fleets, but Rivus Fleet Solutions feel they have a head start with their new EVaaS proposition. What is EVaaS? Electric Vehicles as a Service (EVaaS) is Rivus Fleet Solutions’ offering to fleet operators that will help them navigate the changes to electric as smoothly as possible. EVaaS offers an end to end, single service solution so customers have everything required to move forward with a new electric fleet and transition to a greener future. Preparing for EVaaS The Rivus EVaaS offering was initiated to ensure their 56 independent garages are EV ready, with technicians and engineers trained and accredited to the correct IMI L3 level to safely service and maintain its customers’ EVs, as well as having the correct tooling and safety equipment. Rivus Fleet Solutions are already managing a significant number of EVs on behalf of its fleet customers that mostly work in essential services, so keeping them moving is vital. The training programmes started in April 2021 and the investment in training will continue throughout 2021 and beyond, until each technician is fully trained in delivering a quality EV service. The charging infrastructure in the Rivus independently-owned garage network was also reviewed to ensure vehicles can be handed back operationally ready. The

charging supplier was appointed through an extensive tender exercise. This was used as a case study to ensure Rivus has been through the process, giving them first-hand experience of what customers will encounter when installing at their offices or depot locations. Investing in the team Thomas Maerz, chief development officer at Rivus, knew the only way EVaaS was going to be a success was by hiring the right people and training its existing team members. Sarah Gray was appointed as product & services development manager to drive the electric vehicle strategy. Rivus has also invested in project management and data analysis teams to support the development and rollout of EVaaS. To support technicians who offer Electric Vehicles as a Service to customers, Rivus has invested in training to IMI Levels 3 and 4 across the whole of its garage network. This training has already started and will continue to rollout in 2021. Investing in the garage network Rivus Fleet Solutions set about investing significantly in its garages to provide their technicians with new electric vehicle tooling and safety equipment that would allow them to do their jobs to a high standard. Additionally, they have ensured each garage is equipped with EV diagnostics equipment to correctly assess and serve each electric vehicle that enters their garages. Accident Management Review Rivus completed a comprehensive review of its Accident Management proposition, to ensure it could service drivers that had experienced road accidents in their electric

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Testing EV performance in the real world Through a series of real-world tests, Rivus has examined how different conditions such as payload, power settings and roof furniture, affect the total range. A newlypublished Insight report that shares the EV key learnings is available for download at rivusfleetsolutions.com/ev-insights/ Rolling out EVaaS Rivus Fleet Solutions have completed a full market review of its products and services to ensure it can help businesses move towards a cleaner future through a single service provision. Once a consultation period has been completed with a customer, Rivus can offer electric fleet solutions in line with the customer’s specific business requirements, thanks to a detailed assessment of the market’s current models based on range, payload, and other factors. Sarah Gray, Rivus EV expert commented: “Rivus has developed EVaaS to ensure customers have a single service provision for everything needed to successfully run an electric fleet. The fleet management world is evolving, and we know that sustainability is at the top of many businesses’ agendas. “It can be daunting deciding to switch to an electric vehicle for the first time, but we are confident that we can help customers find the right solution for their business, to ensure they minimise downtime, achieve their environmental targets, and their business goals. “We have invested heavily into EVaaS to ensure our customers are informed, educated and supported throughout their journey to a part or fully electric fleet, meaning they continue to get their job done.” L FURTHER INFORMATION rivusfleetsolutions.com/electric

How can fleets benefit from V2G technology?

Smart charging allows power to be increased and decreased when needed, switching to off peak charging to minimise the impact on the grid. V2G technology, meanwhile, goes one step further and allows electricity to flow in both directions to and from electric vehicle batteries, allowing energy stored in the battery to be sold back to the grid when demand for power is high. The government-funded electric vehicle home charge points must now include smart technology that encourages cheaper, off-peak charging. But what about workplace Vehicle to Grid (V2G) technology can help electricity networks charging? Can fleet organisations cope with the extra demand that mass adoption of electric vehicles benefit from V2G technology? Fleet vehicles are often uniquely suited to could bring. So should fleets be looking into this technology? V2G applications, due largely to regular and predictable usage patterns, and the fact that they often return to base at the end of the As the UK begins its transition to Public chargers and rapid chargers, on working day, where they sit idle overnight. electric transport, concerns surrounding motorways and A-roads, will be exempt. This provides perfect conditions for V2G to the UK’s grid are growing. utilise the energy stored in their batteries, It has been reported that new home and Getting smart about charging before ensuring the vehicles are fully charged workplace electric vehicle charge points will There has been a rising interest in smart and ready for use again the next morning. be pre-programmed to switch off during peak charging and Vehicle to Grid (V2G) Nissan, E.ON Drive and Imperial hours to ease pressure on the National Grid. technology, for helping College London were involved As reported in the Times, new chargers will electricity networks cope To evalu in a project, known as not operate from 8am to 11am and 4pm to with the extra demand e4Future, which showed how 10pm, but drivers will be able to override the that mass adoption the bus ate i electric vans and cars can preset times to take account of night workers of electric vehicles n e s s case fo support the UK grid E and people who have different schedules. could bring. rV

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 and provide a profitable and sustainable solution for business fleets. Findings from the project have been released in a white paper. It indicates that V2G has the potential for reducing carbon emissions from the power system to as low as -243gCO2/km. It could result in electricity system operation cost savings of up to £12,000 per annum per EV and CO2 reduction of approximately 60 tonnes per annum per EV. What’s more, annual fleet V2G charging benefits could range between £700-£1,250 per vehicle. Andrew Humberstone, managing director of Nissan Motor GB, said: “There is enormous potential in vehicle-to-grid to deliver huge savings, both in financial terms for electricity system operators and vehicle fleets, and in environmental terms, by significantly cutting CO2 emissions across the UK power system.” The costs associated with V2G In order to evaluate the business case for V2G, costs associated with the installation and commissioning of V2G chargers must be considered. Generally, the cost of installing a V2G charger today is higher than that of a comparable standard unidirectional charger, due to several reasons. Firstly V2G charger hardware costs are significantly higher due to the fact that the number of produced chargers today is relatively small (and the more complex power electronics required within the unit itself). However, it is reasonable to assume that these costs will reduce over time due to economies of scale. V2G installation costs (covering electrical and civil works) will be similar to those for comparable standard charging solutions. There may also be costs association with Distribution Network Operators (DNO). As V2G chargers enable export of electricity to the distribution network, a G99 application must be submitted to DNOs to obtain approval for connection to the grid. Depending on the specifics of the connection request, there may be associated assessment and design fees from the DNOs. The costs for this differ across the various DNO regions. As with other generation and storage devices, the DNO may need to witness the V2G commissioning checks at the cost of the customer. Witness testing requirements depend on whether the devices are fully type tested or not, the capacity of the generation/storage on site and whether an export limiting scheme (G100) is required to safeguard the network. Specific requirements are detailed in Engineering Recommendation G99. Another issue could be the prequalification of Firm Frequency Response (FFR). In order to be able to provide Firm Frequency Response services, National Grid ESO requires each unit within a given portfolio to be pre-qualified separately. While such a requirement is suitable for conventional power plants, it is not ideal for small decentralised assets. For a V2G aggregator this means that every individual V2G charger would require physical on-site testing before being approved for FFR. Supported by

There may also be costs association with Distribution Network Operators (DNO). As V2G chargers enable export of electricity to the distribution network, a G99 application must be submitted to DNOs to obtain approval for connection to the grid This becomes a critical problem when scaling the solution, as the integration of each new charger would lead to additional effort and costs. In contrast, other European countries like Denmark allow for type testing, whereby a particular type of unit need only be tested and approved for providing frequency response once, before being approved for wider deployment. In order to create a commercially attractive proposition, the cost premium for V2G solutions must be offset by the financial benefits derived from the V2G use cases presented earlier. Report recommendations The report concludes that vehicle-to-grid technology has the potential to add huge value to the UK’s power system and support a cost-effective transition to a low-carbon future. For this to happen, it will be vital that appropriate market and regulatory conditions are in place for widespread adoption of V2G to be achieved. With this in mind, the white paper recommends that future changes to OFGEM network charges should consider likely V2G use cases, such as that of back-to-base commercial fleets. It recommends that ancillary and flexibility services should be designed with participation from small-scale EV fleets in mind, and that industry and government ensures consumers and businesses are well-informed about the energy and mobility choices they make. Government should prioritise V2G charging architecture when developing EV charging

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regulations, in order to ensure an optimal decarbonisation strategy for the longterm, and there should be better greater financial support towards the up-front cost of purchasing and installing V2G chargers. Speaking about the project, Luke Ellis, V2G programme manager with E.ON UK, said: “This is about commercialising a vehicle’s bi-directional charging capabilities, with clear advantages for businesses either already with a fleet of electric vehicles or those that are ready to make the transition to electric, and demonstrates how E.ON is providing solutions for customers that will help make the air cleaner. “Operating an electric fleet means already contributing to the net zero emissions target and saving money through local clean air zone exemptions; integrating your fleet with V2G technology brings greater cost savings and the chance to earn extra revenue. Fleet vehicles which sit idle overnight, or even during the working day, could see their batteries charged when demand is low, with the energy exported when demand is high, but still be charged and ready for use when required. ”V2G technology brings with it wider environmental benefits for society as a whole. It can be considered ‘carbon negative’ for its potential to reduce or even remove the need for fossil-fuelled generation to be fired up at times of peak electricity demand."L FURTHER INFORMATION Read the white paper here: https://bit.ly/3hAgvS6

Panel of Experts

EXPERT PANEL MOVING TO ELECTRIC

While the phase out for new diesel and petrol vehicles is a few years away, preparing for the switch to electric vehicles now will help future-proof fleet operations. So for those looking to adopt electric vehicles for the first time, or expand on their existing EV fleet, our expert panelists share some advice Gavin Franks, Director Business Services, The AA A graduate of City University, Gavin holds a degree in Aeronautical Engineering and is a qualified accountant. He has presented and written on subjects as diverse as the blurring of HR and IT, the role of the CIO, customer service and the digital journey, driverless cars and technology deployment.

David Savage, Associate Vice President UK & Ireland, Geotab David Savage is the Associate Vice President, UK & Ireland for Geotab; the world’s largest commercial telematics company. He runs the operational, commercial and organisational activities of the region with accountability for the delivery of the overall strategy, and realise ambitious growth targets in support of a European push by the business. Prior to joining Geotab he was the UK General Manager for FreeNow, Europe’s leading e-hailing app.

Matthew Stokell, National Sales Manager, Lookers Leasing Matthew Stokell is the National Sales Manager at Lookers Leasing. He oversees a diverse customer base including both corporate and public sector fleets. Matthew is passionate about reducing the impact that operating a fleet has on the environment and is leading the way at Lookers Leasing by setting up strategic partnerships with organisations who share that value.

Colin Ferguson, Co-founder & CEO, The Algorithm People Colin Ferguson is co-founder and CEO of The Algorithm People, which provides a unique, evidenced-based approach to fleet electrification. The company uses advanced technology to identify which of a fleet’s vehicles are best suited to electrification and where infrastructure should be ideally located, thus encouraging the uptake of electric vehicles.

Lee Brown, Head of 0Zone, The Grosvenor Group Lee Brown is head of 0Zone, the Grosvenor Group’s innovative and market leading solution to help companies navigate their way smoothly towards ultra-low emission and electric vehicles. Lee is also managing director of Interactive Fleet Management, the Grosvenor Group’s specialist fleet management business, which means he brings a perfect balance between how fleets can drive down their emissions and the implications of policy setting.

Mark Constable, Head of Business Development, Trojan Energy Mark drove his first EV in 2008. He led the Electric Vehicle product team at EDF Energy early on in the UK market, and more recently developed a large-scale commercial Rapid Charging Hub programme for TfL. Mark joined Trojan in May 2021 as Head of Business Development, leading on marketing, sales and public affairs, at a time when EV uptake is accelerating and meeting the on-street infrastructure challenge becomes ever more urgent.

Richard Parker, Corporate Sales Manager, Webfleet Solutions Webfleet Solutions’ EV expert Richard Parker has over 20 years’ experience in the fleet industry and specialises in improving fleet performance through data and digital solutions. In his role as corporate sales manager, he helps fleets to successfully navigate the transition to more sustainable transport solutions. He is also a contributor to the popular webinar series the EV Café.

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

Panel of Experts

The latest figures from the SMMT show that battery electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids reached 17% of the market in July. What would you say are the main reasons that the sales of EVs is picking up pace? Gavin Franks, Director Business Services at the AA: Put simply, drivers are realising the benefits of EVs. We know this because we’ve just launched our fifth Operational Fleet Report in partnership with Rivus Fleet Solutions, which gathered the opinions of over 500 fleet managers. The research found that 82% of fleet operators feel the quality of EVs on offer has improved since last year and 84% believe the range from manufacturers has also improved. The positivity around EVs has also extended to the long-term cost benefits, with almost two thirds (65%) believing that EVs have better whole life costs than diesel or petrol. Looking ahead, we’ll see this pace of adoption pick up further. Our research shows that 26% of fleet operators are using EVs and 67% expect to be using them within the next five years. Fleets have been the early adopters with EV and we’re now at the point where we’re starting to see the wider consumer market realising the benefits. Colin Ferguson, Co-founder & CEO, The Algorithm People: It’s a combination of factors, with government policy driving demand and the race to net zero making a difference. Fleets are adopting decarbonisation strategies as they look to transition to electric and other low emission vehicles. The vehicles themselves and choices that are available on the market, increasing infrastructure availability and overall range, are all having a positive impact. David Savage, Associate Vice President UK & Ireland, Geotab: There are a number of reasons for the growth trajectory of electric vehicles (EVs) over the past couple of years. The early adopter fleets are demonstrating the viability of EVs - not just in terms of range but also the price point for EVs in comparison to their Internal Combustion Engine counterparts (ICE). Consumers are increasingly becoming aware of the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) benefits of owning an EV over the lifetime of a vehicle, along with the environmental benefits of ‘clean’ motoring. It is both an ethical and economic win-win situation. The infrastructure network is also improving dramatically. There is a greater availability of charging options, particularly for those without off-street parking. Fleets are beginning to utilise more forms of charging infrastructure that are suited to their needs. Studies show that UK businesses are planning to invest more than £15bn in electrifying their fleets and a third will invest in home

charging options for employees in the coming years. On top of that are government incentives to go green. On the one hand, there are a number of initiatives to discourage the use of ICE vehicles, such as the Low Emission Zones in London and other major cities in the UK. The UK government plans to ban the sale of new ICE vehicles completely, starting in 2030. On the other are positive initiatives to go electric. Plug-in grants, tax benefits, including benefits-in-kind and the emergence of EV salary sacrifice schemes are all major incentives to make the switch to EVs. Matthew Stokell, National Sales Manager, Lookers Leasing Undoubtedly, fiscal taxation is driving the sale of EV’s predominately into corporate customers. The BIK rates of 1% for the next two years is a massive driver for the adoption of electric vehicles on fleets. The wider public sector are also being targeted by central government to operate cleaner fleets and electric vehicles is the spearhead to do this. The PICG boosted sales and contributed to an increase in BEV market share, especially before the reduction. We’re now seeing commitments from large organisations to go carbon neutral as soon as possible – this is being driven either by a their core values, an excuse for fashionable PR or cost savings; it could be a mix of the three. Lee Brown, head of 0Zone, The Grosvenor Group: There are so many reasons we could cite for the growth in demand for electric vehicles, such as the improved choice from manufacturers, the fact that people are driving less due to the pandemic (leading to less issues with range anxiety), the BIK benefits, the improved technology and the fact that many company car choice lists are now moving to ultra low emission and electric vehicles. However, what we’re really witnessing is the classic product lifecycle model that

we see in all aspects of life. Any new product or innovation goes through its natural stages, which are its development, introduction, growth, maturity, saturation and then finally its decline. During the initial stages, ‘early adopters’ who are those people who are most likely to try out new technology make the first tentative purchases and get the market moving and then as the rest of us see how well it works we all begin to jump on board which moves the product into its growth stage. With electric vehicles, anyone who was initially hesitant is now seeing these vehicles on our roads, in company car parks and in their neighbour’s driveways. Additionally, if there were any concerns that they may be constantly running out of charge or breaking down they haven’t seen any EV drivers stranded by the roadside and so they are now thinking ‘I’d like one of those’ – and that’s when we see the market accelerate in the way that it is. The added incentive is, of course, that its now pretty expensive tax-wise to choose a traditional ICE engine car and so as company car drivers weigh up the pros and cons of their next vehicle, anything under 50g/km CO2 is looking really appealing. Also for companies choosing a Salary Sacrifice scheme, and at Grosvenor we are seeing strong demand for ours, the financial benefits are particularly attractive – and within all of this everyone who opts for an EV is feeling positive about the benefits to the environment. Richard Parker, corporate sales manager, Webfleet Solutions: These latest figures signal the fast-paced change occurring in the industry and a turning point in terms of electric uptake. The month of July was the third time battery electric vehicles overtook sales of diesel in the past two years – and the second consecutive month – a trend we can expect to see continue. E Issue 135 | GREENFLEET MAGAZINE

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were only waiting for the right vehicle to come along are able to make the switch. Those factors are not enough to make an entire market switch, of course, but deep and broad battrification (I don’t like electrification in auto - it’s open to too much 48V abuse) will drive a big proportion of the switchers yet to jump. The UK historically buys more convertibles than any other country in Europe - how many buyers will only switch for an electric one? Despite the growing market share, there is still a long way to go before electric vehicles take up the majority of the market share. What do you think is putting businesses off from purchasing electric vehicles at this time? Gavin Franks: In recent years we’ve been used to research pointing to a lack of understanding of EVs as one of the main barriers to adoption but there’s now a much greater awareness among fleets of the full range of EV benefits. Our research shows that fleets are concerned with the practical elements of how EVs will work in their daily lives, such as whether the infrastructure is available to support them. We found a concern over lack of charging points across the country and at work were the top two barriers to take-up. This is positive, as we know the charging infrastructure is improving on an almost daily basis as investment in charging points is paying off, so fleets will see a change quicker than they anticipate. Colin Ferguson: In the recent past, range was the word we heard the most as a blocker to decision making, along with payload and infrastructure limitations. However, the market is moving on at pace and the latest figures from the SMMT show attitudes and procurement decisions are changing. I believe we will continue to

see a year on year increase in EV sales, as fleets move from the early adopters phase into the early majority. David Savage: Often, a key deterrent for companies is the perceived cost of EV fleet transition. This can be accompanied by the common misconceptions surrounding range anxiety and performance of modern EVs. It can be a challenge to overcome these due to lack of access to data that demonstrates the true benefits available by transitioning all or part of their fleet to EV. Battery technology is improving all the time and vehicle manufacturers continue to push the boundaries of what is possible with EV technology - fleet managers need the data to empower their business decisions and justify the significant up-front investment as part of their business strategy. This is partly why we developed our Electric Vehicle Suitability Assessment Tool (EVSA), as it offers in-depth data analysis for a wide range of EV makes and models to help businesses transition fleets towards greener, electric energy, in support of the fight against climate change. The EVSA works by matching existing fleet telematics data to real-world EV performance data. By analysing a fleet’s telematics data over a period of as little as three weeks to 12 months, it then creates an electrification recommendation based on each vehicle’s distinctive driving patterns. The results from our latest study shows almost four-in-ten fleet vehicles in the UK could switch to electric and save money over the course of the vehicle’s life. That could happen today. Analysing data from more than 3,400 vehicles operating in the UK across all industries, the research offers valuable data for organisations seeking to determine EV suitability for their fleet. Having access to that data is crucial in demonstrating to businesses they have a viable opportunity to switch to electric. E

Panel of Experts

 Low-carbon objectives permeate almost every aspect of our daily lives and the upcoming diesel ban looms large for all drivers, fleet and private, so it is little wonder that we are seeing the influence on the market. The sustained fall in demand for diesel and rising demand for electric cars underlines this. We are also tentatively emerging from the pandemic and returning to ‘business as usual’. As drivers return to the road, recreationally and professionally, many businesses, and indeed families, are reviewing their transport needs. The purchase of new vehicles is set to become more of a priority, and EVs are more of a conscious social and climatic choice for drivers. Furthermore, following the crisis, businesses have their eye fixed firmly on future-proofing their operations, and this includes the procurement of a sustainable, efficient and fit-for-purpose fleet. Lastly, confidence in EVs is growing, boosted by manufacturer commitments, technology advancements, improved range capabilities, government investment and incentives, including VAT exemptions and charging grants, and falling purchase prices as new models come to market. From a fleet perspective, technology platforms that allow for greater access to valuable insights is helping to ease concerns and identify opportunities for effective EV adoption. For example, telematics solutions can provide the data to inform feasibility assessments and highlight which fossil fuel vehicles could be replaced with EV alternatives, based on their daily mileages. This makes for a more seamless and frictionless switch, which is likely to influence future EV sales rates. The drive to a zero-carbon future is well under way, but collective efforts must continue to be made by all stakeholders to accelerate the electric transition. Government must continue to incentivise and support the transport sector’s green ambitions, research and development of eco-tech innovations must continue apace, consumers must continue to embrace sustainable mindsets while fleets must look to adopt progressive decarbonisation strategies. Complacency is not an option. Mark Constable, Head of Business Development, Trojan Energy It’s only ever been about the product: price, segment, brand, availability. Surveys can cite infrastructure worries, battery life and raw materials sourcing, but every EV available in the UK is sold (or more often leased), sometimes despite the auto industry’s best efforts. Those other factors are very real, but they don’t drive adoption (or otherwise) at this point in the market. As more EV models come on-stream - covering more vehicle types, more brands, with higher UK allocations, shorter lead times, longer ranges and cheaper price points - then it logically follows that an ever greater proportion those who

Issue 135 | GREENFLEET MAGAZINE

AN IMPORTANT MOMENT IN TIME: WHY SALARY SACRIFICE IS SO RELEVANT NOW FOR BUSINESSES OPERATING VEHICLE FLEETS Companies looking to save money, improve staff remuneration and reduce emissions have entered into a unique bubble of time.

For the next 4 years or so, the financial benefits of Salary Sacrifice are very appealing – all thanks to the Government’s hugely attractive benefit in kind (BIK) rates on ultra-low emission and electric vehicles. If employees opt to sacrifice a part of their salary and, instead, have an ultra low emission or electric car, the numbers, for both employee and employer, are particularly strong. This could be the moment businesses have been waiting for to encourage employees into greener vehicles, while saving money.

• But how compelling are the financial benefits? • How straightforward is it to set up a Salary Sacrifice scheme for company cars? • And, more importantly, is Salary Sacrifice right for your business?

At Grosvenor Leasing, we are the UK’s largest privatelyowned contract hire and fleet management specialist. Totally independent of any banks or vehicle manufacturers, our customers enjoy objective and impartial advice to help them find the fleet funding and management solutions that are best suited to their needs. Through a 10 – 15 minute consultation, either by phone or conference call, we can quickly help you identify whether Salary Sacrifice is something worth taking a closer look at for your business. Why not get in touch and book in some time with one of our experts?

Telephone 01536 536 536 and ask for the Salary Sacriﬁce Team, or visit us at www.thegrosvenorgroup.co.uk

 Lee Brown: The main concerns are now operational, because there is still not the complete range of EVs available, nor the confidence in battery ranges, for companies to be certain that their employees will be able to perform their duties in all electric cars and vans. It’s for this reason that we’re seeing the uptake of EVs being very strong for your general company car driver who has no specialist requirements – but less so for drivers who need to carry a lot of equipment and use their vehicle as more of a work-horse. In addition, we’re still finding that there is little choice of EVs in lower grades due to choice, but hopefully this will begin to improve. This is where Grosvenor’s 0Zone team is so strong, because we work with customers to carefully map out vehicle usage within geographical areas and

offer a very realistic assessment of where electric vehicles can be used, and where perhaps a plug-in hybrid would be better. The reality is that many concerns are unfounded and if you are looking to adopt ‘electric enabled’ cars, even if they are not pure EVs, you can, however the challenges are more difficult with light commercial vehicle operators due to battery ranges etc. Matthew Stokell: Even with multiple stakeholders to satisfy in a change of fleet policy, cost is still the major factor for those fleets who outright purchase, lease rental rates are correspondingly higher combined with the reduction of the PICG and lower discounts offered compared to petrol and diesel vehicles. I advise that when looking at BEV procurement you must look at the total cost of the contract. This overarching view will

Panel of Experts

factor in cost savings such as fuel and NI, allowing for EV to become an attractive value proposition. Vehicle range is always a worry to fleets and the ability for drivers to complete their duties or how to incorporate the charging within their working day. Richard Parker: The finish line for the race to zero may be in sight but reservations still exist amongst some businesses when it comes to EV buy-in – namely product availability by both volume and vehicle type, higher purchase prices and charging concerns. Such barriers to adoption will gradually fall away however as the market evolves. Moreover, increasing levels of advice and guidance – from support and consultancy groups to dedicated forums and events – is now being made available for those that view the electric transition with varying degrees of trepidation and uncertainty. 2023 has been mooted as the ‘year of the electric vehicle’, with EV prices expected to reach parity with the price of combustible cars. This milestone will be accompanied by further improvements in battery range, more sophisticated and intuitive technology, and greater access to in-business, at-home and public charging. All the while, National Grid remains confident that the UK’s power infrastructure will keep pace with the needs of the growing electric vehicle parc. Although electric vehicles currently call for a higher upfront investment, businesses that take a longer-term perspective are likely to see compelling ROI. On average, an electric vehicle can accrue less than half of the travel costs of a combustion engine vehicle across the same distance. Consequently, TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) calculations for EVs, E

Issue 135 | GREENFLEET MAGAZINE

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Mark Constable: There have always been a number of factors driving how quickly or slowly business uptake of EVs happens. For light vans, first and foremost has been the lack of product, once again. For commercial fleets, purchase price (much bigger delta between EV and ICE prices for like-for-like vans compared to cars), range (much more critical than for private drivers) and capacity haven’t been addressed as quickly and as a result the market is a few years behind cars in terms of product maturity. But that is changing, and the options available to van buyers have broadened hugely in the last couple of years, and the pace of change seems to be accelerating. Given that duty cycles vs battery sizes still lead to on-shift charging for many, the acceleration in infrastructure deployment is more critical than even for cars. The rise of home-based vehicle fleets means “no driveway no EV” for many (although Trojan and others are changing that). One barrier that’s probably not discussed as often as it arises is the cultural challenge of moving from the traditional CAPEXled to an OPEX-led funding model that favours EVs. One outcome is that organisations only consider EVs with a positive CAPEX-led business case, meaning purchase price reductions play a much bigger role in driving when to switch.

instant power can cause safety risks for untrained drivers. Regenerative braking has an impact when pressure is taken off the accelerator and the car slows down instead of coasting, which can add risk in terms of stopping distances. This is something DriveTech, the driver training arm of our business is supporting fleets with. Colin Ferguson: Evidence based analysis is the first step fleets should consider on their journey to electrification. There are now a number of EV toolkits and expertise in the market to provide these services. However, it’s not enough just to look at like for like replacements, this can be too simplistic. Looking holistically at the fleet and using technology to inform vehicle procurement and infrastructure decisions, should no longer be considered optional. David Savage: Fleets don’t electrify overnight. The trick is to enable fleet operators to navigate the electrification process and provide industry-leading support as part of a mixed fleet strategy. Having access to reliable data on fleet performance, range and capability is vital to ensure fleet managers make informed buying decisions. We can help fleet operators navigate the electrification process and provide industryleading support as part of a mixed fleet strategy. Geotab arms your team with the data you need to make informed decisions to operate your entire fleet more efficiently – now and in the future. Companies should build out an adoption strategy for their vehicles - one that aims to address questions such as the maximum distance the vehicles drive, the current cost for running the vehicles and their dwell time and location. The best way to address these questions is to leverage data, as this will provide information to make confident decisions , such as using telematics. Tools like Geotab’s EV Suitability Assessment can help fleets

electrify with confidence, as the tool measures the current fuel consumption, vehicle performance and individual driving profiles. It then provides data-backed recommendations on EVs based on best fit and range capability. It also provides insights on financial and environmental benefits resulting from adoption. This data-backed blueprint of EV adoption will also help to navigate the process of adapting operations and infrastructure to optimise your fleet. As the fleet evolves and grows with EVs, the data can also be used to further optimise operations and measure their ongoing sustainability efforts, as well as TCO.

Panel of Experts

 that take account of all running costs from cost per mile to maintenance and ULEZ charges, will often be notably lower than for diesel equivalents. Telematics technology can help businesses to shape their future strategies with dedicated reports drawing up data insights from incumbent vehicles, including maximum daily ‘real world’ mileages, to signpost a fleet’s true EV potential. Furthermore, telematics can assist with maximising post-transition cost-savings by optimising charging strategies, routeplanning and workflow management.

Lee Brown: There is a lot of information to consume, and there are also a lot of different opinions to wade through online and in the press, which means most fleet managers and company directors are overwhelmed by the quantity of information around their move to EVs. I would say the one thing that takes most people by surprise is getting used to journey planning and how to use the charging infrastructure to best effect. It’s all very well looking at your journeys and seeing where the charging points are en route, but you need to be prepared in terms of having the right Apps (where these are required), understanding where you can get fast charge vs slower charge (and the impact that could have on your day), and making sure that when you pull up at your chosen charging destination that you have planned it carefully. I feel that this is what takes most new EV drivers by surprise, and whilst you learn from your mistakes and get used to being an EV driver quite quickly, this is an area where companies probably need to educate their drivers better. At Grosvenor, we play an important role in that which is why we are doing a lot of work to prepare company car drivers for their first electric vehicle and answer all of their questions E

Aside from vehicles and charging equipment, what are the lesser-known aspects of electric vehicle adoption that fleets should know before buying? Gavin Franks: Fleets need to make sure they have the right support in place to keep EV drivers on the road, their business moving and maintain safety levels. This includes the right breakdown support and ensuring they have a comprehensive service, maintenance, and repair programme in place to minimise downtime for drivers. Safety is also of paramount importance and businesses need to ensure they adapt driver training programmes to cater for EVs. There are some significant differences when driving an EV. For example, EVs instantly accelerate as they don’t have manual gears and this

Issue 135 | GREENFLEET MAGAZINE

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Panel of Experts

 to make the transition to EVs a pleasurable one. What you don’t want as a business is to hear your new EV drivers moaning about their journeys taking far longer than expected due to charging issues, or talking negatively about missed appointments due to being stuck at a charging point because this could put other drivers off at a time when you’re looking to drive though EV adoption within your fleet. The other thing that can take drivers by surprise is the cost of running them when using public charging networks. In reality, the 4ppm rate is quite inadequate as, to get 4ppm, you need to be paying around 15p per kWh but many Public Rapid Chargers cost three times this. Matthew Stokell: Many businesses are looking at adopting an all-electric fleet but forget to check if their employees can charge vehicles at home. Even if they can, the burden of cost to install a charger will fall to the driver. If the Company pays for the charger will this incur BIK? With escalating utility prices the driver may well subsidise the true operating cost of the vehicle versus the HMRC reimbursement rate. Richard Parker: There are numerous considerations that should be factored into the EV transition process. When building the initial business case, for example, fleets should be aware of the interests of all internal stakeholders, including those with responsibilities for the management of utilities and facilities. All the financial incentives available from government should also be considered, beyond the plug-in grant. These include the Workplace Charging Scheme, Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme, Vehicle Excise Duty exemption, the lower Advisory Electricity Rate (AER) rate and the opportunity to write down the purchase price against year one corporation. A thorough assessment of prospective fleet charging patterns should precede the installation of company charging points. This will help determine the required charging infrastructure for the business. Moreover, given the investment requirements, consideration should be given to future infrastructure scalability. Wider considerations should take account of the logistical implications

of installing EV charging on company premises, including energy requirements and power availability. A clear EV charging policy will need to be drawn up and shared with drivers and all employees, outlining charging and payment procedures, car park charging practices (some organisations are introducing meeting room systems and etiquette to workplace charging), and the processes for reimbursing drivers’ charging expenses, either on a per-mile or per-kWh basis. Automated systems for reimbursement can help reduce this administrative burden. Driving technically advanced EVs calls for appropriate employee support and training to equip them with the knowledge and skills they need to drive their electric vehicles safely and efficiently. This should cover all the nuances of EVs, such as regenerative braking and preconditioning, along with driving and charging best practice. From a SMR perspective, fleets should identify the EV health data that can be monitored – and generated from telematics systems – to minimise vehicle downtime. EV servicing networks continue to grow, but consideration should be given to availability in the areas that businesses operate. In addition, fleet should budget for

potentially longer VOR times that might be caused by more limited service slots. Mark Constable: The biggest aspect of electric vehicle adoption for fleets is getting familiarity into all levels within an organisation. You have to acquire and operate EVs differently, and the implications for HR, industrial relations, reward policies, asset management and operating models, let alone organisational dynamics and culture, need to be thought about before making that tempting move to find out how many kVA you can fit down your pipe. In many organisations the vehicle fleet is more than just another business tool. People develop relationships with their vehicle that they don’t with anything else they do their job with. That’s not to say they wouldn’t do the same with an EV, but the way a switch is analysed, decided upon and implemented is way more critical than changing, say, computer brand. Colleagues need a lot of information and at the very least a go in one to get the chance to report back with pros and cons, and have them properly considered, before any decision is finalised. All the people implications worked through so there are no surprises for anyone. Any organisation starting with the technical analysis, is risking having their plans derailed. E

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Panel of Experts

 What can local authorities/ councils do to maximise electric vehicle uptake in their areas, for example installing charging infrastructure that compliments local demand and usage? Any other incentives? Gavin Franks: Increasing the amount of charging infrastructure is only going to have a positive impact on EV uptake. As our Operational Fleet Report insight has shown, concern over lack of charging

points across the country and at work were the top two barriers to EV take-up. Local authorities could also look at incentivising EV drivers with free or priority parking to make driving life as simple as possible for these drivers.

emissions on existing ICE vehicles, whilst transitioning to electric; can provide the best combination of results for local authorities. This in turn reduces costs to help fund the implementation of EVs and infrastructure across the fleet.

Colin Ferguson: Again, technology has a role to play here around how electric vehicles are optimised and how they interact with infrastructure. Optimising duty cycles and improving productivity along with reducing mileage and cutting

David Savage: Local authorities can play a leading role in driving the adoption of EVs. They can do this by example, by investing in their own municipal fleet of EVs. Showing the way is often the best way to demonstrate best practice as well as providing best value for money for taxpayers. Many local authorities are also due to introduce clean air zones across major cities in the next 12 months. But they can also ensure they provide the critical infrastructure needed to support EV adoption en masse. Much of that can be done through funding or incentive programs - free parking for EVs in city centres for instance. Expanding the charging infrastructure is also critical for encouraging the use of EVs, providing off-street parking and charging points to make EV use simple and easy. Getting behind the wheel is also one of the best ways to demonstrate the benefits of EVs. Once driven, forever smitten. There are few who have a negative experience of an EV drive. Providing the driver experience is a positive way to reinforce the EV message. It can also demonstrate how driver E Issue 135 | GREENFLEET MAGAZINE

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Panel of Experts

 behaviour affects vehicle range and the positive impacts of regenerative braking. So local authorities can demonstrate a mix of leading by example, driver incentives, infrastructure improvements and positive driver experiences to transform the journey to EV adoption. Lee Brown: Its difficult to give an overarching response to this as the strategies vary between local authorities and county councils which means some are doing more than others – also, their needs vary depending on levels of urbanisation compared to rural areas. On a personal note, however, I feel we need to see a significant improvement in the levels of charging points being a mandatory requirement with all planning applications so that developers of housing estates, apartment blocks, offices and other communal areas must put a proportionate number of charging bays in. I also feel the local authorities and councils should be more high profile in communicating and promoting their electric vehicle infrastructure plans in a way that reaches their communities and starts to impress on people that the shift to EVs is happening in their local area. To find out this information currently you need to search on the local authority/county council web sites and then digest often long, detailed strategic documents. You really have to dig around a bit to work out what’s going on. I feel there should be more publicity that’s high profile and easy to digest so that everyone considering their next car becomes confident that they can choose an EV safe in the knowledge that the infrastructure in their local community will be able to support them. All we need is simple, visible and high profile information showing where

EV chargers are being installed, how the local area is developing etc and the positive impact this will have on the local area and the families who live in it. I guess the question is, ‘Do you know exactly where (and how many) charging points are going to be installed in the next couple of years in your local area?’ Probably not! If we’re encouraging people to choose EVs as part of a vital clean air strategy why isn’t this information more visible to encourage the change? Matthew Stokell: Central Government has given the responsibility to local authorities and councils to develop their own charging network. The reality is that they have no true understanding to the developing needs and the pace of Electric Vehicle registrations. Local Planning Offices need to ensure developers and planning applications incorporate some form of charging within plans. Council owned car parks need more points installing. At some point we need to be able to park anywhere and have the ability to charge easily. Incentives can only come from central government to facilitate this by means of grants with a targeted install plan. Richard Parker: The Government’s Transport Decarbonisation Plan puts vehicle electrification front and centre of the UK’s net zero ambition – but with battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) currently making up less than one per cent of vehicles in the UK, much needs to be done to realise these ambitious plans. Some local authorities are trailblazing in the EV space, with backing from the likes of Innovate UK, and the shared learning of these leading councils should ultimately benefit all.

As things stand, an estimated 25 per cent of UK households don’t have access to off street parking, leaving them reliant on the public charging network. On street charging provisions, as well as rapid and ultra-rapid charge hubs along strategic transport routes, consequently needs to increase to support both fleet and private drivers. For this to happen, key objectives must be met, including a clear national roll-out strategy for EV charging and sustained funding support. The government’s goals are clear, and indeed great strides are being made in terms of bolstering and growing the national network. Mark Constable: For local authorities yet to convert any of their own fleet, that’s a good place to start. Even having a small number of EVs within their organisation builds expertise and engagement internally, and provides visible leadership. Providing EV-led service incentives to constituents is also important in existing areas like parking (residents permits as well as car parks) and congestion management. Financial incentives have to be budgeted for (easier said than done) but it’s no coincidence that the areas of the UK seeing the fastest uptake found ways to pull the biggest levers. Those areas have also generally taken a wide-ranging approach to charging infrastructure, with rapid (both singles and hubs), car park and on-street segments covered with a range of solutions - and all of them are needed at bigger scale, not some. The challenge for local authorities is that one size does not fit all, and the number of procurements and resultant contracts needing to be managed is high, if best-in-class solutions are to be adopted across all charging segments. L Issue 135 | GREENFLEET MAGAZINE

Road Test

ROAD TEST

Written by Richard Gooding

Lexus UX 300e Takumi Pack A leader in electrification for the past 15 years, Lexus has put its first all-electric foot forward with the UX 300e. Richard Gooding finds that the company has developed a highly usable premium compact SUV What is it? Based on the Lexus UX hybrid compact SUV, the UX 300e is Lexus’ first all-electric car. It uses the company’s 15-year heritage of developing and pioneering hybrid powertrains – of which it has sold 1.8 million examples – but adds a 54.3kWh lithiumion battery and a 150kW electric motor. What range does it have? Depending on wheel size, Lexus quotes an official WLTP all-electric, single charge range of between 190 and 196 miles. On a full charge, we recorded a value of 186 miles. How long does it take to charge? On a home charge point (rated at round 7.4kW AC), the UX 300e can be charged from flat to full in around eight hours. A domestic 13A connection takes 19 hours. On the 50kW rapid charger network, an 80 per cent charge can be completed in 52 minutes. How does it drive? Externally, the UX 300e looks near identical to its UX hybrid sister. Only the twin ‘fuel’ filler flaps – here covering the AC and DC charging sockets – give the all-electric game away, and the sharp-edged design style gives the allelectric UX a smart appearance. The Lexus’ interior exudes a very premium air, but it should be, given its price. The material fit and finish is of a very high quality – UX 300e production is overseen by Takumi master craftspeople, hence the Takumi Pack reference – and most controls are grouped around the driver. The 10.3-inch infotainment screen is controlled by a trackpad with haptic feedback, and it works much better than it does in the larger Lexus RX. The audio controls are also physically duplicated at the end of the centre console armrest, which works well. Its 201bhp/150kW electric motor gives the

UX 300e brisk performance. Three driving modes – Normal, Sport, and Eco – allow finetuning of the driving experience, and a real difference can be felt between them, from the pared-back efficiency in ‘Eco’, to the amplified dynamics in ‘Sport’. The UX 300e feels agile and body roll is kept in check. An enjoyable car to drive and be in, the Lexus is very refined with virtually no wind noise, and tyre roar only on the roughest of surfaces. The nicely judged ride is firm but not uncomfortable. Aiding efficiency, there are eight modes of regeneration. Four settings in the ‘D’ gearbox mode, add to the same number in ‘B’ mode, which gives increased regeneration. Easy to moderate, the UX 300e sees a welcome return to adjustment of the regeneration levels on tactile-feeling steering wheel-mounted paddles. It can one-pedal drive, too. What does it cost? The electric Lexus is available in three trim grades. The entry UX 300e starts at £39,245 with the £2,500 Government Plug-in Car Grant (PiCG) deducted. Standard kit includes 17inch alloy wheels, Bi-LED headlights, parking sensors, a reversing camera, a seven-inch colour touchscreen and six-speaker audio system with USB, Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay/ Android Auto connectivity. Move up to the £42,745 UX 300e Premium Plus Pack, and keyless entry, heated and leathertrimmed seats, privacy glass and a wireless smartphone charger are added. The UX 300e Takumi Pack tested here costs from £48,845, gaining an auto-dimming rear view mirror, blind spot monitoring, a hands-free tailgate, a head-up display, a sunroof and a 13-speaker audio system. How much does it cost to tax? The Lexus UX 300e is exempt from VED, in the first year of registration and subsequent years.

The electric SUV is charged one per cent Benefit in Kind (BIK) rate for 2021-2022, the rate rising to two per cent in 2022-2023 and 2023-2024. Why does my fleet need one? Muscling in on the emerging electric SUV trend, it’s no surprise that Lexus has taken its most popular car in Europe and fully electrified it. Drivers don’t necessarily have to choose the top-spec Takumi Pack model tested here, as any UX 300e is a high-quality car, distilling the luxury found on the larger Lexus NX and RX models. With a range of almost 200 miles, the UX 300e’s usability isn’t in doubt, and drivers who choose it will revel in its sumptuous and serene personality. L FURTHER INFORMATION www.lexus.co.uk Lexus UX 300e Takumi Pack* ENGINE: 150kW/201bhp electric motor and 54.3kWh lithium-ion battery RANGE (WLTP):

190-196 miles

EFFICIENCY (combined, WLTP): 3.6-3.7 miles/kWh GF EFFICIENCY:

3.0 miles/kWh

CO2:

0g/km

VED:

£0 first-year, £0 thereafter

BIK:

PRICE (OTR): £48,845 (including government PiCG, £49,415 as tested)

*Car pictured is the UX 300e Premium Plus Pack

Issue 135 | GREENFLEET MAGAZINE

Road Test Written by Richard Gooding

FIRST DRIVE

Volkswagen ID.3 1st Edition Pro Power 58KWH The ID.3 showcases Volkswagen’s new-found electric ambitions and is its most important new car since the first-generation Golf. Richard Gooding explores VW’s crucial newcomer and uncovers an impressive first effort What is it? It’s an understatement to say the ID.3 is a big deal for Volkswagen. Ushering in the company’s post-Dieselgate transformation to a full-time EV maker, the ID.3 is based on a brand-new electric car platform – the MEB – which now also underpins models from the wider Volkswagen Group, including the Audi Q4 e-tron and the Skoda Enyaq iV. It will even provide a basis for a range of Ford electric vehicles, following a tie-up between the German and US companies. The ID.3 arrived in the UK in September 2020, in 1st Edition specification, as tested here. Other, more mainstream models followed soon after, and with a choice of three battery sizes and power outputs, as well as five trims, the ID.3 family is comprehensive. It’s the same story with the car itself – a new model from the ground-up, the ID.3 is around the same size as a Golf, but has more interior space, thanks to its Passat-rivalling wheelbase, and a style all of its own. Packed with technology, too, the ‘3’ in its name denotes the ‘third’ era of Volkswagen, following the Beetle and the Golf. As pivotal a model as these icons, the ID.3 leads the

charge on a new wave of up to 75 all-electric Volkswagen Group EVs that will arrive by 2029. What range does it have? As tested, in 58kWh specification, the Volkswagen ID.3 has an official WLTP-rated range of 260 miles. Models with a 45kWh battery can travel 216 miles between charges, while 77kWh ID.3s have the longest range of all at 340 miles. How long does it take to charge? Volkswagen states that the 58kWh battery (net energy amount) fitted to our test car can be refilled with 180 miles of range in 30 minutes when connected to a 100kW DC fast charger. On an 11kW AC connection a full charge will be completed in around 6 hours. The higher capacity 77kWh versions support 125kW charging, giving 200 miles in the same space of time). Filled from a 7kW wallbox, a 100 per cent charge takes 9.5 hours. It’s worth noting that the ID.3 doesn’t come with a Mode 2 (three-pin) cable as standard, drivers having to pay £180 if they want one.

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Volkswagen’s range of ID. customer We Charge plans has fast charging covered, though, with access to over 150,000 public charge points across Europe, with special rates for the high-speed Ionity network, of which VW is a founding partner. How does it drive? Externally, the ID.3 sets the template for future ID. models, with its slim light-bar ‘grille’ and swept back headlights. The rising waistline and thick rear pillars will be familiar to any Golf drivers, and while the ID.3 is certainly distinctive and has a futuristic edge, it won’t alienate drivers familiar with Volkswagen’s considered and conservative style. Inside, though, things take a new-age turn. A flat, sweeping dashboard (brightly-coloured on some models) is home to a pair of digital screen ‘pods’. There are no physical buttons, all the controls mounted in or on the screens and on the steering wheel spokes, accessed by haptic touch pads that vibrate gently when you touch them. While they take a little getting used to, they work surprisingly well.

What does it cost? Initial UK-bound ID.3s were 1st Edition models, as tested here. From October 2020, series versions took the 1st Edition’s place, and the range currently consists of Life, Style, Family, Max and Tour models. In a break from more traditional ICE powertrain specifications, the ID.3 comes in a choice

of ‘configurations’ and ‘packs’, with three battery sizes and three motors. The £27,135 ID.3 Life kicks off the range, and is the only version available with all three motor power outputs. Battery choices are 45 and 58kWh, while drivers can choose between 143, 147, and 201bhp power outputs. Each battery and motor pairing has been grouped – ‘Pure Performance, ‘Pro’, ‘Pro Performance’ and ‘Pro S’ – depending on which of the two powertrain elements are combined. While it can be tricky to keep track of the pairings, the five basic trims are much more straightforward. Life cars come with 18-inch wheels, adaptive cruise control, ambient interior lighting, a black roof, an all-digital dashboard, keyless start, LED exterior lights, parking sensors, and wireless smartphone charging among their highlights. The £31,235 ID.3 Style adds 18-inch ‘East Derry’ alloy wheels, climate control, an illuminated front grille and door handles, ‘IQ Light’ LED exterior lighting, and a rear view camera. The £31,155 ID.3 Family gains auto wipers, electrically foldable door mirrors, heated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, and twin rear USB-C sockets. Opt for the £37,745 ID.3 Max and you’ll get adjustable lumbar support front seats, an augmented reality head-up display, a 10inch Discover Navigation Pro touchscreen navigation infotainment system, dynamic chassis control and a slew of assistance systems. The top-spec £38,815 ID.3 Tour features 19-inch ‘Andoya’ alloy wheels, and four seats (in lieu of five). It’s worth noting that the jump of £5,000 in price between the ID.3 Family and the ID.3 Max is explained by the fact that the Max and the Tour have list prices above £35,000 and so don’t qualify for the UK government’s Plug-in Car Grant (PiCG).

Why does my fleet need one? The ID.3 heralds a new era in Volkswagen’s fortunes, and to be its game-changing new icon, it had to be good. And there is much appeal here and plenty to like. The choice of powertrain packages is strong and allows for plenty of choice, with an equally broad family of trims. Heavily reliant on digital technology, the ID.3 is well-specified and very competent, and comes with a more than competitive range in any powertrain choice. Beginning to appear on roads in ever-growing numbers, drivers seem to have as much faith in Volkswagen’s new all-electric star as the company does itself. L

Road Test

The 5.3-inch digital driver’s display is attached to the steering column, and move with it when it is adjusted. On the righthand side is a selector similar to that found on the BMW i3 which is used to choose the gears, operated by twisting it in a forwards or backwards direction. In the middle of the dashboard, the 10-inch touchscreen controls the car’s media, navigation and other functions, and despite the odd look, the slider buttons make a decent job of adjusting the volume and air conditioning. Compared to other Volkswagens, the quality of the materials doesn’t quite live up to VW’s famed reputation, but it’s good enough, and the digital displays have sharp, bright graphics. Flick the gear selector forwards and once you’re on the move, the ID.3 is like any other electric car: quiet, relaxing and smooth. The pace on offer from the 150kW/201bhp rear-mounted motor – just like a Beetle! – is strong, and the car goes really well, even in Eco mode. Thanks to the batteries being placed low in the chassis, the ID.3’s low centre of gravity is obvious, and it corners flatly and reassuringly. There’s a nice weight to the steering, too, which makes the ID.3 easy to place, and even though the ride on the 19-inch wheels is firm, it’s not uncomfortable. With just one additional setting, the normal ‘D’ regenerative braking setting is strong, the even harsher ‘B’ mode allowing one-pedal control.

FURTHER INFORMATION www.volkswagen.co.uk

Volkswagen ID.3 1st Edition Pro Power 58KWH ENGINE:

150kW/201bhp electric motor and 58kWh lithium-ion battery

RANGE (WLTP):

260 miles

EFFICIENCY (combined, WLTP): 3.96 miles/kWH C02: VED: BIK:

0g/km £0 first-year, £0 thereafter 1%

PRICE (OTR, inc VAT and PiVG): £36,380 (including government PiCG, £37,015 as tested)* *ID.3 1st Edition Pro Power 58kWh now not available to order

September 2021 | COMMERCIAL GREENFLEET

Road Test

FIRST DRIVE

Vauxhall Mokka-e Elite Nav Premium

Written by Richard Gooding

The Mokka is Vauxhall’s latest model to undergo an all-electric transformation. Using a proven powertrain, Richard Gooding discovers its ground-up reinvention is much more than skin deep What is it? Now firmly part of the vast Stellantis group, Vauxhall will become an all-electric brand from 2028. The Corsa-e paved the way for zeroemission Vauxhalls and now it’s the Mokka’s turn to become an EV, although petrol and diesel ICE versions are available. Based on the same ‘e-Common Modular Platform’ (e-CMP) shared with the Citroën e-C4, DS 3 Crossback E-Tense, and the Peugeot e-208 and e-2008, the Mokka-e also receives those cars’ 50kWh lithium-ion battery mated to a 100kW electric motor. What range does it have? The Mokka-e can officially travel 201 miles between charges. How long does it take to charge? All Mokka-es are fitted with an 11kW onboard charger. Connected to a 7kW wallbox, the battery is charged from 0-100 per cent in under eight hours. On a 22kW public charger, it takes just over five hours. A 50kW rapid charger will refill the battery from 15-80 per cent in 45 minutes; a 100kW connection cuts that time by 15 minutes. How does it drive? Losing the frumpy looks of its predecessor, the second-generation Mokka is sleek and sharp. It really looks great in bright colours such as the Mamba Green of our test car, which, like other models in the range, comes with a black roof, adding further style. The new integrated ‘Vizor’ grille and headlight combination works very well, and you have to ask why Vauxhall kept the Mokka name for the new car, so different is it to what went before. Inside, the dashboard is equally avantgarde. The ‘Pure Panel’ is a twin-digital screen set-up, containing the digital instrument panel and the central touchscreen. Our Elite Nav Premium test car had a 12-inch instrument display paired with

a 10-inch central touchscreen angled towards the driver, outlined by a chrome finish which becomes a ledge at the bottom of the screen. Its sharp graphics and high-tech feel really does set the Mokka-e apart from its rivals. Quality is very good, too. It’s easy to get comfortable in the all-electric Vauxhall, and that comfortable feeling continues on the move. Hushed at speed, there is little tyre noise, and while the Mokka-e rides firmly, it’s not uncomfortable. The car handles well for a compact SUV, too, with good body control. The100kW electric motor has 192lb ft (260Nm) of torque, which propels the Mokka-e to 60mph from rest in 8.7 seconds, and the car feels plenty fast enough. Three driving modes – Eco, Normal and Sport – allow tailoring of the driving experience, and two regenerative braking modes aid efficiency. As with other e-CMP models, press the ‘B’ mode gearbox button on the centre console to engage the harsher setting and you can almost one-pedal drive if you’re careful with your anticipation and driving behaviour. What does it cost? Vauxhall’s latest EV star comes in a choice of four models. Priced from £30,540 (including the Government Plug-in Car Grant), the Mokka-e SE Nav Premium has an autodimming rear view mirror, auto wipers, adaptive cruise control, climate control, keyless entry, LED lights, rear camera and parking sensors, a seven-inch colour touchscreen and 16-inch alloy wheels as standard. The £32,435 SRi Nav Premium gains a 10-inch touchscreen with satellite navigation, a black roof, bi-colour 18-inch alloy wheels with red accents, and LED fog lights. Driven here, the Mokka-e Elite Nav Premium starts at £32,080 and features 17-inch bi-colour alloy wheels, and heated seats, while the range-topping £32,495 Ultimate Edition has front and rear parking sensors, leather seats, LED matrix headlights, and privacy glass.

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How much does it cost to tax? As with all electric cars, the Mokka-e doesn’t attract any charges for VED, in either the first registration year or subsequent years. The Vauxhall has a one per cent Benefit in Kind (BIK) rate for 2021-2022, which rises to two per cent in 2022-2023 and 2023-2024. Why does my fleet need one? There hasn’t been this marked a humdrum to handsome car turnaround for quite some time. The new Mokka is everything the old one wasn’t: spacious, loaded with style, packed with technology and kit, and well-made, too. It elevates Vauxhall’s compact SUV to a car which is as desirable as it is practical. A different take on the established Stellantis EV SUV recipe, the Mokka-e will appeal to those fleets who want to stand out from the crowd – especially in one of the brighter colour options – with a car that possesses a stylish yet efficient sensibility. L FURTHER INFORMATION www.vauxhall.co.uk Vauxhall Mokka-e Elite Nav Premium ENGINE: 100kW/134bhp electric motor and 50kWh lithium-ion battery RANGE (WLTP):

201 miles

EFFICIENCY (combined, WLTP): 3.4-3.8 miles/kWh GF EFFICIENCY:

3.0 miles/kWh

CO2:

0g/km

VED:

£0 first-year, £0 thereafter

BIK:

PRICE (OTR): £32,080 (including government PiCG, £32,730 as tested)

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Prime Minister takes delivery of 500th British Gas electric van

The 500th electric British Gas van will hit the roads this week, after being unveiled by Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak.

British Gas operates the largest commercial electric vehicle fleet in the UK, having ordered 3,000 Vauxhall Vivaro-e vehicles over the last two years, as part of parent company Centrica’s vow

to make all of its vehicles electric by 2025. All 3,000 will be on the road by the end of 2022. To drive EV uptake among British Gas colleagues and customers, and to demonstrate

what the latest EVs are capable of, this week will also see two vans undertake the 874-mile journey from John O’Groats to Land’s End. The journey follows an announcement by British Gas to hire 3,500 ‘green skills’ apprentices over the next decade. Newly recruited apprentices and existing British Gas engineers will promote the opportunities available in key regions along the route. Once qualified as Smart Energy Experts, the new cohort of apprentices will be upskilled to install and maintain carbon-efficient technologies, including much-needed EV vehicle charging points, in communities across the UK. READ MORE https://tinyurl.com/uzc8dh69

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Scottish Water begins transition to electric vehicles

HGV testing process streamlined to tackle driver shortages

Scottish Water has taken on 20 new Nissan e-NV200s which will be used by water quality samplers, technical teams and network operatives. The move comes as a new report for the organisation said up to 60 per cent of its operational fleet could turn electric to reduce transport emissions. Pre-pandemic, Scottish Water’s fleet of vehicles – from HGVs and large heavy-payload vans to small general purpose vans and cars – clocked up 19 million miles annually. The organisation pledged to become net zero by 2040 and set out plans to achieve that in a routemap published in September 2020. A review of over 1,300 vehicles by Cenex identified where suitable electric vehicles could be introduced, the

location and type of charging infrastructure required, and provided a strategic deployment plan to meet Scottish Water’s commitment to net zero emissions by 2040. A new Scottish Water project team led by EV vehicle specialists is now in place to take forward the fleet transformation opportunities. Other areas being explored include using alternative fuels for heavy vehicles including compressed natural gas (CNG) and “drop-in” fuels such as Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO). Charging stations have already been installed at key Scottish Water offices, treatment plants and depots. Scottish Water Horizons, the utility’s commercial subsidiary, are installing charge points during the build of new renewables sites as a cost-effective way of accelerating their deployment. The vans will be on the road by April 2022. READ MORE https://tinyurl.com/5yn2se6s

The government has taken action to streamline the HGV testing process and tackle the lorry driver shortage. HGV driving tests will be overhauled, meaning drivers will only need to take one test to drive both a rigid and articulated lorry, rather than having to take two separate tests (spaced three weeks apart). This will make around 20,000 more HGV driving tests available every year and mean drivers can gain their licence and enter the industry more quickly. Tests will also be made shorter by removing the ‘reversing exercise’ element – and for vehicles with trailers, the ‘uncoupling and recoupling’ exercise – and having it tested

separately by a third party. This part of the test is carried out off the road on a manoeuvring area and takes a significant amount of time. Testing such manoeuvres separately will free up examiner time, meaning they can carry out another full test every day. Car drivers will no longer need to take another test to tow a trailer or caravan, allowing roughly 30,000 more HGV driving tests to be conducted every year. This new legislation is changing previous EU regulations which the UK is no longer obliged to use. READ MORE https://tinyurl.com/wybm6tze Supported by

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DHL Express expands electric van fleet DHL Express has taken on 50 new electric vans, with a further 50 electric vehicles to be introduced before the end of the year, and 220 more to be added to its UK-wide fleet before the end of 2022. Deutsche Post DHL Group recently announced a 7 billion Euro investment across the Group to help meet its Mission 2050 goals of net-zero emissions, and plans to have more than 80,000 e-vehicles on the road and 60 per cent of last mile delivery electrified by 2030. DHL Express is working towards this goal in the UK with the intention that every new courier vehicle purchased will be electric, resulting in 100 per cent of the UKwide fleet being electric by 2030. The vans will be deployed across the country this year, in cities including Leeds, Manchester, Glasgow and Birmingham, ensuring the benefits of electrification can be harnessed beyond the capital. In addition to the vans, DHL is also investing in electric charging infrastructure at over 20 sites. The charging infrastructure is scalable to allow for the additional electric vehicles that will be added to each site in the future.

The vans will be fully specified to the core DHL requirements, meaning continued maximum operational efficiencies for both the company and more importantly for its valued customers. Richard Crook, director of Fleet at DHL Express said: “We’re delighted to be able to announce the next step in our electrification journey with these new best-in-class vehicles. “Both our vehicle and as importantly our driver training roll-out plans are now picking up speed as we start to electrify our fleet across the UK. By the end of the year we will have deployed more than 100 additional electric vehicles into our business with a continued and accelerating roadmap towards achieving our Go Green targets. Many of the UK’s major cities are working hard to reduce emissions and improve air quality and we plan to play a major part in supporting this. Long term we’re also investing in charging infrastructure so we can continue to expand our green fleet.” READ MORE https://tinyurl.com/dn9r9dv5

FREIGHT & LOGISTICS

BVRLA calls for HGV phase-out delivery plan The BVRLA has called for the government to develop a delivery plan to support the phase-out of non-zero emission HGVs between 2035 and 2040. Responding to the consultation on the phase-out, the association urged the Government to follow a similar approach to that seen for cars and vans. To support this, the BVRLA has recommended the setting up of a taskforce with a range of stakeholders, including end users, to make recommendations for the delivery plan. This group should play a key role in identifying the challenges in reaching the phase-out dates and in developing the solutions needed to overcome them. The BVRLA consulted a wide range of members on the phase-out and they highlighted the fact that the vast variety of HGV use cases would require a more nuanced and studied approach. The association is suggesting that the Government reconsiders its timings for the phase-

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out. As a minimum, it believes that the vehicle weight threshold for the 2035 and 2040 phase out dates should occur at 18 tonnes not 26 tonnes and that another earlier split at 7.5 tonnes should be considered. BVRLA members have also asked for an increase to maximum permissible weights to cater for the additional weight and loss of payload when moving to zero-emission vehicles. A wider review of vehicle weights should be considered to prepare for a range of zero-emission technologies being used. Elsewhere, the Government should consider the ongoing role of low carbon fuels, which have been instrumental in helping reduce emissions. They should be supported in the short term to deliver immediate carbon reduction gains while zero emission product is not viable. READ MORE https://tinyurl.com/29vthhh5

Logistics UK’s Denise Beedell The route to Net Zero Denise Beedell, policy manager for vans and urban, Logistics UK

The climate crisis is now one of the most pressing challenges facing the global community, and the UK logistics industry understands the part it must play in decarbonising the nation’s economy. We know our members are taking important steps already to help lower greenhouse gas emissions across their operations, with many investing in lower carbon fuels and technologies, changing their business practices to improve the efficiency of their fleet operations, and providing training to encourage good driver behaviours to lower fuel consumption and emissions. But to achieve net zero by 2050, much more needs to be done across all logistics transport modes and all parts of the supply chain. Logistics UK is committed to working with our members, the government and policymakers to help make this goal a reality. A key component of this work is Route to Net Zero, a new campaign Logistics UK launched in July 2021 to encourage its members to commit to decarbonising their operations as quickly, effectively and as urgently as possible, to help the UK achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. We know the pathway to net zero will be challenging for many of our members as the technology solutions are still being developed, but we are working to ensure our work in this space is meaningful and can be translated into real action and tangible results. To help the government and policymakers understand how it can help industry realise the net zero ambition, Logistics UK published its Route to Net Zero Logistics policy briefing paper at the Innovation and Technology in Transport (ITT Hub) event in June 2021, which lays out seven key priorities to decarbonise the industry successfully. This includes providing certainty on commercially viable, zero tailpipe emission technologies for HGVs by the mid-2020s, the rapid development of recharging and refuelling infrastructure for all commercial vehicles, and a fair and equitable approach to funding power upgrades for depots. Logistics UK is now developing a comprehensive policy manifesto ahead of COP26 in November 2021; this document will build on the Route to Net Zero Logistics paper and aims to provide more detailed recommendations and steps that are needed to make net zero a reality for logistics as quickly as possible.

FURTHER INFORMATION For more information on Logistics UK’s environmental work and details on how you can get involved with Route to Net Zero, please visit logistics.org.uk/environment

For the first time ever, the Commercial Vehicle Show showcased an all-electric LCV stand, as MAXUS delivered an electric experience for visitors, featuring the new platform e DELIVER 3 and the larger e DELIVER 9 models The Commercial Vehicle Show, which took place 31 August to 2 September, saw Maxus showcase its all electric vans on stand 5D110. This included several e DELIVER 9 variants, including a Chassis Cab and MWB Bus model. Launched in June 2020, the e DELIVER 9 illustrates MAXUS’ focus on innovation, customisation, and greener motoring. Everything about this van is of superior quality. Available in two size options, this van offers a remarkable range, clocking up to 219 miles on a single charge and operating with a high power 150KW low energy motor. The all-new platform vehicle offers three battery options - 51.5 Kwh, 72 Kwh and 88.55 Kwh (LH) with various battery cooling methods, which reduce charging time (DC 45mins 5%-80%), as well as extending battery life and increasing the operating range. Also on display was the e DELIVER 3 – designed from the ground-up for electric power only, it’s a small van with a big range - up to 210 miles on a single charge. With a 92KW motor, there is a battery option latest generation 50.23kWh. Using a DC rapid charger can top up the batteries to 80 per cent in as little as 40 minutes. Available in a number of variants and wheelbase options, the e DELIVER 3 is a fantastically versatile vehicle that suits a wide range of business needs. This year’s CV Show display featured a customised refrigerated unit (50.23 kWh), which is proving hugely popular among customers in the grocery and pharmaceutical sectors. The newest variant in the e DELIVER 3 range comes in the form of a long wheelbase chassis cab, available to order now for delivery in Q4. Visitors to CV Show were treated to a sneak preview of the all-new chassis cab variant and its many high spec features. Like other variants in the e DELIVER 3 range, the chassis cab comes with a remarkable range thanks to a 50.23kWh battery. Dimensions for the long wheelbase platform chassis are 5037mm X 1780mm X 1866mm (L *W *H). It features a max payload of 1202kg and wheelbase 3285mm. Speaking at the CV Show, Mark Barrett, general manager of Harris MAXUS said: “EVs are a common sight on our roads today, which is why MAXUS decided to exclusively showcase a purely electric fleet at this year’s CV Show. Almost 50 per cent of MAXUS sales so far this year are electric and with all eyes firmly on the future of motoring, we wanted to give people the option to explore what electric driving might mean for them during a visit to our stand. “At MAXUS dealerships, we provide business owners and fleet managers with a realistic evaluation of where they are on their journey to greener motoring and what they need to

do next. We wanted to bring this service to the CV Show too, so that people can equip themselves with the right information for their business – some may be ready to make the switch, others may need to put policies and infrastructure in place before making the move and MAXUS provides a step-by-step guide to ensure that move is as seamless as possible.” MAXUS Expands dealership network In other positive news, MAXUS has increased its network of dealerships in the UK this year by 40 per cent, with almost 41 dealerships now located around the UK – and growing (50 including service dealers). Its target is to get to 80 service points. Part of the MAXUS promise is to always go the extra mile for customers and each of the new dealerships was selected on the basis that it can provide a full three-sixty degree offering to customers. As a brand, MAXUS is aware of how important after sales is to its customers, that’s why MAXUS’ five-year service commitment is a crucial component of the brand’s offering. Promising a five-year or 60K miles on the full vehicle EV van warranty (eight

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MAXUS offers pure electric experience at 2021 Commercial Vehicle Show years or 100K miles warranty on the battery) and five-year roadside assist as standard, drivers are covered 24/7, 365 days a year, with dealer workshops operating a 24-hour service, helping to minimise vehicle downtime and giving drivers complete peace of mind. Speaking about the new dealerships joining the MAXUS family, Mark Barrett said: “The calibre of dealers joining our network is a clear indication of the appeal of the MAXUS brand and the confidence in the commercial market right now. Underpinning its appeal is a multi-billion investment from SAIC and MAXUS entered a new era in motoring when it rebranded last June and launched the e DELIVER 3 and e DELIVER 9. “It’s clear that the LCV market is now recognising just how advanced MAXUS truly is and we are delighted to have welcomed so many well-known names to our network over the past 12 months.” L FURTHER INFORMATION For more information, visit www.saicmaxus.co.uk www.saicmaxus.ie

Mark Barrett, general manager, Harris MAXUS

September 2021 | COMMERCIAL GREENFLEET

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eCargo bikes, the most efficient inner city delivery vehicle While many see the environmental benefits of eCargo bikes, the economic and logistical benefits of using them are still not well understood. The role eCargo bikes will play in the mobility of the U.K.’s transport sector over the coming century is undeniable. A study by the University of Westminster suggested that 51% of all freight journeys in urban areas could be replaced by eCargo bikes. This is because moving to eCargo bikes is not just an environmentally friendly choice, it also makes economic and logistical sense for many businesses. “eCargo bikes are commercial vehicles, they need to measure up.” Doug Hutchinson, Head of Sameday at Absolutely Couriers said. “For all of our fleet vehicles there is an initial outlay which is an expense. For a fleet van we also have to factor in ongoing budgets for Congestion Charge, fuel and other consumables, servicing, and potential charges from parking tickets and general running expenses. With eCargo bikes the initial outlay is smaller, and the ongoing

servicing and maintenance costs are more modest.” Not only are the running costs associated with an eCargo bike smaller but with the Energy Savings Trust’s eCargo bike grant scheme businesses can save up to 40% on new eCargo bikes for their businesses, dramatically reducing the initial financial outlay. Moreover, from a logistical standpoint, the switch to eCargo bikes also makes significant sense. The construction company FM Conway recently ran a trial for the Illuminated River Project in London where they used eCargo bikes instead of vans to move goods, equipment and tools between construction sites in Central London. By tracking the movements of the bikes over the course of several months they were able to see that switching from vans to ecargo bikes was saving their team up to 12 hours per week in travel time and providing a carbon saving of 1535.48kgCO2e. Matt Smith,

FM Conway Structures Director, was impressed by the difference, “The eCargo bikes we use have not only increased our efficiency, but have given us the ability to utilise our workforce across multiple projects and be reactive to certain situations across different locations during the day. There are far lower servicing and maintenance costs required compared to using vans with there being no congestion, ULEZ or parking charges, as well as the obvious environmental impact on the business.” Interested in how eCargo bikes could save your business money and improve efficiency? Contact Fully Charged today at ecargo@fullycharged.com. FURTHER INFORMATION

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E-Cargo Bikes Bring the Future of Urban Transport Demand for more efficient means of urban transport has led to the rise in adoption of electric cargo bikes, whether for family or business use, cargo bikes offer efficient, low cost zero emission transport. New funding has been made available from the Department for Transport for organisations wanting to purchase an eCargo bike, the funding covers 40% of the costs of the bikes making now a great time to see if electric cargo bikes can work for your business. SEE THE FULL PRODUCT RANGE HERE

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Funding for electric cargo bikes A new £400,000 funding round for the eCargo Bike Grant Fund is now available from the Energy Saving Trust, to help and support small businesses invest in electric cargo bikes The eCargo Bike Grant Fund gives businesses an opportunity to introduce eCargo bikes into their transport operations. The funding from the Department for Transport, is administered by the Energy Saving Trust and covers up to 40 per cent of the total cost, with a maximum of £2,500 for two-wheel models and £4,500 for three-wheel models. Building on the success of round one of the eCargo Bike Grant Fund in 2019/2020, this scheme is available to all businesses operating in England. The grant now has the option of joint ‘high-street’ applications, giving SMEs the option to pool their resources into one application. Tim Anderson, group head of transport at the Energy Saving Trust, comments: “eCargo bikes are an attractive low carbon transport option and are growing in popularity for local deliveries and business operations. The eCargo Bike Grant Fund will provide businesses with an excellent opportunity to make lasting changes to how they transport goods. “They offer significant benefits, most impressively fuel cost savings and contributing to improved local air quality, both of which are particularly appealing as we work towards a green recovery following the Covid-19 pandemic. “With more deliveries being made to our homes than ever before, last mile delivery is an important area for consideration in our journey to reduce transport emissions to net zero by 2050. We expect the eCargo Bike Grant Fund to support longer-term and wider uptake of these light vehicles as they become more widely adopted.”

Waltham Forest Council’s zero emission delivery (ZED) scheme

A cargo bike with the addition of an electric motor is also known as an ecargo bike and must meet Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle (EAPC) regulations. To meet these regulations, the electric motor must have a maximum power output of 250W. The electric motor stops providing assistance if the rider stops pedalling, applies the brakes or reaches 15.5mph, although the rider can still continue pedalling beyond this speed. If the ecargo bike does not meet these requirements, it is classed as a motorcycle, moped or PLV and needs to be registered and taxed. Legally, the riders of ecargo bikes do not need a driving licence or safety equipment but helmets, appropriate clothing and training are highly recommended. Batteries for ecargo bikes can be removed for recharging using a three-pin plug, so no additional charging infrastructure is required. eCargo bikes can be recharged in three to five hours and travel up to around 50 miles per charge.

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Chris Heaton-Harris, cycling minister, said: “eCargo bikes are a great way for businesses to transport goods and make deliveries on time while cutting congestion on our roads and benefitting the environment. “As we build back greener from the Grant details pandemic, this new funding will help The eCargo Bike Grant Fund will be calculated businesses enable a cleaner, healthier and to cover the cost of the new ecargo bike(s) more sustainable way to operate in local including necessary manufacturer communities across the country.” options which are essential for All eCargo Bike Grant Fund The commercial use, such as load support is conditional eCargo boxes. The grant covers only on recipients signing Bike Gr the cost of the bike itself up to a robust code and does not cover other of practice, which now ha ant Fund s t costs such as delivery and includes cycle h e option of joint rider safety equipment. safety best practice, ‘ h i applica gh-street’ Funding covers up to developed in tions, g 40 per cent of the total association with the i S v ing MEs th cost of an ecargo bike, up UK Cycle Logistics e to pool option to a maximum of £2,500 Federation and the t for two-wheel models and Bicycle Association. resourc heir £4,500 for three-wheel models. Grant funding must es Applications will be capped be claimed by 14 at five bikes per organisation, February 2022. The eCargo although larger applications will be bikes do not need to have been considered on a case-by-case basis. delivered for funding to be claimed. Applications may include more than one organisation. In these joint ‘high-street’ What is a cargo bike? applications, a lead applicant will be Cargo bikes are cycles specifically designed responsible for submitting the application. to carry cargo and come in a variety of Applicants are invited to submit configurations and can even be custom-built. up until 14 December 2021. They come in two-wheel, three-wheel or four-wheel configurations, with A loan scheme for businesses trailers or front or rear load boxes, and Leeds City Council, West Yorkshire Combined the addition of an electric motor which Authority and Bradford Council secured assists the rider whilst pedalling. funding from the e-cargo bike loan scheme in March 2021 and has since provided many local businesses the opportunity to trial the new delivery method. The bikes they use allows for up to 40 miles assisted cycling and has a load capacity of up to 100kg or 900 litres. Helen Hayden, Leeds City Council’s executive member for climate change, transport and sustainable development, said: “This offer to businesses to trial e-cargo bikes for local delivery solutions could be revolutionary. In March I was fortunate enough to try riding a e-cargo trike. I found it to be easy to do in everyday clothes and, despite a heavy load in the bike box, a really easy ride. The additional 32 e-cargo bikes funded by the grant scheme will allow more businesses in West Yorkshire to ‘try-before-you-buy’. E Supported by

When it comes to deliveries in a crowded city, you can’t beat an electric bike

You might be feeling overwhelmed with all the new changes coming to logistics and transportation as part of the “green industrial revolution”. The government’s mandate to achieve net zero carbon emissions in the transport sector by 2050; the ban on sales of new vehicles powered by petrol and diesel engines by 2030; and the ever increasing congestion in urban areas is drastically changing the world we operate in. Companies and individuals across the country are looking to electric bikes as an alternative to transportation, consignment and general commuting. Many are piloting programmes, while others have partnered up to take full advantage of the government’s new cargo bike funding

scheme (released in July 2021). DASH Rides is an example of one of these companies. They have chosen to partner with Rad Power Bikes to help elevate delivery objectives, while reducing carbon emissions. “We see a rapid adoption of cargo bikes in the form of employee vehicle replacement programs, bike-to-work schemes, and fleet leasing solutions,” says Rad Power Bikes’ European business director, Arno Saladin. This growth is fuelled by riders’ experiences to effortlessly cruise through crowded streets and easy parking. The benefits of riding an electric bike are bountiful. It’s a fun and sustainable way to deliver goods and simultaneously get a workout. Companies also enjoy the benefits of lower CapEx with government grants, lower maintenance costs, no road taxes, and minimal “fuel” costs to recharge batteries. “We had a list of criteria we wanted met when choosing to partner with an e-bike brand.” David Watkins, DASH’s COO and founder shares. “Firstly, we liked that Rad’s models were quite simple. The uncomplex hub motors, single-speed drivetrain, and easy-to-use displays meant servicing the

bikes would be simple and uncomplicated. Pricing was, of course, another factor that drew us to Rad Power Bikes. The cost of each model is quite inexpensive and the brand is well known. Having that brand momentum meant that clients are already familiar and have a lot of faith in these bikes.” The RadWagon is known to many as the SUV of e-bikes. With a payload capacity of 158 kilograms (348 lbs) - riders love that you can haul kids, groceries, packages, and more. Considering that online orders made up 28.1 per cent of all retail sales in 2020, and are slated to increase to 53 per cent by 2030, chances are, you’ll be seeing a lot more electric cargo bikes on the roads. Rad Power Bikes’ low cost and reliable e-bikes are available to businesses and individuals in the UK and EU. If you’re not convinced, why not lease a Rad e-bike from a trusted partner, like DASH Rides, before investing in your very own delivery fleet? L FURTHER INFORMATION www.radpowerbikes.eu www.dashrides.com

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SPONSOR’S COMMENT  “With so many employees continuing to work from home following the pandemic, investing in a e-cargo bike could be far more costeffective for businesses who operate in and around the city centre without needing to pay for vehicle related costs and benefit from very little maintenance costs. Its projects like this that will help us achieve our ambitions to be carbon neutral by 2030 as well as our vision of Leeds being a city where you don’t need a car.” Bike based services Waltham Forest Council has secured £150,000 funding for a new fleet of 28 e-Cargo bikes, to support more zeroemission bike-based services across the borough. The Council plans to use the funding to expand the e-Cargo bikes available to the zero emission delivery (ZED) scheme, increase e-Cargo bike transportation for waste and recycling services in the boroughs parks, and support ‘E-Cargo Culture’, a consortium of local social enterprises carrying out a range of sustainability-focussed work in the borough. Combined with Waltham Forest’s Community Cycle Loan Fleet, which loans the bikes to anyone who lives, works or studies in Waltham Forest, the Council will now own a total of 50 e-Cargo bikes, making it one of the largest fleets owned by any local authority in the country. Waltham Forest’s Community Cycle Loan free loan scheme allows cyclists to experience the benefits of e-Cargo bikes for up to three weeks. Councillor Clyde Loakes, deputy leader of Waltham Forest Council and Cabinet Member for the Environment, said: “The funding award shows once again Waltham Forest Council is a leader in cycling and sustainable transport in UK. The funding allows us to double our fleet of e-Cargo bikes, making it one of the largest in the UK, so that more council services, contractors, partners and businesses can move away from motorised vehicles to choose sustainable transport. “Cargo bikes are great alternatives to the cars and vans, they have been shown to be 60 per cent faster than delivery vans in cities, and they reduce road vehicle traffic and CO2 emissions. The expansion of our e-Cargo fleet is another step to building a more efficient, clean and green borough.” A pilot scheme in Wales The Welsh Government has announced it will fund pilot schemes to accelerate the uptake of electric bikes and electric cargo bikes in Wales. The move is part of efforts to deliver a culture change in how people get around in Wales and adds to a range of Welsh Government policies that look to tackle congestion and get people more active. The pilots will see four e-bike ‘hubs’ established in Rhyl, Swansea, Aberystwyth (with links to Newtown) and Barry. They will offer low cost hire and long term loan of e-bikes for local residents. Two e-cargo bike ‘libraries’ will be established in Aberystwyth and Swansea, offering free trials of e-cargo bikes as well as advice and training for local businesses and residents. E-cargo bikes offer the potential to reduce van traffic, for example being used for last mile deliveries. It is envisioned the schemes, which will run over two years, will be open to the public and businesses in the summer. Lee Waters, deputy minister for economy and transport, commented: “We want to give people more options of how to get around, and in particular we want to make greener forms of transport more convenient and accessible. Sustainable travel requires a culture change and the pilots are another step towards delivering our goal. “There is a strong link between e-bikes and active travel as more people get used to being on bikes. There are also specific benefits in rural communities where longer distances are more common, with e-bikes making cycling viable for more people. “These pilots will be used to gather evidence and inform policy, with a view to a wider rollout in the future.” Sustrans Cymru will work with local social enterprises to deliver these pilots. They will engage with participants and use monitors fitted to e-bikes and e cargo bikes to develop an evidence base. L FURTHER INFORMATION www.energysavingtrust.org.uk

Replacing cars and vans with greener mobility options

Last Mile Logistics

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Dan Parsons, founding partner and head of business, Fully Charged

We at Fully Charged believe in disrupting the existing transport infrastructure, offering tangible mobility replacements for polluting cars and vans with highly productive, more agile and greener battery-powered eBikes and eCargo bikes. That’s why we have been working with the world’s best eBike and eCargo bike manufacturers since 2014 to assist and educate consumers and businesses in how these light electric vehicles can increase productivity, reduce costs and increase profitability, with a dramatic rise in interest and take-up only accelerated by the pandemic as the demand for eCommerce and last mile deliveries exploded. Research company Pegram estimates that 2000 eCargo bikes were sold in the UK in 2020, with the rise in demand for eBikes as a whole driven in part by last-mile delivery workers. The UK electric bicycle market reportedly doubled to £280m last year compared with pre-pandemic levels, according to the Bicycle Association. In comparison, Germany has reported 78,000 eCargo bike sales in 2020, up from 54,400 in 2019, according to transport organisation and data collector ZIV. With the eBike market still representing only five per cent of the total bike sales in the UK, versus now more than 50 per cent in nations such as the Netherlands and Germany, we expect to follow our European cousins, with demand and usage only continuing to grow over the next few years as more consumers and businesses get on board. On the most part, urban transport in the UK is failing to take advantage of the technological advancements of recent years, with the fossil-fuelled vehicles that still fill our urban centres leading to increased congestion and pollution. With more reliable products and better infrastructure coupled with rising fuel costs, increasing charges for ULEZ, congestion and parking and the closing of our urban centres to more traditional forms of transport, there’s no better time to time to move to a greener solution. The decision to switch has now been made simpler by grants available by some local authorities and the Department for Transport, administered by the Energy Saving Trust – with grants up to £4,500 per eCargo bike available. Find out how we can help your business achieve increased fleet productivity, whilst making a positive green investment into your company’s social responsibility. FURTHER INFORMATION www.fullycharged.com/corporate

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Decarbonising the last mile A new study has shown that cargo bikes were faster than vans when delivering parcels in London, demonstrating the vital role that cargo bikes can play in decarbonising last mile deliveries Freight transport is vital for the smooth running of the country, which the pandemic has brought so sharply into focus. But freight relies on heavy goods vehicles and vans, which, while improving, have historically been quite polluting. A new report has shown the important role that cargo bikes play in decarbonising urban deliveries. The study, undertaken by the University of Westminster and supported by a cargo bike logistics company Pedal Me, used GPS data to compare routes taken by cargo bikes in London with routes that vans would have taken to deliver the same parcels. It found the service performed by the Pedal Me freight cycles was an average of 1.61 times faster than the one performed by van. The study involved a cargo bike and a delivery van given a predetermined route, including a number of delivery stops. While vans can travel along clear stretches of road at higher speeds than cargo bikes, they are restricted by congestion, traffic restrictions, and the difficulty of finding parking in London. Cargo bikes, on the other hand, benefit from dedicated cycle lanes, being able to take shortcuts through streets blocked to motor traffic and can quickly park up close to their destinations to drop off packages.

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roads. We’ve seen home deliveries skyrocket Across the 98 days of work that were during the Covid lockdowns and that trend analysed, it was calculated that the cargo is likely to continue. We urgently need to put bikes saved a total 3,896kg of carbon on the brakes and reevaluate how goods emissions and over 5.5kg of nitrogen oxides move through our cities. Cargo bikes are meaning that not only are cargo bikes a more one solution that we need to get behind.” efficient option for courier and customer, they Ersilia Verlinghieri, senior research fellow will also reduce the environmental footprint at the Active Travel Academy, said: “When of traders who utilise these courier services. we undertook this study, we wanted to The study, ‘The Promise of Low Carbon understand the potential benefits of cargo Freight: Benefits of cargo bikes in London’, bikes in London. Pedal Me provided some was funded by the climate charity Possible. extremely useful GPS data which allowed It used telematics data from 13,735 cargo us to develop one of the first detailed bike deliveries by Pedal Me to compare simulations comparing actual cargo-bikes’ the speed and emissions of cargo bike with vans’ routes. We used the result of the deliveries compared to van deliveries. simulation to develop a realistic scenario of Hirra Khan Adeogun, head of car free cities what proved to be a promising alternative to at climate charity Possible, said: “Cargo bikes the thousands of the delivery vans that mean more speed and efficiency for make their way through our city the customers, better health for each day. With recent estimates couriers, a decreased carbon While from Europe suggesting footprint for traders, and vans ca that up to 51 per cent ultimately cleaner air travel a n of all freight journeys in and more public space t highe cities could be replaced for all Londoners to r speeds by cargo bike, it’s enjoy. Delivery vans cargo b than remarkable to see that, contribute significantly i k if even just a portion of to worsening air are rest es, they ricted b this shift were to happen quality and take up c o ngestio y in London, it would be valuable space on our n accompanied by not only and pa , traffic, rking dramatic reduction of CO2 emissions, but also contribute to a considerable mitigation of risks from air pollution and road traffic collisions whilst ensuring an efficient, fast and reliable urban freight system.” Benjamin Knowles, CEO and co-founder of Pedal Me, said: “Cargo bikes are the best way to transport loads (or people) around cities – our cargo bikes, ridden by our highly trained riders, are faster to do the same work, allowing them to also to make logistics cheaper in the right operating systems. This research shows just how much more efficient we are than traditional motor based logistics for equivalent work – while also showing how far we are ahead in terms of carbon savings.”

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Taking up space The report says that in London alone, there are 213,100 vans which, when parked outside, occupy around 2,557,200 sqm of road space, the equivalent of just under twice the size of Hyde Park. Nationwide, an area slightly wider than the whole of Oxford is covered in vans. Vans are often parked outside regular parking spaces, either because their size exceeds the standard parking bay or because they cannot find one. Parking tickets are reported to be one of the main costs faced by courier companies like UPS or FedEx in city centres. Vans contribute substantially to congestion problems in London. Various E

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SPONSOR’S COMMENT  studies show the their harmful effects on public roads, including the 2018 Mayor of London strategy, which reports freight distribution constitutes a third of London’s morning traffic peak. On average, a van driver is reported to spend around nine minutes per trip looking for a parking space, making up 67 hours per driver per year. This leads to a vast amount of excess driving time. We have also shown how van-km are growing rapidly, whilst car kms are dropping (-9 per cent compared to 2000) despite the number of both cars and vans increasing. This traffic makes roads and pavements more unpleasant for others, especially as it occurs mainly at peak times when many others are walking, cycling or riding public transport. Cargo bikes are expected to bring substantial benefits to the freight industry, addressing many of the above problems experienced by vans. But that is not to say that cargo bikes are without limitations. Concerns remain over the cargo bike’s payload weight and volume compared to vans, limiting the type of loads they can carry and customers they can serve. What’s more, the speed of cargo bikes compared to vans can be an issue, as well as their unsuitability to cover long distances and access depots normally located on city outskirts. Recommendations The report concludes that there are many actions that can be taken to support the wider adoption of cargo bikes. One of these is for government to create a consistent and clear strategy to support urban non-motorised freight distribution. They should support cargo bike uptake with adequate and long term investments in cycling provision. The presence of segregated and wide bike lanes is essential to cargo bikes, and will also support the wider uptake of cycling. The report also suggests that charges and taxes should be levied to discourage unnecessary use of motor based logistics. User charging mechanisms, such as fuel duty, road pricing, or Clean Air Zones should be widely adopted to discourage unsustainable motorised freight where this is unnecessary. Pricing should instead encourage sustainable freight, for example by introducing a flat subsidy for cargo bike logistics or reducing taxation on their operations. For example, there is a strong case for reduced (e.g. five per cent) or even 0 per cent-rating for VAT on cycle logistics to stimulate demand. The government should also increase the current 250w power output limit one-bike assists to 1000w for unlicensed commercial delivery bikes with a top motor speed of 15.5mph to enable them to compete effectively with LCVs in all UK urban topographies. Commercial e-assist bikes with power output up to 1000w but retaining the standard speed limit of 15.5mph should not be subject to DVLA registration and licensing, the report says. What’s faster? A challenge has been issued to delivery companies in London. What travels through the city in the fastest time? A cargo bike or a delivery van? Climate charity Possible and Pedal Me believe that the cargo bike can win, but want delivery companies to take up the challenge so they can be proved right. L FURTHER INFORMATION https://bit.ly/3lolFBJ Image © Pedal Me

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Return of the Commercial Vehicle Show After a two year hiatus, the NEC in Birmingham filled with road transport professionals once again for the 2021 Commercial Vehicle Show, which took place 31 August to 2 September The sound of doors and bonnets echoed up face-to-face business and new product and down the halls of the NEC in Birmingham launches from leading brands. from 31 August to 2 September “The atmosphere had been building as visitors viewed the latest for some time and the Show did commercial vehicles on not disappoint. Confidence The display, including many remains high as the event two live zero emission electric is seen as the ‘go-to’ theatre vans. Meanwhile, the for everyone working s w b e usy acro re two live theatres were in road transport days, a ss all three busy across all three operations, logistics listened s attendees days as attendees and distributionto a var listened to a variety of based businesses. e xpert p i e t y expert presentations Here’s to 2022.” o f re on different aspects on info sentations rma of the industry. Electric vans topics tive Murray Ellis, show MAXUS went all electric director, comments: at the Commercial Vehicle “Throughout the three show, only showcasing days, the show presented an its electric vehicles such as the unrivalled opportunity for live networking, e DELIVER 3 and e DELIVER 9.

Designed from the ground-up for electric power only, the e DELIVER 3 is a small van with a range of up to 213 miles on a single charge. With a 92KW motor, there are two battery options from which to choose - 35kWh and 52.5kWH. Using a DC rapid charger can top up the batteries to 80 per cent in as little as 40 minutes. Available in a number of variants with several battery and wheelbase options, the e DELIVER 3 is a versatile vehicle that suits a wide range of business needs. The newest variant in the e DELIVER 3 range is the long wheelbase chassis cab (52.5kWH), which will be available from Q3 2021. Visitors to CV Show got to enjoy a sneak preview of the latest in EV technology and design and check out the new chassis cab and its many high spec features. The e DELIVER 9 is available in two size options and has a range of 219 miles on a single charge. The vehicle offers three battery options - 51.5Kwh, 72Kwh and 88.55 Kwh (LH) with various battery cooling methods, which reduce charging time (DC 45mins, 5 per cent-80 per cent), as well as extending battery life and increasing the operating range. The latest additions to Vauxhall’s electric van range – the All-New Movano-e and Combo-e – made their global debuts at The Commercial Vehicle Show. Vauxhall is now able to offer its fleet and business customers a fully electric vehicle across its entire LCV line-up. The Movano-e is Vauxhall’s first large Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) to be available as a fully electric variant. It has a cargo volume of up to 17m3, while its zero-emission powertrain offers up to 139 miles of range (WLTP). Meanwhile, the Combo-e compact electric van has a 50kWh battery providing a range E

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96 If you think you need a fleet of EVs before you can drive down emissions, here’s some important news: a simple, lowcost change to your vehicle set-up could allow you to make significant savings and eliminate roadside emissions. Fleets across the UK and Europe are moving to the all-new, all-in-one Lithium Power Supply (LPS II) from Clayton Power. The compact unit, with a built-in Li-Ion battery, recharges on the go, from solar and/or mains hook-up. It’s powerful enough to keep angle grinders, light welding units and compressors charged and online – and it keeps going, even when vehicles are switched off.

Reduce roadside noise The LPS II is also significantly quieter than running petrol generators and using power take-off (PTO). So instead of having jobs interrupted because of noise concerns, you can carry on working through the night and get jobs finished. And remember, working without roadside noise and fumes isn’t just good for the environment – it’s great for your teams too. More room to play with The compact, all-in-one LPS II, also gives you more space to play with inside the vehicle. And it’s lighter than alternative lead/AGM systems – by up to 50kg. Add to that the room

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Easy to install and remove It takes minutes to install the plug-and-play LPS II. And if you want to remove it, this is an easy job too. So once your vehicle has reached its end of life – or even comes to the end of its lease – you can just pop the LPS II out and install it in another vehicle. It’s so portable that you could manage it via your tooling budget. All of this comes with the reassurance of quality European design and manufacture. The LPS II has been built to the highest levels of safety, durability, and compliance for use in Europe and the UK. Want to find out more? Get in touch with the team at Clayton Power to arrange a demo. See it in action, and you’ll understand why companies including Cadent Gas, Openreach and Sainsbury’s are switching to the LPS II. FURTHER INFORMATION Claytonpower.com ukinfo@claytonpower.com +44 (0)2920 240 9396

 of 171 miles (WLTP) combined with a load volume of 4.4m3. Also making its UK debut at the Commercial Vehicle Show was the new Vauxhall Vivaro-e Hydrogen, which will be available in LHD markets by the end of the year, and the UK in RHD from early 2023. The hydrogenpowered van features a fuel cell system located in the engine bay for a 249 mile range and refuelling in as little as three minutes. It has an uncompromised cargo volume of up to 6.1m3. Vauxhall is speaking to corporate fleets ahead of its UK launch. Also on display is the Vivaro-e, Vauxhall’s first fully electric van. Since going on sale in July 2020, the Vivaro-e has won numerous industry awards, including the International Van of the Year 2021. Vauxhall’s Vivaro-e Platform Cab Concept has also made its debut at The Commercial Vehicle Show. Working with Paneltex on the vehicle body, the concept targets supermarkets and retailers who are looking at short-cycle home delivery in urban areas within one to two hours. Vauxhall Fleet has worked on the concept with its customers to develop unique solutions to best suit their business needs. Paul Wilcox, managing director, Vauxhall, said: “What better place to launch our fully electric LCV line-up than The Commercial Vehicle Show at the NEC in Birmingham. As the UK’s leading e-LCV manufacturer, we are proud that we can now offer fleets and businesses a fully electric van across our entire model range, helping fleets make the transition into cleaner and cheaper transportation.”

Innovative solutions Innovation Automotive (IA), the UK’s new multi-brand, all-electric automotive company, made its first UK appearance at this year’s Commercial Vehicle Show. IA set out its vision for the UK at the show, announcing ambitious plans to simplify and demystify the process of switching to electric and bring a new level of accessibility to the market. Paul Brigden, CEO of IA, said: “Many operators are still unsure of the business case for switching to electric, and perceptions remain that it is too risky, too complicated and too expensive. But change is coming and it’s coming fast so we’re here to help fleets of all sizes make the switch. Our commitment is to source the best alternative 100 per cent electric LCVs, to provide a first-class advisory service to our customers with an accessible and cost-effective after-sales network.” Brigden added: “We will officially launch later this year, but we’re at the CV show to introduce ourselves, our initial product range and, most importantly, to listen to our future customers to help fine-tune our service.” The first vehicle that IA will bring to the UK market will be the all-electric DFSK EC35, a compact and efficient all-electric panel van ideal for inner-city and ‘last-mile’ delivery, with a range of over 150 miles. The DFSK EC35 will be swiftly followed by the EC31, an electric chassis cab van that combines impressive practicality and dependability with zero-emissions motoring. As with the EC35, the DFSK EC31 comes with a five-year warranty.

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IA also has an exclusive agreement to provide Skywell commercial vehicles and will be introducing Skywell products to the UK in the near future. Connected systems Ford returned to the CV Show to introduce ‘Ford Liive’ – its new connected system designed to help operators increase productivity and maximise vehicle uptime. Ford recently announced an extension to Ford Liive designed specifically for fleet operators – Ford Telematics Essentials – a complimentary management tool designed to increase the productivity of connected commercial vehicles. It creates alerts based on real-time vehicle health data and, in turn, maximises uptime by reducing breakdowns and speeding up service and repair times. The stand’s digital display brought Ford Liive to life, demonstrating the service’s features and benefits through a series of screens tracking vehicles in service. Lisa Brankin, Ford of Britain and Ireland managing director, said: “The CV Show has always been a calendar highlight and that’s especially the case this year. Ford’s new offering of connected services in Ford Liive will further enhance our acclaimed vehicle range, which now includes the E-Transit battery electric two-tonne van from 2022, to ensure we deliver on our promise to keep customers’ businesses moving as we move to an all-electric future.” Ford’s new E-Transit was also available to view at the show. The E-Transit features E Supported by

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 Pro Power Onboard, turning it into a mobile power source up to 2.3kw to use power tools and recharge equipment at job sites, while standard FordPass Connect modem helps to optimise fleet efficiency, finding and paying for charging on the go and enables over-theair updates for features such as navigation. The E-Transit will deliver around 200 miles of range and will be available with a generous choice of body, length, roof height and Gross Vehicle Mass options. Trials of the New E-Transit van and converted chassis cab have already begun in the UK with last-mile and supermarket delivery operators and utility providers. Range extended technology LEVC – manufacturers of the range extended electric TX taxi, showcased their first commercial vehicle, the VN5, at the show. It uses the same eCity range-extender powertrain technology utilised in the TX electric taxi which gives a pure EV range of over 60 miles (98 km) and a total flexible range of over 300 miles (489 km). The VN5 has the ability to go from zero charge to 100 percent in 30 minutes thanks to its 50kW DC charging capability and a full charge can be completed in the time taken loading/ unloading at the depot or for a short driver break and be back on the road. The VN5 cargo capacity of up to 5.5m³ capacity, easily accommodates two Euro2/3 sized pallets (1,000x1,200mm) with a gross/net payload up to 830/735kg. It has been built with a large side-loading door (enabling a pallet to be side- loaded) and a 60/40 split door at the rear to make loading and unloading easy for the driver.

Sharon Bates, Events Manager for LEVC, said: “We’ve been particularly busy over the last three days. We had a really good level of footfall. It was our first time at the CV Show and we had quite a lot of interest from all different types of visitors. The engagement has been great and we’ve been able to properly communicate with the van community for the first time.” Pick-up trucks Isuzu showcased its D-Max pick-up range at the show, as well as previewing its Arctic Truck AT35 pre-production model, which will be available Spring 2022. Arctic Trucks have years of experience in re-engineering four-wheel drives to create reliable, good quality and durable vehicles. The collaboration between Isuzu UK and Arctic Trucks builds on new D-Max with advanced technology that has been especially developed to handle challenging landscapes. A strengthened chassis, Bilstein Performance Suspension and an All-Terrain Wheel and 35” Tyre Package offer confidence when driving off-road while the AT35 drives with a great deal of comfort and control. William Brown, Isuzu UK’s managing director, commented “It is a pleasure to work with Arctic Trucks on this prototype in advance of the launch of our new AT35. Following the success of the all-new D-Max launch in 2021, it feels very exciting to be launching another new vehicle in 2022. We wanted to build upon the D-Max’s strengths to make a highly desirable and highly competent 4x4 pick-up and we are so pleased with the result. Through using Arctic Trucks’ impressive expertise

alongside the D-Max’s impressive abilities the AT35 is truly an outstanding truck.” Debbie Warne, Events Manager at Isuzu UK: “We’ve had a really successful few days at the Show. It’s the first chance for people to see our new models and we’ve had lots of positive feedback. We also had an off-road course and it’s really great to be able to offer that to our customers, which they don’t get at most shows.” Another company specialising in 4x4 pickups and SUVs was SsangYong. They attended the show to showcase their new facelifted Musso, as well as a Rexton that had been commissioned to meet police specifications. Kevin Griffin, managing director at SsangYong Motors UK, said: “Over the past few years, we’ve implemented a strong fleet strategy to strengthen our fleet business, and to develop relationships within the specialist fleet marketplace. And to prove the confidence that we have in our product, we’ve a market-leading 7-year warranty on our vehicle range, which is always appealing to fleet operators and fleet managers.” Jaguar Land Rover chose the Commercial Vehicle Show to promote its latest Defender Hard Top Commercial vehicle, which combines all-terrain capability with 21st-century connectivity and practical cargo space. All Defender Hard Top models come with a fixed full-height partition to separate occupants from the generous load area. The bulkhead boosts security and safety and preserves the refined driving experience of the passenger model. The partition itself comes with four hanging hooks on the loadspace side, and two stowage nets on the cabin side of 110 models for small items. E

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Whether a private vehicle user, fleet operator or vehicle manufacturer and dealership, now is the time for each of us to look at the implications and impact for us all. The pledge of £1.8 billion to support greater uptake of zero emission vehicles shows the seriousness with which this issue is being taken and the measures announced back in November 2020 quite rightly considered the need for innovation and new clean technologies, from charge points and battery packs to recycling infrastructure and super-lightweight components. So, what does this mean for you? For fleet operators, there will be key capital expenditure decisions to make regarding

switching to electric vehicles and the lifetime costs or indeed savings to be made by doing so. Whilst vehicle manufacturers and dealerships will want to ensure they are at the top of their game with production, supply and demand and able to demonstrate the benefits of their low emission vehicles. If you’re one of those companies that is already ahead of the game having made that all important decision to switch to a greener way of transport, then you’ll know the difference you’re making already. But what if there was a way to help forward thinking companies like you to use less energy through eco-driving techniques and improving the driving range of modern electric vehicles. Surely that would be a real game changer? The good news for you then is that some leading automotive product suppliers are already ahead of the game introducing product ranges that will be the future of efficient economical driving of electric vehicles. With proven battery savings of as much as 30 per cent to 40 per cent and reduced frequency of charging, your vehicles will not only have less time off the road but better still once charged, they will do more miles per charge. What’s more, PS±EV range is the future of efficient economical driving of electric

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vehicles, using less energy through eco driving techniques and improving the driving range of modern electric vehicles. These products provide intelligent regulation of accelerator performance combined with a speed limiter, which means increased safety as they prevent aggressive acceleration and excessive speeds. This will no doubt improve driver behaviour and reductions in speeding offences, which in turn increases safety for drivers and other road users too. The great news there though is that there are cost savings to be had, which will ensure not only a fast return on your investment but also lifetime costs savings. There are substantial savings on maintenance costs and reduced vehicle wear and tear by eliminating over acceleration. So, if you’re looking to invest in a product that’s better for the environment and the pocket and safer for drivers and other road users too, then why not look at the Parksafe PS±EV range. To find out more and register your interest, click here or visit the product here FURTHER INFORMATION parksafeautomotive.com

 The full-width load floor is completely flat, with up to six integrated lashing points, heavy-duty rubber mats and a set of lockable storage areas providing with 58 litres of underfloor stowage at the rear of both the 90 and 110. An additional underfloor area is fitted to the 110 Hard Top, where the footwells of the Defender passenger model would normally be found, providing 155 litres of hidden stowage, and the whole load area is illuminated by enhanced interior lighting five times brighter than the standard passenger Defender. Support for drivers The AA, DriveTech and Prestige Fleet Servicing combined together for the event to demonstrate their extensive capabilities including roadside recovery, service maintenance and repair, and driver risk management. The AA was also able to talk about the services they offer electric vehicle drivers - such as road recovery and support at EV charge points. Highways England attended the event to talk about their commercial vehicle incident prevention programme, which aims to reduce the number of commercial vehicle incidents on the motorway network. The DVSA meanwhile were present to discuss the work it does carrying out tests to ensure lorries and buses are safe to drive. The Road Haulage Association made its industry experts available to give visitors advice and information on its services and new offerings, while the Society of Motor

Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) shared insights into the UK automotive industry. Flexible mobility Europcar attended the CV Show, explaining the array of cost-effective solutions that can act as a more flexible alternative to contract hire or outright purchase. Their fleet is made latest cars and vans, including many electric vehicles. LeasePlan meanwhile were happy to share their 50+ years’ experience in commercial vehicle leasing to explain to visitors the different options to acquiring vehicles, including the benefits of leasing a zero emission vehicle, which takes the risk out of outright purchase. Arval UK showed how they are helping fleets prepare for the 2030 diesel and petrol ban, and support the transition to electric LCVs. They were on hand to share results of their latest research into eLCV real-world performance, insight into the use of telematics analysis, discuss flexible options to ease the transition and provide specialist knowledge. Fleet management firm Rivus discussed its end-to-end solution that includes leasing, service, maintenance and repair, compliance, accident management for all vehicle types. With 55 of its own garages, a UK network of mobile response units and an additional 500 Rivus Approved garages, Rivus can help fleets large and small. Telematics Technology has proven to give fleet operators insight into their drivers habits,

vehicle usage and routes, allowing them to make informed decision on how to improve their fleet operations. Geotab was available at the CV show to explain how its advanced analytics can help with fleet management, and Trakm8 discussed its technology solutions for fleet management, insurance telematics, route optimisation and dashboard camera systems.

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Support services The Commercial Vehicle Show also showcased the support services and equipment that makes running a commercial fleet possible. Totalkare provides workshop equipment for commercial vehicle workshops. They showcased a range of their products, including vehicle lifts, brake testers, inspection pits and other lifting and testing equipment. On-board power specialists Clayton Power launched its new Lithium Power Supply (LPS) II at this year’s CV Show - with more power, longer run times, and improved performance. The LPS offers the ability to power 230V, 110V, and DC appliances, tools, and equipment simultaneously without the need for engine idling. The 2022 Commercial Vehicle Show will take place on 24 – 26 May 2022 at the NEC in Birmingham. L FURTHER INFORMATION www.cvshow.com

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Interview

“We’re committed to our investment in CNG” GreenFleet talks to Nancy Hobson, Hermes’ newly appointed head of environmental, social, and governance, who is taking forward the company’s already successful work with alternative fuels, as well as the wider green agenda You have recently been appointed a head of ESG – a newly created role. What does this involve? I’ve taken up the newly created role as head of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) at Hermes. My first job is to work on developing what will be an ambitious and robust strategy to cover the whole business. I’ve already identified several opportunities for key initiatives and there’s lots of great work in this space already happening through the use of alternative fuels and electric vehicles that we can shout about. We want to go beyond what we’re already doing, so watch this space! I have never joined a business and had so many people call me up and say they’re really excited that I’ve joined. My remit covers every aspect of the business from product development to operational changes around key touch points including alternative fuel usage, industry knowledge sharing and people-centric initiatives. I’ll also lead the company’s reporting on ESG.

Where do you refuel the CNG trucks? The majority of our CNG vehicles are based at Warrington and Rugby, two of our national distribution hubs, both are in close proximity to a CNG refuelling station. We have a partnership with CNG Fuels which develops, owns, and operates CNG refuelling infrastructure and sources 100 per cent renewable biomethane or bio-CNG for its stations. The bio-CNG is biomethane sourced from food waste, independently verified and approved by the Department for Transport’s Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation.

Tell us about Hermes’ CNG fleet; why was CNG chosen as a fuel? How many vehicles do you have now and how are they being used? Hermes was an early adopter of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG); in 2018 Hermes placed the largest ever initial order of CNG vehicles and The used the fleet to make How is the trial bio-CN collections from retailer of the IVECO is biom G e distribution sites and in Eurocargo, a t h a s n ourced e the first mile. new 12 tonne from fo waste, Since then, the fleet has vehicle that o d i n grown and we’re now runs on CNG, verified dependentl y and ap adding an additional 70 going? proved by the units to further reduce We’re always keen to Re emissions, bringing our try new technologies Transpo newable r total number of CNG that may offer Obligatt Fuel vehicles to 160, making improvements, efficiencies i on Hermes the largest operator or solutions with emissions of CNG in the parcel sector with or by reducing the number of about 50 per cent of the core hub miles on the road. We’re working tractor fleet now being fuelled by CNG and with IVECO to provide feedback from our servicing more journeys than ever before. experience, where the vehicle might need

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adjustments for power, and in turn, the IVECO team are helping to support us to ensure drivers are using the vehicle most efficiently.

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What do you do to make the last mile of deliveries greener? We’re investing a lot in technology that helps us facilitate an increase in first time delivery rates including a focus on ‘Out of Home’ options. At the start of the pandemic last year, Hermes introduced contact-free delivery through the website and app, allowing customers to continue receiving parcels safely first time, with no additional delivery attempts needed. Since then, we’ve also introduced more diversion options including to ParcelShops and lockers as well as diversions so safe places and neighbours. We’re increasing our ParcelShop network this year and recently partnered with Tesco to help move towards our ambitious target of 80 per cent of the population being within a five-minute walk by 2022. With most ParcelShops open late, seven days a week and lockers available 24/7, we can almost guarantee first time delivery and it’s incredibly convenient for consumers, especially as we start to go out a bit more. Are you using any other alternative fuels, such as electric or hydrogen? We’re keen to explore other alternative fuels and electric looks like a strong player for the future, although the technology and infrastructure isn’t there yet to support investment from operators. We’re soon going to announce our plans for the future, which includes investment in 168 electric ParcelShop vans to make the ‘Out of Home’ delivery experience even more sustainable. What advice would you give HGV operators if they wanted to rollout CNG fuelled trucks?

CNG is a great solution right now; it isn’t perfect but it’s the best solution we have available to us which is why we’re currently committed to our investment in CNG. CNG is a great solution right now; it isn’t perfect but it’s the best solution we have available to us which is why we’re currently committed to our investment in CNG. A couple of pieces of advice would be to look into the fuel source and if you can source renewable biomethane, that’s the best option. Then, consider route planning – if you have

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teams or technology available to make sure the routes are as efficient as possible and have refuelling on the journey, that makes the whole operation run smoothly. L FURTHER INFORMATION www.myhermes.co.uk

Hydrogen Written by The H2Accelerate collaboration

Kickstarting hydrogen trucking in Europe Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are a promising option for zero emission road freight, however the limited availability of infrastructure and vehicles means this technology is not currently able to meet end-user needs. So what does a viable hydrogen trucking system look like and how can it be achieved? Following the publication of the IPCC’s Sixth Assessment Report in August, the need for decarbonisation of all sectors of the economy has never been more clear or urgent. In the heavyduty transport sector, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are a promising option to support zero emission road freight, however the limited availability of infrastructure and vehicles means this technology is not currently able to meet end user needs. The H2Accelerate collaboration has brought together truck manufacturers and hydrogen infrastructure providers to work together to create a commercially viable, pan-European hydrogen trucking system in the coming decade.

wide variety of potential end uses in transport, heating, industry, and power generation. Hydrogen is therefore able to act as an ‘energy vector’, effectively storing and transporting large quantities of renewable energy around the world. By acting as a buffer for renewable energy, hydrogen is able to balance the disparate supply and demand for clean energy through time and across geographies. In energy systems that are increasingly reliant on intermittent sources of renewable energy, such as wind and solar, this enables an increasing amount of energy supply to be sourced from renewables. This energy can then be transported without relying on electricity networks, which may encounter capacity issues as electrification increases across multiple sectors. The varied end uses of hydrogen also make it suitable for decarbonisation of traditionally hardto-reach sectors such as transport and heating, which currently rely largely on fossil fuels.

Hydrogen in long-haul trucking Fuel cell trucks use hydrogen as a fuel and The role of hydrogen offer the potential for a high degree of in energy systems operational flexibility while producing Hydrogen can be produced from a wide range zero harmful tailpipe emissions. of low carbon and renewable energy Battery electric trucks sources. One such process gaining are another zero tailpipe significant traction in Europe is Hydrog emission solution with electrolysis, which produces e the promise of zero hydrogen using only water fuel cel n l carbon emissions and renewable electricity trucks c a when recharged resulting in zero carbon n m eet operato with renewable emissions. Hydrogen by prov rs’ needs electricity. While each can then be stored at technology has its scale and transported refuellin iding fast own advantages and over large distances to a g an

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The H2Accelerate collaboration has been formed between truck manufacturers Daimler Truck, IVECO, and Volvo Group, and hydrogen infrastructure providers Shell, OMV, and TotalEnergies, to help move Europe towards a commercially viable hydrogen trucking system a mix of both options is expected to be needed within a zero-carbon transport system, hydrogen fuel cell trucks are particularly suitable for long-haul, heavy-duty applications, which require a highly flexible solution. This sector is of particular importance in achieving climate targets, as while long-haul trucking only makes up 12 per cent of the European fleet, it is responsible for 41 per cent of road freight emissions due to high payload, weight, and distances travelled. Trucks in this use case often travel internationally over multi-day trips, rarely staying in the same location overnight. This leads to a need for vehicles that offer high range, even with heavy payloads, and a refuelling network that is able to serve vehicles across the continent. Hydrogen fuel cell trucks can meet operators’ needs by providing fast refuelling (under 15 mins) and long ranges (>800km even for the heaviest loads), thereby offering similar operation to diesel vehicles. This gives hydrogen fuelled trucks the long range and flexibility of route that are essential for international travel. The H2Accelerate collaboration The H2Accelerate collaboration has been formed between truck manufacturers Daimler Truck, IVECO, and Volvo Group, and hydrogen infrastructure providers Shell, OMV, and TotalEnergies, to work collaboratively to help move Europe towards a commercially viable hydrogen trucking system. The central aim of the collaboration is to create the conditions for the mass-market roll-out of hydrogen trucks in Europe, by enabling an attractive customer offering that leads to sustained demand for hydrogen trucks. In order to meet end user needs, the collaboration expects that a viable hydrogen trucking system will need to be large scale, as an acceptable cost proposition for end users can only be achieved through economies of scale associated with the transition to series production of trucks, and the development of large-scale renewable hydrogen infrastructure. A viable hydrogen trucking system will also need to be Pan-European – to serve truck customers travelling between countries, hydrogen suppliers are committing to invest in stations across country borders, to progressively build a pan-European refuelling network. Truck manufacturers are planning to invest in maintenance and repair systems to serve trucks in all locations that can be spanned using the refuelling network. The coalition also expects a viable trucking system to be customer-centric. The H2Accelerate participants have committed to take a technology

neutral stance and use customer preferences and attitudes to define the choice of refuelling technologies deployed over the coming decade. Achieving the envisioned hydrogen trucking system will require significant investments from both truck manufacturers and hydrogen infrastructure players. These investments must be made at-risk, in advance of demand for hydrogen trucks and fuel from the market. A viable hydrogen trucking system cannot be created without joint commitments from both truck manufacturers and infrastructure developers. By bringing these groups together, the H2Accelerate collaboration will mitigate the risk for both parties and achieve a rapid, but sustainable scale-up of the hydrogen truck market. Achieving a hydrogen trucking system While the H2Accelerate participants are ready and willing to commit to scaling up the hydrogen trucking sector, policy support from the state will be required to enable the early phases of deployment. This is expected to include both capital funding during the high-risk early stage and policy support for subsequent expansion. The H2Accelerate collaboration envisages the deployment of hydrogen trucks over the coming decade occurring in three phases, each progressively increasing in scale. As the fuel cell truck market scales up, the costs of operating a fuel cell truck are expected to decrease and policy support can be progressively reduced. The first phase will be “learning by deployment”, where the first hundreds of

trucks are placed in the hands of customers, using a relatively limited (but high reliability) refuelling network. During this phase, direct capital subsidies will be required to make an acceptable business case proposition for truck operators, in addition to private financing from hydrogen providers and vehicle manufacturers. The details of long-term policy solutions to enable the business case for hydrogen trucks will be developed in this phase, to allow industry to prepare for the following decade of scale up. The second phase will involve “industrial scale up”, where the first series production of trucks will occur, and vehicles will be deployed in their thousands. In this phase, the refuelling network will grow across Europe, along key transport corridors. Policy support measures during this period are expected start to transition from capital subsidy for trucks and infrastructure to more sustainable measures, for example in the form of differential road tolls, carbon taxes, etc. The third phase will be known as “sustainable growth”, where economies of scale have helped to reduce prices across the supply chain and public funding support can be progressively withdrawn in favour of supportive sustainable policy measures. To support national and European policymakers to develop supportive policy for fuel cell trucks, H2Accelerate partners will publish a whitepaper (expected September 2021) detailing the expected costs of operating fuel cell trucks. This paper will set out recommendations for policy mechanisms and levels of support needed to enable hydrogen trucks to become competitive with diesel vehicles in each of the deployment phases. Joint commitments from truck OEMs, infrastructure providers, and national and European governments are required to enable the development of a zero-emission trucking system that can meet end user needs. Members of the H2Accelerate collaboration are prepared to work together, and with government, to facilitate this transition. L

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