DRIVING FLEETS TOWARDS EV READINESS

Cutting emissions is increasingly important to businesses and individuals – not just to cut costs but to make a difference to the environment. However, there are still numerous barriers that are making the transition challenging. To understand these barriers and how they can be overcome, a recent Europcar study of 300 professionals responsible for fleet and business travel revealed what they have changed, and what the future holds for their business mobility.

The results, published in a report ‘Switching sustainability from buzzword to business benefit’, revealed that businesses intentions are positive when it comes to going green. Over half have some fully electric vehicles on fleet; 54% have some hybrids. And more than half of workplaces provide charging facilities on the premises.

It’s clear that businesses are making great strides, but there is still a long way to go before the average fleet can boast zero emissions.

Business benefits of green fleets

Business mobility can have a significant impact on budgets and carbon emissions. Cutting down on how often and how far employees are required to travel and changing their mode of transport can provide substantial savings on both fronts. Indeed, the increasingly popular hybrid working model is changing many aspects of business travel. But people and goods still need to get from A to B and employers are looking to their fleet and business travel managers to think about how this can happen with sustainability as a core driver.

Very few businesses are able to make a wholesale switch to electric right now. Instead, a transitional strategy, reducing emissions alongside testing new powertrains, is a tactic being widely adopted. And this will become ever more important as the current vehicles on company fleets get older. Employers also need to adapt their mobility choices to ensure the growing number of Clean Air Zones coming into force in cities across the UK this year doesn’t hit their bottom line. Being able to access compliant cars and vans as and when they’re needed makes a lot of sense.

The Europcar road to zero emissions

Flexible vehicle usage – from Corporate Car Sharing to vehicle rental by the day, week, month or year – helps businesses reduce emissions in a practical, accessible and cost-efficient way. Plus providing access to the newest, most environmentally friendly vehicles as and when required, rental allows organisations to try-before-theybuy. It is commitment-free and can help provide reassurance that the investment in a greener fleet will work with operations and bring business benefits. And renting electric vehicles can dispel concerns drivers have regarding charging infrastructure and driving range as well as help businesses understand what is right for them now and in the future.

To find out more about how Europcar can help your organisation on your sustainability journey call 0371 384 0140 or visit www.europcar.co.uk/business/electric