Fleet World - May 2024

John Challen editor

Small, but perfectly formed...

SUVs. Crossovers. MPVs. People carriers. Whatever you want to call them – or have called them in the past – bigger and taller vehicles than ‘standard’ sized ones have become a massive deal over the years. In the C-segment, you can’t move for SUV contenders, while there is also a growing number of larger cars that, despite all their major plus points, still only carry five – or sometimes even just four – people.

Maybe it’s because I was young and impressionable in the late 1980s and early 1990s, but I’ve always had more than a soft spot for hatchbacks. My first car was a Fiat Uno, before I then moved onto a SEAT Ibiza, a Volkswagen Lupo and – my personal favourite – a Ford Fiesta Zetec-S. At that point, kids came along and I needed more than three doors. It was still a hatchback – a Škoda Fabia vRS – and I loved it, but already there was pressure (from society, really, as opposed to anything or anyone else) to get something a bit ‘bigger’. So a Ford Focus C-Max replaced the vRS.

Well done if you made it through my potted automotive history –your reward is the actual point I’m trying to make! That is, while the C-Max was almost perfectly suited to our needs, I was still left wanting.

Incoming small EV Škoda Epiq

And I don’t think I’m alone in that camp. So I have been hugely encouraged to see a new generation of desirable (for whatever reason) electrified ‘hatchbacks' emerging (with car design continuing down the well-trodden path it’s been on for a while, I’m comfortable putting compact SUVs in that bracket!). First in this new breed was the new Renault 5 E-Tech, viewed by many as the star of the 2024 Geneva Motor Show. That car comes with more than a hint of nostalgia, while the Dacia Spring offers a price and running costs that fly in the face of many EV sceptics.

And then there’s Škoda’s forthcoming small EV, the, er, epically titled, Epiq. It looks great (subjective, I know), offers a theoretical driving range of nearly 250 miles and will tick a lot of boxes. Plus, it will undoubtably have new interpretations of ‘Simply Clever’, of which I am a massive fan. While performance details have not yet been revealed, Epiq will have that instant power that all EVs boast and, given its dimensions, is bound to feel pretty nimble (and fun). Space-wise, there’s nearly 500 litres of room available in the boot and the brand promises plenty of cabin space. All for an expected sub-£25k price tag.

No, these new compact arrivals won’t be for everybody, but will tug at the heart strings of many. Running costs will be lower, they’ll be easier to manoeuvre and I’m sure they will put smiles on lots of faces. I, for one, can’t wait to try them out.

“My first car was a Fiat Uno, before I then moved onto a SEAT Ibiza, a Volkswagen Lupo and – my personal favourite – a Ford Fiesta Zetec-S”

FLEET15

Kieron Davey

UK country manager, DriiveMe

What is your ambition in your current job role?

To make DriiveMe the supplier of choice when it comes to driven vehicle movements –and to fly through all the targets that have been set for the business until the end of 2027.

What job did you want to do when you were growing up?

Rally driver.

The best takeaway food? Chinese.

What’s the proudest moment in your career?

When I was told I was being made redundant and, within two days, I was up and running with my own business and a portfolio of clients. Also – as part of a team – increasing department revenues at 100-fold in 12 years at a former company. They were big numbers, too!

What’s your favourite film and why?

I have about four, but the one that stands out is the original Blues Brothers. Amazing music, car chases and comedy – it’s got it all.

If money was no object, what’s the first thing you would buy?

A car... but something a bit different, not brand new.

Name three cars in your dream garage?

An Aston Martin DB6, Austin Healey 3000 (in blue and cream) and one I currently own: my 1986 Type 25 VW Camper.

What are the biggest challenges facing fleets at the moment?

Commercial vehicle electrification, getting hydrogen networks up and running, and longer contracts on leases for EVs – ideally up to six years.

You’re on your dream holiday. Where are you? Anywhere with the family. Personally, I would be skiing, but they might not agree.

Night in or night out?

Night in. Can’t beat time with the family.

Supermarket of choice?

I have two: Tesco and Aldi.

What car do you currently drive?

A three-litre V6 TDI Audi Q7.

Tea, coffee or other?

Coffee in the morning and then squash during the day.

Books, mags or podcasts?

Talking! I’ll occasionally read a magazine, but that’s about it.

Who is your idol in life and work?

In life it’s my dad who has taught me so much. In work it would be my former MD, Colin Bruder, who I worked for at Network Automotive Management.

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A mixed bag for fleets

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has delivered the last Spring Budget before a general election. Natalie Middleton examines the main points for fleet operators

The Spring Budget, seen by many as ‘make-or-break’ time, unveiled a raft of tax and spending plans in a bid to woo voters ahead of a general election. It was the Chancellor’s fourth fiscal event, coming just over three months after his 2023 Autumn Statement, but contained few major announcements for fleets.

FUEL DUTY FREEZE EXTENDED

The Chancellor confirmed that fuel duty will remain at its current rate and be frozen for the next 12 months in the Spring Budget. In a much-anticipated move, Jeremy Hunt told Parliament that the Treasury will maintain the current 5p a litre fuel duty cut introduced in March 2022 and keep the duty freeze –now in its 14th year – to support drivers and the economy at large.

The move has been much welcomed by the fleet sector, although some thought duty should have been cut further. Others said it was disappointing that the Chancellor did not go further and introduce a VAT reduction on public charging for electric cars.

FULL EXPENSING TO BE EXTENDED TO RENTAL AND LEASING SECTORS

Following months of lobbying by the leasing sector, the Chancellor committed to extending full expensing to leased assets.

The Government said that draft legislation would be published within weeks

to extend full expensing to leased assets “when affordable to do so”.

First announced as a temporary measure in the 2023 Budget, full expensing replaced the previous Super-Deduction tax relief for qualifying equipment and machinery including fleet vans/ trucks – but not cars. It was made permanent in the 2023 Autumn Statement, but the rental and leasing sectors were excluded from claiming the powerful investment allowances.

According to the BVRLA, it could unlock an additional £1bn worth of investment into low- and zero-emission commercial vehicles.

LACK OF BUDGET SUPPORT FOR EVS SLAMMED BY MANY

The Chancellor has been called out for missing opportunities to provide fairer taxation on charging and to incentivise consumer purchases of EVs.

Despite the lobbying from prominent stakeholders, the Chancellor failed to address current “unfair” and “illogical” public charging rules whereby drivers using public charge points have to pay 20% VAT, compared to 5% for those able to access home chargers.

There was also a distinct lack of measures to incentivise consumer purchases of electric vehicles – leaving Vauxhall managing director James Taylor saying the Budget “has not delivered the acceleration needed to stop the UK’s transition to electric vehicles from stalling”.

NO NEWS ON BiK RATES

There was no news on Benefit-in-Kind rates past 2027/28, leaving fleets in the dark on future tax rates.

The current rates were set out in the 2022 Autumn statement when it was announced that the Government would start raising company car tax rates for EVs from 2025/26, but with yearly increases capped at 1% until 2028 to keep rates low. The rate for 2027/28 will be 5%.

EMPLOYEE NI CUT

As expected, the Chancellor confirmed the core national insurance contribution rate would be cut by two percentage points from 10% to 8% from 6 April 2024. This comes on top of a 2p cut in the autumn statement in November, which reduced the rate from 12% to 10%.

Matthew Walters, head of consultancy services and customer value at ALD Automotive | LeasePlan UK, said: “Although it’s true that NIC reforms will reduce the advantages of opting into salary sacrifice schemes, the effects are marginal. These schemes enable employees to lease a new car through their employer, fund it with their pre-tax income, then pay tax and National Insurance on the remainder, typically reducing their tax bill.”

Cutting NICs on income marginally reduces those savings, but the bigger picture is it will leave drivers with more money in their pockets in the first place. With retail demand for new cars waning, that’s good news.

INCOMING

MG3

What is it? Compact supermini

When is it available? Now

Biggest changes? All-new model

Fleet appeal? Hybrid-only lineup; low running costs

Who’s got the power?

The MG3’s Hybrid+ powertrain technology is the first conventional, nonplug-in hybrid system fitted to an MG model. Performance-wise, the car will hit 62mph from a standstill in eight seconds flat. The combined output of the 1.5-litre engine and electric motor is 192bhp and 250Nm and average economy is stated as 64mpg (WLTP).

Grown-up MG

While not revolutionary, the look of the car has been enhanced with more length and width added to the outgoing model’s dimensions. That means more interior room for all passengers, and a big boot. In fact, MG is claiming it’s got the largest one in the B-segment. Drivers will have a choice of six exterior colours.

Supermini selections

There will be two grades of MG3 when it comes to the UK: SE and Trophy. Drivers of all models will get to experience an enhanced infotainment setup, with a 7-inch driver display alongside a 10.25-inch central system. Sat-nav, smartphone integration and rear parking sensors come as standard. Options include a 360° camera and heated seats and steering wheel.

East meets west

Engineers in China and Europe have worked together on the MG3 to create driving dynamics and comfort that are up to scratch. Ensuring the car is still ‘fun to drive’, but with a compliant ride, there’s upgraded suspension and chassis components and soundabsorbing materials, which all help to reduce NVH.

VERDICT

MG had a real hit with the ‘4’ and it will be hoping for the same with its smaller stablemate. With upgrades to powertrain, interior and exterior, there’s a good chance that it will be a popular choice, especially with the costconscious, given its £18,495 starting price.

same love, new energy

(1) the official fuel consumption figures in mpg (l/100km) for the Clio E-Tech full hybrid esprit Alpine are: 65.7 mpg and CO₂ emissions are 97g/km. WLTP figures shown are for comparability purposes. real world driving results may vary depending on factors including weather conditions, driving styles, vehicle load or any accessories fitted after registration. internal source. based on a full tank on Clio esprit Alpine vs WLTP fuel consumption.

Renault recommends

renault.co.uk

“Manufacturers seem to be focused on becoming the highest-scoring card in a Top Trumps deck”

AT LARGE

Alex Grant

Despite a big uptake of electric vehicles in the fleet market, there’s a lot of work to be done within the industry as a whole, says our editor at large

Iremember the first time I drove a Tesla. It was a US-spec car, during a fleet-focused event on the outskirts of Munich Airport in autumn 2012 – and I knew instantly that the company would turn everything on its head. Supercar fast, with a long range, head-turning styling and a unique smartphone-like interface, the Model S injected a much-needed dose of desirability into the still-burgeoning EV market. I think we need a similar step change today.

The 2020s are an interesting time to be immersed in automotive tech, as manufacturers seem to be focused on becoming the highest-scoring card in a Top Trumps deck. Today’s electric saloons and SUVs make notorious family-movers such as the 1990s Lotus Carlton look timid –and superlatives seem to be the priority. Hundreds of miles of range, mind-bending acceleration times, tank turns and even rocket boosters are de rigueur, but the truly disruptive newcomers won’t need to do any of that. They’ll be cheap.

I am more optimistic than most about the apparent slowdown in EV demand. My gut feeling is the car-buying public is more concerned about the cost of going electric than relentless coverage of queues at charge points, dead batteries and spontaneous combustion. Most

households are facing a financial shock from surging food, energy and mortgage payments, while rising interest rates, higher list prices and softer residual values have made PCP deals less affordable than they were a few years ago. That’s a retail market issue, not an EV issue.

Of course, it doesn’t help that going electric can still look pricey. I numbercrunched a four-year PCP contract on one of the UK’s best-selling cars recently and found the electric version was 50% pricier than the petrol with an auto ‘box. That’s £125 a month. With a 6,000-mile yearly allowance, you won’t claw that back even if you’re doing all your charging overnight on a low-rate tariff.

Then there’s the tax system. We’re only a year away from EVs paying the same vehicle excise duty as everything else –including the £410-a-year ‘expensive car supplement’ for cars priced over £40,000. Five of the UK’s best-selling EVs have an entry price higher than that threshold – and another three straddle it.

The Treasury persisting with a policy that will penalise some EVs with three times higher tax than their lower-priced fuelburning counterparts is nonsensical, but it highlights the cost of going electric.

Change is coming, of course. The Dacia Spring, a £14,995 city-size crossover

(pictured above), deservedly found its place in the headlines recently – though I think its 137-mile range and slow charging will limit its appeal to just one-car families. At £25,000 in UK spec and with twice the range, I can see the retromodern new Renault 5 making an even bigger impact (especially if it’s as good to drive as the slightly larger Megane), while Citroën’s ë-C3X sounds interesting too.

Price competition between manufacturers and battery suppliers is going to be a catalyst for disruptive change over the next few years, especially as inflation eases, energy prices begin to settle down and the industry chases mandatory ZEV targets. I’m more excited by the concept of an affordable, low-weight, driverfocused compact EV than I am about the superlative-chasing at the end of the market. Hot hatch acceleration times and a 300-mile range is plenty – and can we have normal door handles and physical HVAC controls while we’re at it?

Who knows, maybe Tesla will be the one to deliver that. A Model 2 is, apparently, in the pipeline now that engineers aren’t tied up with Cybertruck-related complexity –and I’ve no doubt it’ll be a good product when it arrives. Whoever gets there first, I’m sure it’ll be as memorable and disruptive as the Model S was a decade ago

9.45-10.30 AM FLEET MANAGEMENT

UNCOMPLICATED COMPLIANCE > How to create a good practice fleet policy

Simon Turner campaign manager Driving for Better Business

EV CYBERSECURITY > HOW SAFE IS YOUR FLEET?

Tom Caldwell CTO Techniche Group

TAKING CHARGE > Unveiling electrification realities of over 1.3m vehicles

David Savage Vice President, UK & Ireland Geotab

11.00-11.45 AM ELECTRIC VEHICLES

ENERGY CRISIS? > Taking the worry out of electrifying your fleet

Maria Bengtsson UK&I electric vehicle lead Ernst & Young LLP

MAKING MORE INFORMED FLEET DECISIONS

Dan Lawrence-Eyre co-founder & COO diode

THE EV TRANSITION > How the Government is supporting fleets

Tommi Salminen vehicle policy advisor OZEV | Dept for Transport

12.30-1.15 PM MOBILITY & LOGISTICS

WHAT’S COMING DOWN THE ROAD > From better networks to autonomous cars

Adam Simmons Director of Strategic Planning and Analysis National Highways

COST CONTROL > How to maximise your fleet efficiency

Mark Main UK&I transport lead Ernst & Young LLP

MICROMOBILITY, BIG POSSIBILITIES > Getting the most out of your fleet

Brett Hilliard group partnerships director Redde Northgate plc

2.00-2.45 PM SUSTAINABILITY

NET-ZERO 2040 > Decarbonising a fleet in the real world

Olly Craughan head of sustainability DPDgroup UK

THE FUTURE OF THE FORECOURT > EVs and beyond

Euan Moir head of fleet solutions UK Shell

3.15-4.00 PM FUTURE OF FLEET

CHARGING FORWARD > Overcoming e-mobility challenges in fleet management

Mark Sanders-Barwick Head of Business Development ZPN Energy

EVs AT A PREMIUM > Controlling spiralling insurance through risk management

James Pestell board director AFP

INTELLIGENT THINKING > How AI technology can help improve fleet operations

Joe Heidari fleet & optimisation sales director Trakm8

Wilcomatic might be the biggest vehicle washing business you’ve never heard of.

However, the company’s Clean Car Club is looking to change all that. With a footprint of more than 550 sites all over the UK, Wilcomatic has undertaken a comprehensive technological upgrade to our car washes, enabling fleet drivers to activate the car wash using an app, with centralised B2B invoicing and attractive trade commercial terms.

The importance of clean vehicles

Whether you are a national broadband provider or a smaller local business, the first impression given to your end customers plays a big role in your ongoing customer retention. Neglecting cleanliness indicates your company does not consider attention to detail important – people buy from brands that are proud of their brand identity.

Apart from the obvious implications of headlights and taillights not being effective – and number plates being covered in

Clean, lean and green

Creating a good first impression with clean vehicles can be a game-changer for fleets, says Nick Causer, Wilcomatic’s business development manager

grime and therefore illegal – if a vehicle can be seen, particularly at night, it is less likely to be involved in an accident. Regular washing also allows for the early identification of vehicle degradation, such as rust.

Some of the more progressive leasing companies and fleet management companies provide driver tips and recommendations to fleet managers. However, generally, it is difficult to get the word out to the vast majority of fleets. A brand-new vehicle is treated with greater respect than a dirty old vehicle on the fleet. If all vehicles were kept clean more regularly there would be fewer bumps, dinks and scratches and therefore fleet managers could limit financial penalties to the fleet.

How the Clean Car Club app works

Fleets sign up to a fleet wash agreement with Clean Car Club/Wilcomatic. They are provided with an access code for the Clean Car Club app, which can predetermine how many washes each driver can activate each month and the types of wash programme (we offer four main

“Supermarket automatic car washes offer a safer and more responsible environment to clean fleet vehicles”

programmes from an Express wash to the top Ultimate Plus wash). Fleet managers send user instructions to drivers, along with the access code and links to download the app. Once the app is downloaded and they have registered, the driver can consult the map and find a wash station near their current location. On arrival at the supermarket forecourt, they simply scan a QR code on the car wash control panel, select the wash programme on their phone and then drive into the car wash when instructed by the app. It’s that simple!

Environmental aspects

Compared to unregulated hand car wash sites and onsite jet washing, supermarket automatic car washes offer a safer and more responsible environment to clean fleet vehicles. Firstly, your fleet doesn’t have to worry about the ever-increasing cost of utilities and chemicals with jet wash cleaning on site. Also, all the supermarket sites trap service water and reuse up to 90% of the water during the wash programme. The machines remove effluent and filter the service water in gravel filters onsite, ensuring there is no run-off into surface water. As a result, our rivers, lakes and oceans are not polluted.

Some fleet drivers find themselves having to travel across country to other company sites to use company jet wash facilities, causing a greater fuel spend and higher emissions. With our solution, fleet drivers can always find a supermarket location local to them, up and down the country, causing less fuel burn, reducing emissions, and saving company time.

What’s next for Wilcomatic?

Within the next nine months, we will have 110 jet washes around the country that will be updated to work with the Clean Car Club. They will all be situated at supermarket forecourts, with a big focus in and around cities in the UK.

WEEK BEHIND THE WHEEL

Can the roomy and family-friendly Honda CR-V justify its premium pricing?

Alisdair Suttie puts it to the test over a week

MONDAY

A recent stint at the wheel of the Honda Civic Type R for UK Car of the Year Awards judging has Honda bathed in a warm glow of fun driving in my mind right now. This is carried on with the arrival of a CR-V 2.0 iMMD Advance this morning, which is the full hybrid model with the firm’s e:HEV system, so no plug-in charging needed. Previous CR-Vs have always impressed, so this one has a lot to live up to.

WEDNESDAY

A drive into Edinburgh this morning points up a number of details about the CR-V. First, the heated seats and steering wheel warm up very quickly and give off a toasty glow on a chilly morning. Second, the driving position is pleasingly like an old-school 4×4 with its raised seat height and excellent all-round vision, helped by the 360-degree camera when parking. The Honda also has a tighter turning circle than many rivals.

TUESDAY

The £995 optional Premium Crystal Red Metallic paint sure does set off this CR-V and it’s a very welcome change from the usual dark greys and black paint of most SUVs. I’m not so convinced by the black wheels, but we’ll put that down to personal taste. Size-wise, the CR-V feels to have edged up a little, giving the Mazda CX-60 and Volvo XC60 a run for their money, and the Honda backs it up with classy details and build.

THURSDAY

Heading into the wilds of Perthshire today for a photo shoot, the heated seat is first on the list of functions to select. The infotainment is next and is easy enough to use but a bit dated in the appearance of the graphics. The 9.0-inch screen also seems on the small side nowadays, but I like the physical buttons for volume, home, and to go back a screen. There are also proper buttons for the heat and ventilation – top work, Honda.

SATURDAY

Plenty of errands today sees the Honda and I dotting about on a lot of back lanes and A-roads. As it’s not quite tourist season up here yet, the roads are traffic-free early this morning and the CR-V makes quicker progress than you might expect of an SUV. It grips well, though there’s not a great deal of steering interaction, and the body doesn’t lean much. It also copes well with the cratered road surfaces.

“The CR-V makes quicker progress than you might expect of an SUV”

FRIDAY

I know it can take a little getting used to, but I’m a big fan of Honda’s push buttons for the automatic transmission. They respond without delay and there’s a positive feel to them missing from some other similar set-ups in other cars. The 2.0-litre petrol engine and motor combo is generally quiet until you ask for brisker acceleration, which they deliver effectively through the standard four-wheel drive set-up.

SUNDAY

Family loaded up for a drive into Stirling this afternoon and the Honda makes light work of packing them in, plus shopping on the way back. No surprises there, but what does make me take note is just how generous the CR-V’s boot is. It’s also lined with a plastic tray to protect the floor from spills, while hooks and cubbies make it simple to keep bags upright in the first place. AS

See the Honda team at GBFE 2024!

Paul Hollick chair, Association of Fleet Professionals

FOCUS ON THE TARGETS

To really be able to help fleet professionals, it’s essential to understand the issues they are going through

In 2024, what is really worrying fleet managers? This is the question we pondered when putting together the running order for this year’s Association of Fleet Professionals (AFP) Conference. However, pondering seemed like a poor way of finding out when we could simply ask – so we did, getting members to put forward their ideas for what should be included.

The results are (in no particular order): engaging drivers with road risk; EV deployment in action; decarbonisation beyond electric vehicles; challenges with costs and supply; how to handle pressure on bodyshops; new manufacturer entrants to the fleet sector; repair networks and getting vehicles back on the road; insurers writing off vehicles due to repair delays; and EV charger deployment.

There are no surprises in this list, I’m sure you’d agree. Arguably, we are now in a time when fleet management is facing a series of issues for which the word ‘intractable’ might have been created. Having gone through a pandemic when fleet managers were sometimes hailed as something akin to heroes for playing their part in keeping the country moving – and

an exciting couple of years where we plucked the easy wins for car electrification, we are now experiencing a period when things feel much more of a grind.

Today, success probably looks like trying to stack up as many incremental wins as possible. That means meeting tough, but worthwhile, challenges such as those listed above. None of them are exactly sexy and they are often very difficult to tackle, but they are undeniably important.

My view – and it is one that I have heard shared across the AFP by others in recent times – is that these are the moments when fleet managers really earn their spurs. The economy is flatlining and many businesses are finding life, if not exactly tough, a little tougher than in recent years. If you can meet the transport needs of your employer, satisfy and protect drivers, facilitate the demands of car and (especially) van electrification, improve risk management and stay within your budget, then you’re probably something of a legend, in your own quiet way.

Our plan for the AFP Conference is for fleet managers to share how they are achieving these kinds of mini victories.

The real accomplishment of our organisation in recent years has been to facilitate widespread discussion about fleet management strategies in a manner than has perhaps never been previously achieved –using a variety of in-person forums, networking lunches, and WhatsApp and other digital channels – so that industry professionals are simply talking to each other more than ever before. The Conference is, in one way, the purest expression of this mass dialogue, with 250 fleet professionals in a room sharing the ideas that are helping them achieve these all-important incremental wins.

This is not a pitch for readers of Fleet World to come along to the event – places tend to go very quickly and there’s a good chance it will be fully booked up by the time you read this – but more a recognition that a professional organisation such as ours really comes into its own during times such as these. While we currently have no panaceas that will help you completely resolve all your fleet challenges with ease and panache in moments, we do have hundreds of fleet managers who will happily share their dayto-day experiences, successes and failures. In 2024, that’s invaluable.

“Today, success probably looks like trying to stack up as many incremental wins as possible”

FROM THE

INDUSTRY

How are trends in mobility shaping your fleet strategy?

With even more challenges and changes impacting the industry in recent years, the fundamental objective for fleet managers remains the same. Businesses still need an operationally efficient, cost-effective, safe, and compliant fleet. Whether it is for vehicles carrying out essential business mileage or providing employees with a company car benefit, delivering against the business’ objectives continues to be a balancing act.

Industry suppliers have demonstrated unwavering determination to identify solutions – adapting policies, embracing innovation, and adopting technology to ensure businesses are supported through any challenges. To be successful, it is crucial suppliers recognise that no two customers, fleets, or even “fleets within fleets”, are the same. Using a tailored approach when developing solutions is key to ensuring the right fit, for the right customer, at the right time. From traditional company cars and salary sacrifice to car clubs and subscription models, the options for tailored solutions are plentiful and easily adaptable to even the most complex of needs.

An emerging trend towards Mobility as a Service (MaaS) took a pivot during the pandemic but is now adapting to the post-pandemic environment, and many sectors are once again looking to blend a variety of mobility options to deliver streamlined solutions. With a fundamental change in consumer behaviour over recent years, a shift in risk appetite, rising costs, as well as reduced reliability and increasing costs of public transport, employees have returned to both the company car and salary sacrifice schemes in significant numbers. For the main part, the most cost-effective way of running a new car is an EV through an employer, and ultimately, people love the convenience of a fully managed car that feels like their own.

And so, such solutions will remain a core focus for the foreseeable future. This does not mean they should be the only focus; there will be populations where the company car isn’t the best fit, and utilising mobility solutions for these populations will support businesses in meeting their needs. However, there are valuable learnings to be had before they are widely adopted. The industry will continue to adapt to an ever-changing landscape to provide cost-effective solutions that fulfil business needs. We will demonstrate resilience, evolve, embrace innovation, and tailor solutions to different populations that ensure businesses, and their fleets, are ready for the challenges yet to come.

Christopher Caddick Head of Business Development JCT600 Vehicle Leasing Solutions

“Using a tailored approach when developing solutions is key to ensuring the right fit, for the right customer, at the right time.”

As a family-run business that has been around for 100 years, Holman knows what it takes to succeed. We opened our first Ford dealership in New Jersey in 1924 and have grown to the point where we have two million vehicles under our fleet management. In the UK, we look at the complete model of buy, drive, service, sell. The difference between us and other operations is that we focus on how to give the best return to our customers. With our approach, finance, lease and individual services allows customers to flex their fleet as they need to and change it as and when the environment dictates. But, the sole aim is to ensure that when it comes to the ‘sell’ element of the model, our customers are the ones that retain the equity, not us.

Agility is key

Our 300-strong UK staff all work to protect the assets of our customers and the fleets in our care. That means we don’t earn more if we spend more, but we have to justify every penny of expenditure, which leads to big savings for our customers.

Agility is the aim

Having been in business for 100 years, Holman has learned what works and – more importantly – what doesn’t for fleets, says Rory Mackinnon, the company’s commercial director

Our ability to add in agility starts with the model. We offer finance lease, with pay-onuse maintenance, which means customers only spend what they use. With finance lease – and because fleets are taking the opportunity to get all the profit back at the end, if circumstances in the market – or their vehicle, change at any time during that period, they are able to get out of it.

Details in the data

As a business we are a data aggregator –and we provide fleets with dashboards and an insight into their vehicles, we identify for our customers peaks or outliers of vehicles and give guidance on the actions to take, affecting their bottom line positively and improving their operation.

We’re able to get vehicles back on the road quicker and we understand how preventative maintenance supports a productive fleet operation. Everything hinges around portfolio management, which is where we take all of our data and present it to our customers in a way that gives them the ability to make informed decisions.

“Our 300-strong UK staff all work to protect the assets of our customers and the fleets in our care”

Access to this data comes back to the concept of agility and the ability to get out of contracts when your business needs to. We can help fleets when they are looking to transition to EV, for example, and being aware of new vehicles coming online. If they fit the needs of the fleet, we’re able to make the change a seamless key-to-key switch.

Unlock the potential of your fleet

We understand that managing a successful fleet can be complex and timeconsuming. New developments in technology, regulation changes, as well as the pressure to keep costs down, can all strain resources and lead to reactive, short-term solutions. Our four steps aim to make things easier: buy (build a fleet that delivers); drive (create a culture of safety); service (keep your vehicles on the road) and sell (avoid supply chain disruption). This approach ensures that fleets are agile, drivers are safe and vehicles are compliant. All at the same time as maximising the returns back to your organisation.

Holman

With the 2035 petrol and diesel ban on the horizon, EVownership is likely to become a normal occurrence across UK households and businesses. EV sales and registrations are already climbing year-on-year – and this is forecast to continue.

While EVs offer an opportunity to shift to cleaner transport for environmental reasons, Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) charging could change how fleets think about electricity.

What is V2G charging?

V2G is another phrase for bi-directional charging, the two-way flow of energy from the grid to vehicles and vice versa. We’re in a transformative time where electric vehicles are integrating into our energy ecosystem. In one of National Grid’s future energy scenarios, V2G charging could provide up to 38GW of flexible power from 5.5 million EVs. That extra electricity would cover all the extra peak power the UK needs in the highest-demand scenario for 2050.

At Drax Electric Vehicles, we see EVs as assets that can transform how organisations use energy and supercharge sustainability

TIME TO GO ON GRID

What is the reality of vehicle-to-grid charging –and is it feasible for fleets yet? Adam Hall, energy services director at Drax Electric Vehicles, explains

agendas through V2G technology. Historically, fleet vehicles have generated revenue only while operational. What V2G offers, in principle, is the opportunity for fleets to generate revenue in their downtime, too.

As EVs draw power from the UK energy network, they can also send power back if the grid needs it. This effectively means EVs can act like mobile power stations. Renewable generation now makes up a greater share of the energy mix; the network has a higher percentage of clean and low-cost electricity available. It’s possible for EVs to act as stationary batteries, storing this power before sending it back to the grid. This means EVs can offer grid and energy price stability.

What could V2G mean for fleets?

Alongside wider electrification, we know that EVs will create extra demand for power. This rise in demand is likely to affect the price of electricity, but price volatility creates an opportunity for businesses to profit through optimising bi-directional V2G charging. Most cars, including fleet cars, tend to be unused for over 12 hours a day. V2G tech-

nology means that fleets can charge when energy prices are low, either overnight or when there’s a surplus of renewable energy available on the network.

When the grid is under stress with high energy demand, a bi-directional charger can send power back to the network from fleet vehicles. Businesses may also be able to generate additional revenue by providing grid stability services, such as V2G opportunities.

As an EV partner and energy supplier, we’re set up to provide EV charging, energy and asset optimisation for businesses across the UK. With our EV insights, we can optimise operators’ charging schedules, so fleets charge at the best time for the lowest cost. Meanwhile, our energy background enables us to explore the commercial viability of system stability services, such as demand flexibility schemes and V2G technology.

“In one of National Grid’s future energy scenarios, V2G charging could provide up to 38GW of flexible power from 5.5 million EVs”

How feasible is V2G technology?

Currently, bi-directional charge points are available, but they’re not yet at a sufficient scale or an appropriate price to be viable. However, V2G technology will soon become more affordable, and organisations with EV fleets will be in a key position to benefit.

We're helping organisations across the UK transition from internal combustion engine vehicles to EVs and develop a reliable, future-proofed electrification strategy. By trialling technologies like V2G, we’re beginning to understand how they can work in tandem and the future of commercial energy. Everything we learn will help us support fleets in the future.

Dear DfBB...

Got a fleet-related question or something on your mind? Let the team at Driving for Better Business know and it will (hopefully) make all your worries go away!

Dear DfBB, We’ve been looking to update our policy around driving for work, but want to make sure it will stand up to scrutiny and be welcomed by all staff. Can you help?

DfBB says:

Yours is a very timely question because Driving for Better Business is in the process of rolling out its online ‘Driving for Work Policy Builder’, which will help you ensure a ‘good practice’ policy.

Once you’ve created your profile, you’ll be able to access a driving for work policy template and create a policy document that meets legal and compliance standards. In addition, users will get email alerts for any changes in guidance or legislation that could affect your policy.

There are almost 40,000 injuries on Britain’s roads each year that involve someone who was driving for work. If you want to ensure your employees are not part of the problem, it’s vital to set out the importance of driver safety – and the good practice standards you expect when your staff are driving for work.

The policy builder gives you access to a template that ensures you meet legal and compliance standards.

We recognise that there’s no ‘one policy fits all fleets’ so this is a template to cover most road-risk challenges that employers face when running a typical fleet.

Users need to check the policy wording and amend where necessary, to ensure it meets their specific needs. Fleet operators with less common risks, such as transporting hazardous goods, need to add this wording themselves to ensure these risks are covered.

Staff on side

Increased engagement with the workforce – essentially helping to get driver buy-in – must be realistic, consistently applied and reinforced on a regular basis. A good starting point is to bring your drivers in at an early stage. Invite them to tell you what increases risk to their own journeys and how that might be avoided.

Drivers need to see how the policy would benefit them and how it can be easily followed, without anything interfering with their ability to comply. Furthermore, it is essential that everyone in the business sticks to the same rules. Punishing van drivers for using a mobile phone will not go down well if managers and directors routinely get away with the same behaviour.

What should be included in a driving for work policy?

• A policy statement that explains to drivers why the policy exists

• A driver section covering licence checks, medical conditions, driver competence and fitness to drive

• A vehicle section including roadworthiness, loading, security and private use of vehicles

• A journey section including driving standards, use of mobile phones, dealing with fines and penalties

• A grey fleet drivers section –for those employees who use their own car for business journeys

Keep up to date

To be legally compliant, your policy needs to be up to date and reviewed regularly –and owned by a director or senior manager who has overall responsibility for it.

Through our working relationships with the HSE, DVSA, DfT, TSO (which produces the Highway Code) and, of course, National Highways we are able to provide authoritative and timely updates whenever official guidance or legislation changes. Signing up to the policy builder means that we can keep you informed when there are any important changes.

We’ll also send you an annual reminder to review your policy to make sure you include any changes or updates that have occurred since you last reviewed, so that you remain legally compliant

“There are almost 40,000 injuries on Britain’s roads each year that involve at-work driving”

Got a fleet-related issue and want some advice? Email support@drivingforbetterbusiness.com

DfBB’s Simon Turner will be introducing the new Driving for Work Policy Builder at GBFE 2024 on 17 April!

ACCIDENTS WAITING TO HAPPEN

The lack of communication between parties trying to resolve a claim can be frustrating – and costly – for businesses, says Ashbourne Insurance’s Peter Smits

As an independent broker we are not tied to any one insurance company or market and can search a whole range of composite insurance companies, wholesale markets (commonly known as MGAs – or managing general agents) and Lloyds syndicates.

While there have always been differences between the services offered by each market, particularly with resolution of claims, the playing field seems to be levelling, and not in a good way!

Historically, our findings were that ‘composite’ insurers – those that administer all aspects of a policy, including under writing, administration, claims, adjustments etc – always provided a better and more efficient service. After all, it stands to reason that if you deal with everything in-house, the processes should be streamlined. On the other hand, those MGAs or Lloyds syndicates that outsourced the provision of claims management always seemed to experience delays or frustrations with claim resolutions.

The simple act of communication was elongated as there were additional stakeholders – and there were often incidents where the right hand didn’t communicate with the left or had difference expectations of process and outcome. I am sorry to report that these delays and miscom-

munications are now common practice across all markets and that no insurer is immune from causing additional frustration for the end user.

We have seen instances where, in an attempt to manage workflow, inexperienced adjusters are being swamped with work and the results are inaccurate assessments or quick-fire solutions that are not ‘fit-for-purpose’. Another practice that seems to be becoming more common is where the third-party insurer refuses to enter into any correspondence with the primary insurer.

Post-pandemic, we are also seeing a number of third-party insurers refusing to accept liability for a non-fault claim unless we can clearly identify the driver of their vehicle. It seems it is no longer good enough to demonstrate to the other party that they insure the vehicle, we now have to be able to identify their driver.

I understand that there might be legal reasons for this, however what are you supposed to do if the third party fails to stop or leave any details? Although this, in itself, may be a criminal offence – and I have seen instances where the police have prosecuted the third-party driver –they are still unwilling to provide details of the driver to any insurer. Add to this the problems that repairers are having in

obtaining parts and it all paints a pretty grim picture for the poor old policyholder.

The best advice I can give is to do everything in your power to report any claim or incident as early as possible – by the roadside immediately after the claim – would be best and to do all you can to obtain as much third-party information as possible.

That means...

• If you have dashcams fitted, make sure your insurer or appointed broker has access to this evidence as early as possible.

• Take photos of any vehicle damage at the incident scene; both your own vehicle and that of the third party.

• Try to get as much detail as possible from the third-party driver; full name, address and their insurer details.

• Finally, try to get details of any independent witnesses, remembering that any passenger in your own vehicle would not be considered truly independent.

It’s not all doom and gloom though and I have seen some instances of very quick settlements where vehicles are a result of a total loss or write-off. But just be prepared that you could experience a delay to the resolution of your claim and make sure that your broker/representative is continually chasing all parties to bring the matter to a swift conclusion.

“Post-pandemic, we are seeing a number of third-party insurers refusing to accept liability for a non-fault claim unless we can clearly identify the driver of their vehicle”

PUTTING MOBILITY ON THE SUSTAINABILITY AGENDA

Arecent Government inquiry by the House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee highlighted that ‘surface transport is the UK’s highest emitting sector for CO2, with passenger cars responsible for over half those emissions.’ The report released by the Committee also stated that ‘progress is not happening fast enough, and major barriers remain’ including charging anxiety as well as the cost and availability of zero emission vehicles.

A sustainable solution to mobility

As a forward-thinking vehicle rental business, Europcar is committed to helping companies find the right mobility solution for their needs that

also addresses the sustainability agenda. For some that will mean battery electric; for others it will be a mixture of electric, hybrid and younger more efficient petrol and diesel vehicles at least in the short term, while making the transition.

Rental also provides a sustainable alternative to ownership. Why commit to long-term ownership of vehicles that will stand idle for much of the working week?

The perceptions challenge Europcar is also tackling misperceptions about electric motoring, with a clear strategy to make electric vehicles accessible without long-term financial commitments or penalties.

Rental for a few days, weeks or months not only makes EVs easily accessible without any availability delays; it also puts employees in the driving seat to test EVs in real world conditions.

Working with many businesses, Europcar is helping them understand where electric motoring might impact productivity – and how to mitigate against that. A range of electric cars and vans have been added to the Europcar fleet in the last year including models from GWM ORA, Mercedes,

MG, and Tesla. And more makes and models will be available during 2024 to help organisations take a road of discovery and learn which EVs will be right for them.

Companies and their employees are discovering that ‘range anxiety’ really doesn’t have to be a barrier. Often the normal daily mileage of someone driving for business doesn’t mean they need to stop to charge during the working day. A charge at business premises or at home outside of working hours can provide the range they need. And for those that do go the distance, Europcar’s partnership with Zapmap means they can easily plan where they can stop for a charging top up without significant delay

On a mission to eliminate the FUD

On a mission to dispel the Fear, Uncertainty and Doubt about electric motoring, a wealth of information is available on the Europcar Digital EV Guide. Plus a network of Certified Electric Vehicle Experts support customers at vehicle handover and information about charging options helps businesses and drivers work out what’s the best solution for them at home, work and at the roadside.

To find out more about how Europcar is helping businesses on their sustainable mobility journey visit www.europcar.co.uk/business/electric

As fleets look at more efficient ways of transporting people, traditional options face competition. We look at what choices are available and find out how fleets have made a success of deviating from the norm

ON THE MOVE

To find out more about how Europcar is helping businesses on their sustainable mobility journey visit www.europcar.co.uk/business

in association with

INDUSTRY INSIGHT

Delivering the right mobility solution in a changing and challenging economic climate is vital for businesses to achieve maximum efficiency. Doing more than just paying lip service to environmental considerations is also becoming a greater priority. Europcar is having more and more conversations with fleet managers who need the right combination of flexibility and sustainability. Many of these organisations are recognising the genuine fit of rental beyond the traditional ‘vehicle replacement’ model.

Mark Newberry commercial director Europcar Mobility Group UK

This is just one use case. As the range of electric vehicles available from Europcar grows – now accounting for about 12% of our overall fleet – and with over 60% of our network electrif ied, we are playing a fundamental role in helping fleet managers source the vehicles they need for specific contracts or periods of high transport demand without them having to secure capital funding. This approach also makes sense as businesses plan their strategies for transitioning to zero.

For some businesses, there’s been a real mindset shift that recognises the ‘usership’ value of rental over vehicle ownership. The agility this delivers for an organisation that has changing needs is obvious; what is becoming more apparent is the environmental benefits. By accessing full electric and hybrid vehicles on short- or long-term rental, an organisation can flex and ‘green’ their fleet on a case-by-case basis.

A great example of this approach is Film Logistics, a service provider for the film industry. The company provides vehicles for the transportation needs of movie productions and it must deliver mobility solutions that reflect the sustainability goals put in place by industry. Having access to carbon-neutral vehicles from Europcar –with no long-term financial commitments, deposits or early-termination penalty charges – enables Film Logistics to meet the needs of its clients with a level of flexibility that a fixed fleet simply could not accommodate.

www.europcar.co.uk/business

OUTSIDE THE BOX MOBILITY IDEAS FROM INDUSTRY EXPERTS

Alphabet GB

Marie Howes, corporate mobility relationship consultant

In recent years, we’ve certainly seen rising demand for flexible mobility solutions as more employees take to the market in search of creative options that go beyond the traditional. Fleet managers need to ensure their services are fit for purpose, not solely to justify investment, but to improve employee satisfaction and retention. In response to this, leasing companies are delivering convenient offerings, such as flexible rental arrangements, taxi provision, vehicle sharing and even providing advice on

more novel approaches, including general mobility allowances.

For fleet managers looking to cater to the needs of employees today, they must firstly understand their mobility behaviour. How much their workforce needs to travel, where they are travelling to, and motivations around sustainability are all great places to start. By auditing their company’s requirements through conducting driver surveys or observing travel patterns across the business, fleet managers can make confident, data-driven decisions about what is best suited to their employees’ travel goals and behaviours.

The next step is implementation, which stems from an understanding of

the alternative mobility options available. Thankfully, this is not something fleet managers must navigate alone. Leasing companies have a breadth of expertise to help analyse their data and understand the best options for their business, in addition to having a variety of product offerings, that can make these flexible mobility ambitions a reality.

Ultimately, the most effective flexible solutions will be ones that are centred around what the workforce needs. Ensuring that these new and evolving requirements are addressed within the business will offer peace-of-mind for employees who are able to able to tailor and maximise the benefits offered to them.

AX

Scott Hamilton-Cooper, chief commercial officer

Until recently, car funding in the fleet sector was fairly one-dimensional but, as with the consumer car market, alternative methods such as subscription services and flexible rental options are on the rise. Fleets are using these new options in greater numbers, especially as EV demand rises.

It’s not just the types of cars that we are buying that are changing; alongside greater vehicle choice and new funding options, we are also seeing innovation from other parts of fleet vehicle ecosystem. This is especially true when it comes to fleet service

providers – some are nimble enough to adapt to the changing marketplace. Motor Assist from AX, our modular incident and claims management solution, is very much at the forefront. It enables fleets to harness its services in an extremely flexible way. It has proven to be a game-changer and, as opposed to the one-size-fits-all approach of traditional providers, it aims to deliver the precise services required for any fleet, business or private buyer. From responding to any incident, to the triage phase following a small bump or RTA, replacement vehicles, repair work and claims processing, the modular approach is enabling fleets to pick and choose what elements they want.

Motor Assist stands out for investing in and integrating technology that is designed to smooth out the customer journey. And it is built to offer the same level of support to electric vehicle fleets as it does to ICE cars. Its EV-for-EV guarantee, enabling drivers to access a suitable replacement electric vehicle instead of having to step back into a temporary ICE car, is helping fleets to provide continuity and excellence when it comes to service delivery. As subscription services and car-sharing schemes continue to grow in popularity, demand for greater flexibility from fleet services providers will continue to drive innovation in a sector which is evolving rapidly.

Motability Operations

Andrew Miller, chief executive Motability Operations delivers the Motability Scheme to disabled people across the UK and we recently unveiled eVITA, a nextgeneration electric wheelchairaccessible vehicle (eWAV) concept. Designed and engineered by CALLUM, eVITA addresses the needs of passenger WAV users in the transition to small/medium electric vehicles.

The EV concept has been developed using inclusive design principles with input from Motability Scheme customers throughout.

Using eVITA to demonstrate what is possible, we want to collaborate with the automotive industry to ensure inclusive design principles are considered throughout development, so that wheelchair users are not left behind.

The transition to electric simply won’t work unless it’s accessible for all. We have the largest fleet in the UK and three-quarters of a million disabled customers who rely on their vehicles for their independence. Our customers aren’t the typical early EV adopters, they’re more representative of the wider population, and we know from first-hand insight what the challenges of having an EV will be for everyone. Without solutions and an

equitable switch to electric, thousands of people could be left behind. This is most pressing for our customers who use wheelchair-accessible vehicles as they don’t have an obvious or affordable solution to transition to a smaller EV. We were determined to find a way forward, and I’m absolutely delighted that we have developed the eVITA concept with CALLUM that genuinely has accessibility and inclusivity at the heart of its design, demonstrating what is possible. We’re sharing our knowledge and understanding with the industry –manufacturers, designers and engineers – to support an EV transition that works for everyone.

TTC

Jim Kirkwood, CEO

With over 30 local authorities across the UK weighing up the opportunity to extend and scale-up their electric scooter trials following an announcement by the Department of Transport, our research suggests that consumer appetite for riding e-scooters for personal and business use is on the rise.

Over 50% of those surveyed said they would consider an e-scooter as an alternative mode of local transport. Sustainability and environmental benefits were the main reasons respondents would like to use e-scooters, with one in three placing this as the most important factor in the decision. Avoiding traffic was the second most common reason, followed by saving time.

E-scooters provide a great way to get around towns and cities without relying on crowded public transport or pollut-

ing cars. However, many people are put off from taking advantage of rental schemes because they do not feel ready or safe to scoot on the road. With interest growing, a lack of experience and knowledge is a simple roadblock to remove via dedicated training that boosts rider confidence.

Courses are readily available to support individuals in gaining the skills and knowledge required to ride safely and confidently on the road. Local authorities and businesses can offer these courses to increase the use of zero emissions mobility for local journeys without putting personal and business use riders at risk. While local authority trials continue across the UK, we hope to see consideration given to implementing an e-scooter proficiency test or mandatory training course for new escooter riders. This could boost take-up by giving riders confidence, while keeping all road users safe.

“Over 50% of those surveyed said they would consider an e-scooter as an alternative mode of local transport”

Mazda MX-30 R-EV

Most car manufacturers have been steadily going about their business transitioning their lineup to EV and preparing to leave the past behind, but the Mazda approach has been more restrained. It says it remains committed to ICE because that is likely to be the dominant power source for many people for quite a few years yet, which makes a lot of sense.

However, the Japanese company has also been dipping its toes in the electric vehicle waters, with some success. Mazda’s first EV – the MX-30 – was admired for its innovation, styling and for daring to be different. By adding this, the plug-in hybrid ‘R-EV’ version of the car, the company is hoping to increase its appeal further, by largely keeping the same winning formula.

R-EV comes equipped with a 17.8kWh battery, enabling a theoretical electric driving range of 53 miles. Alongside the battery tech is an 830cc single-rotor petrol engine, using Mazda’s tried, tested and loved rotary technology. This unit acts as a generator to drive the electric motor for seamless EV driving and recharge it while on the move. Drivers of

the MX-30 R-EV will have a choice of three drive modes: normal, EV and charge. Experimenting with the charge option saw the battery replenished at quite a rate, which will help drivers spend as much time as possible being battery-powered.

The MX-30 R-EV will be offered in three grades – Prime-Line, ExclusiveLine and Makato – with the predicted sales split in the UK expected to be 24%, 44% and 32%.

Prime-Line models are well-equipped inside with dual 7-inch driver screens and an 8.8-inch central display, an electronic parking brake and full connectivity options. Outside, the base model offers 18-inch wheels, radar cruise control and electrically adjustable, heated and powered folding door mirrors.

Move up to Exclusive-Line and there are upgraded wheels (still 18-inch), rear privacy glass and an auto-dimming driver door mirror. The mid-grade also offers powered driver’s door, head-up display and heated front seats. Meanwhile, the range-topping Makoto adds in a 360° monitor, adaptive LED headlights, a sunroof and upgraded 12-speaker

stereo system. Makoto drivers also get extra safety systems, such as front cross traffic alert and smart braking.

The electric-only 53 miles weren’t reached, although we weren’t far off during our drive. Thankfully, as already mentioned, the rotary engine does a great job at adding back those miles as quickly as possible. Staying with the Mazda motor, it’s not exactly quiet, but the note has a charm about it, which is what a lot of people will be taken by.

On the whole, the MX-30 is a lovely place to be, with decent materials and a good selection of touchscreens and buttons. The ride is very compliant, and it is a great car around town and on A-roads, although once you get into the back seats through the innovative doors, there’s not a great deal of space – for heads or legs.

IN BRIEF

WHAT IS IT? Small crossover

HOW MUCH? From £28,913

ECONOMY? 37.2mpg (combined)

282.5mpg (weighted combined)

EMISSIONS? 21g/km

Key fleet model Exclusive-Line Ride and handling; interior Rotary engine noise; rear space 7-word summary Innovative ideas presented in a PHEV profile

Also consider Ford Puma

Nissan Juke Toyota C-HR

Another plug-in hybrid joins the Mazda lineup – and the rotary engine returns! By John Challen

“Mazda’s first EV – the MX-30 – was admired for its innovation, styling and for daring to be different”

Silver-grey appears to be the predominant colour of choice for our long-term fleet at present, and our brand new Volvo XC40 Recharge Plus – specified by us in ‘Silver Dawn’ – carries on the trend. It’s a very attractive ‘technical’ colour that shows off the

XC40’s chunky lines nicely, and feels worth the extra £595 on top of the £52,555 list price.

Six years on from the XC40’s launch (in ICE form), the styling has aged very well, and the addition of the new grille for the Recharge BEV variants, is a subtle

but well-conceived differentiator.

The more well-informed will know that by the time you read this, the Recharge name will have disappeared from Volvo’s price lists and though the XC40 name remains for ICE models, the XC40 and C40 Recharge will

ŠKODA ENYAQ 85 Edition

And now for something completely different – well, not quite. As our SEAT Ateca moves onto another team member, I’m now heading behind the wheel of a distant relation, slightly removed, in the form of the Škoda Enyaq.

Built on the Volkswagen Group’s MEB platform and

closely related to the Volkswagen ID.4, the Enyaq launched early 2021 as Škoda’s second electric car and its first electric SUV.

Ours is the Enyaq 85 model, complete with a 282hp rearmounted motor, giving a top speed of 111mph and a 062mph time of 6.7 seconds.

Along with the all-wheel drive

85x, it sits above the entry-level Enyaq 60 but below the flagship vRS model.

It was previously known as the Enyaq 80 but, as with most of the range, was given a boost for the 2024 model year.

In terms of vital statistics, the 82kWh battery gives an impressive official range of 348 miles.

THE NUMBERS

P11D £52,555

BiK* 2% I £18 (20%) / £36 (40%)

RANGE 294 miles

ON FLEET RANGE 295 miles

EFFICIENCY 3.7mpkWh

become the EX40 and EC40.

This brings the model nomenclature in line with its brilliant new younger brother, the EX30 (and new EX90), which has stolen a lot of the limelight lately – more on that comparison next time.

For now, our XC40 Recharge Plus single motor variant is essentially the same as the new EX30, but with a different badge at the back. That means it offers an achievable 294 miles of range and it’s incredibly comfortable too, with a heated steering wheel, excellent front seats in a wool blend fabric (£825), and a reliable GoogleMaps sat-nav system

Luke Wikner

THE NUMBERS

P11D £44,485

BiK* 2% I £15 (20%) / £30 (40%)

RANGE 348 miles

ON FLEET RANGE N/A

EFFICIENCY N/A

Luckily, the Enyaq has arrived on the FW fleet as the UK weather (hopefully) is warming up, so it will be interesting to test that range.

Our Edition grade comes with a mighty long list of features, such as adaptive cruise control, heated front seats, keyless entry and LED Matrix headlights. It’s also fitted with various design and comfort-orientated packages and options, bringing the total P11D price to £48,140.

Electric vehicles might not be everyone’s cup of tea but for me personally, after nearly two years of being back driving ICE cars, I can’t wait.

Natalie Middleton

VOLKSWAGEN GOLF GTE

With the arrival of the revised Golf 8.5 (bringing in a much-improved digital driver interface), our GTE has now returned to Volkswagen. Looking back on its stay with us, I’ve been impressed by its versatility, ownership appeal and general frugality (more of which in a bit) and convinced that it remains an

ideal company car for drivers who cover decent mileages but want the Benefit-in-Kind tax breaks of a plug-in hybrid vehicle.

In GTE trim, this Golf is a green vehicle, yet one that still benefits from the GTI styling cues such as the checked seat fabric and exterior additions. While it doesn’t offer the all-out performance of a

GTI, it still has a combined 245bhp, which, let’s face it, is more than enough for day-to-day driving here. It’s comfortable too, even for a hot hatch, so I’d suggest leaving the optional £875 Dynamic Chassis Control off your specification list.

I would pay a little extra for 18inch alloy wheels, purely for the

MAZDA CX60 Homura PHEV

Although I’ve been doing a lot of shorter journeys and not many longer ones, the fact remains that my average fuel economy is still at 96.8mpg over the

3,300 miles that I’ve driven the car so far. Would that be as high if there were more longer journeys and less shorter ones? Probably not, but again that comes down to

the type of driving you do and how you use your car and I’d like to think that my journey habits aren’t than uncommon.

With the warmer weather of spring, my fully charged mileage of the 17.8kWh battery has begun to rise as well, reaching around 31-33 miles. Those early winter mornings seeing 22-25 miles are thankfully long gone.

Being conservative, let’s estimate that I might get 30 miles as an average from a full charge. On the new 24.5p/kWh standard variable tariff energy price cap for electricity from 1 April, that equates to £4.36 for a charge from 0 to 100%. At the time of writing that’s the equivalent of roughly two-thirds the cost of a gallon of unleaded, so you would have to be doing 45mpg on the petrol engine – at least – to have parity. For a car the size and weight of the Mazda, frankly that’s never going to happen.

Where things get interesting however, is if you’re on one of the

THE NUMBERS

P11D

£40,455 (12%)

BiK* 12% I £81 (20%) /£162 (40%)

CO2 EMISSIONS 27g/km

ECONOMY 234.5mpg / 38 miles

ON FLEET 50.7mpg

looks – £670 well spent, while another essential for me is the £315 Winter Pack (heated front seats and steering wheel, heated washer jets and low fluid warning).

You can even offset the extra cost of these items by enjoying the GTE’s lower BiK rate – 12% translates into a monthly company car tax bill of £81 for a base rate taxpayer, around £150 a month cheaper than the full-fat GTI.

A final word of caution though –the claimed 234.5mpg combined fuel economy figure is almost unachievable unless you’re in laboratory conditions… we averaged a still respectable 50+mpg.

Julian Kirk

THE NUMBERS

P11D

£40,115

BiK* 8% I £53 (20%) / £106 (40%)

CO2 EMISSIONS 33g/km

ECONOMY 188mpg / 39 miles

ON FLEET 98.6mpg

off-peak electricity tariffs available on the market. For running a PHEV you’d need to do your maths to work out if it was worth it, but on Octopus Go at 9p/kWh that same full charge for the CX-60 will cost you just £1.60. Going back to our previous calculation, that amount would buy you just a quarter of a gallon. That means the petrol engine would need to be doing 120mpg to get parity.

So while how you drive your PHEV is important, one thing is for sure, even on the standard electricity tariff, those electric miles will always be cheaper than running on petrol.

Nat Barnes

ON FLEET

BMW i5 eDrive40 M Sport Pro

It’s very rare that a new car these days doesn’t come with a raft of new technologies designed to help drivers get more from their journeys. In truth, it’s often a bit like a fancy new smartphone, which is loaded with apps, functions and tools but, in reality, only a select few get used.

However, unlike a mobile phone, everything is so intuitive in the i5 – and cars in general. It knows, for example when I need to park somewhere and, before I know it, is almost begging me to take over and turn into some kind of valet driver. So I’ve put my hands in the life of the car recently and I have to say it works perfectly. But I was a bit concerned – to the point of chasing after a passing traffic warden – that where the i5 had parked itself was slightly out of the white lines of the space. A good thing in many respects, especially when it comes to protecting the eye-catching 20-inch multi-spoke alloys. Turns out the warden had

SEAT ATECA SE Technology 150hp DSG

It’s all change in the Fleet World fleet, which means the Ateca is off to another FW team member.

After three months with the car, I’m somewhat reluctant to say goodbye as I’ve enjoyed the SEAT’s mix of comfort, practicality and a sporting edge.

I’ve appreciated the driver focus in the cabin – the infotainment screen is angled to the driver, easy to reach, while the side supports on the seats mean they really do hold you in place. The physical buttons for climate controls are also handy too.

Visibility is generally very good, with a clear view ahead, although the over-the shoulder aspect is a bit eclipsed.

Volkswagen Group SE Technology models are normally geared towards fleets, and the Ateca’s comes with many business driver-

THE NUMBERS

P11D £77,050

BiK* 2% I £26 (20%) / £52 (40%)

RANGE 357 miles

ON FLEET RANGE 298 miles

EFFICIENCY 3.1mpkWh

scarpered so I couldn’t check, but no ticket either.

The experience taught me that this semi-autonomous driving business can be useful and effective. I’m not ready to put my hands in the life of it at high speeds surrounded by a load of traffic, but parking outside the house – or on a quiet street – is just fine with me.

The rest of the time in the i5, when I’ve been in full control, has continued to impress. The warmer weather has nudged the range up to 298 miles on occasion and whether in town or on the motorway, it doesn’t miss a beat.

John Challen

THE NUMBERS

P11D £33,195

BiK* 35% I £194 (20%) /£388 (40%)

CO2 EMISSIONS 151g/km

ECONOMY 39.8-42.2mpg

ON FLEET 38.6mpg

friendly features. These include the upgrade to the 9.2-inch navigation system, keyless entry and high-res driver binnacle.

I will miss the Ateca’s practical side – particularly the roomy interior and plenty of rear space. I can’t see anyone wanting for head, elbow or knee room in the back. The boot is a nice, wellsized practical shape, and easy to access and I keep finding more cubbies as time goes on.

Throw in its smart looks and keen driving abilities and it’s easy to see why the Ateca remains a strong contender among family SUVs.

Natalie Middleton

The I-Pace has gone and I am missing it more than I thought I might. I remember the first Jaguar that I ever travelled in, which belonged to friends of my parents. It was a Mk VII manual with overdrive and a very differ-

low noise experience to an electric car results in a wonderfully refined car, which I have very much enjoyed.

design, which has aged well. There is so much to like about the I-Pace means that it makes the car’s greatest deficiency –the lack of range – more of an irritation than it ought to be, because, for most journeys, it is acceptable.

John Kendall ent proposition from the Kendall family Hillman Minx. What really struck me about it was the lack of noise, something that has impressed me about Jaguars ever since. Quiet cars always impress me. Applying Jaguar’s years of

Apart from being the most refined electric car I have driven, I also really like Ian Callum’s

That said, if the Jaguar press office were to be on the phone tomorrow to tell me that they had made a mistake and I could have it for another few months, I wouldn’t hesitate. It’s a fine piece of automotive engineering. Let’s hope that the rumours swirling around Jaguar at the moment are just rumours.

Playmobil Porsche 911

Carrera RS 2.7 Offroad

Price:

£44.99

Age limit (supposed): 99

To be honest, it’s not very difficult to find candidates for this page – and there is no better example than when a story about a Playmobil Porsche lands in my inbox. And, in this case, the proposed fleet addition is actually mobility INSIDE a box, as opposed to outside of it!

This isn’t the first time there’s been a Porsche-Playmobil collab – other 911 Carreras are available – but this is a special one. A 911 Carrera RS 2.7 Offroad, no less, a fascinating interpretation of the 1972 fullsize version of the car. It’s also a cheaper interpretation of the Safari Dakar special too, given that the actual cars command prices well above £1m…

I’m pretty sure that almost everyone reading these words has come into close physical contact with Playmobil – whether that’s through your own childhood, your child’s toys or someone else’s. Whether the same can be said of a Porsche Carrera 2.7 RS is less likely, but probably includes a few of the audience. However, now is your chance to get as close as you are ever likely to one of the German brand’s automotive legends.

Many people like to pit Playmobil up against Lego, but I’m very much in the

mindset of embracing both of them to the max. Especially when, written in clear bold writing, there’s a sensible age range applied to this Porsche – ‘5-99’ (although that might put the noses of a few centurions out of joint!). Literally hours of fun to be had for all of the family, all in the safety of your own home, as opposed to busy streets or even the desert!

The pint-sized Porsche features off-road equipment, a removable roof and space for four Playmobil figures. On the car’s roof rack, there’s a spare tyre, petrol can and a row of four spots (extra lighting is also available by way of two additional headlights on the front guard).

Actual power of the Playmobil model might not match the 207bhp and 255Nm of the original but, given the right amount of force, you could probably get close!

“Now is your chance to get as close as you are ever likely to one of the German brand’s automotive legends”

Front lights:

Eight Wheels:

Five (one spare on roof)

Seats: Four

Engine:

Six-cylinder boxer (plastic)

Unique features: Petrol canister on roof

Likelihood of making it onto the fleet? 9.11/10

fleetworld.co.uk

evfleetworld.co.uk

vanfleetworld.co.uk

Help accelerate your business with the Nissan all-star van line-up INCLUDING A 5-YEAR WARRANTY AND ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE*

WLTP figures shown are for comparability purposes. Actual real world driving results may vary depending on factors including the starting charge of the battery, accessories fitted after registration, weather conditions, driving styles and vehicle load.*5 Year / 100,000 miles (whatever comes first) Manufacturer Warranty for the LCV range. Unlimited mileage for Paintwork, Nissan Genuine Parts & Accessories, Roadside Assistance & Corrosion Warranties. For more details, please refer to Nissan Warranty Booklet. 8 years/100,000 miles (whichever comes first). For more details, please contact your Nissan Van Centre or www.nissan.co.uk/Warranty. Roadside assistance T&C’s apply, please visit https://www.nissan.co.uk/owners/ car-breakdown-cover.html for more information.

John Kendall VFW editor

“Pelkan will make its global debut in production-intent form at the show”

It’s showtime!

It’s very nearly showtime and, for me, the annual pilgrimage to the NEC for the CV Show. Apart from the Covid years, I have been to virtually every one of the CV Shows since they started in the late 1990s. Once again, it is elec tric vans that will be the stars of the show, with at least one global unveiling (B-On) as well as UK debuts from others.

It’s not all about new vehicles either. I receive regular press releases from numerous sources telling me that this factor or that factor is really the key to a successful transition from the internal combustion engine to an electric vehicle. When considering the case for electric van fleet operators, there are a whole new set of considerations to take into account as well.

First and foremost of these will be the thorny question of how do you charge a fleet of vehicles day-in, day-out and keep them on the road... without filing for bankruptcy when your energy provider tells you how much it would cost for the installation to do just that? There is nothing new in the sensible answer that B-On, for instance, will be showing but we just need to hear it more often to counter those who say that it can’t be done.

Electric vehicles have been around long enough now for there to be a supply of second-life batteries that can help to solve this problem and the supply of those batteries will only continue to increase over the coming years. It’s not the holy grail, but it’s a workable and cost-effective solution. These batteries can be used to store off-peak electricity or electricity generated by renewable sources on site that could help to cut those charging infrastructure costs.

Lastly, I hope to catch you all at the Great British Fleet Event in Milton Keynes on 17 April 2024 – the week before the CV Show... See you there!

SHOWTIME!

The CV Show is now just around the corner and with plenty for fleet managers to see. Apart from new vehicles, there will be the usual assortment of vehicle converters, telematics suppliers, software suppliers, refrigeration suppliers, vehicle dealers and more. Here’s a snapshot of what you can expect to see...

/ Renault

Renault unveiled the new Master van at the Solutrans show in Lyon last November and it will make its UK debut at the CV Show. On display will be The Master E-Tech battery electric model, which will be on show alongside the Trafic E-Tech and Kangoo E-Tech electric models. Master E-Tech will offer a range of up to 285 miles and payload of up to 1,625kg. Renault’s OpenR Link multimedia is fitted as standard. The system includes a 10-inch touchscreen, plus Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity. It will benefit from free over the air updates for five years. Options include Google built in to provide navigation, multimedia and voice activated assistant, a first on a Renault LCV.

Also on display will be Mobilize Fleet@Home, which offers a business charging solution, giving drivers the choice of home, work or on the road charging. With one portal the software can display charging sessions, costs and electricity consumption across all charge points. Drivers can also claim the cost of domestic electricity used for business miles.

/ Maxus eDeliver5

A year ago, Maxus importer Harris UK launched the eDeliver 7 at the CV Show, designed to compete with the Ford Transit Custom and similar sized models. This year a smaller model, eDeliver5 is due to make its debut at the Show. Few details have been made available so far, but it is expected to make an appearance in showrooms later in the year. It is not clear if the new model is intended to replace the older eDeliver 3 or slot in between that model and the new eDeliver 7. Either way, it seems that there will be some crossover between the models. Images found online suggest that the eDeliver 5 will bear a resemblance to the eDeliver 7, but no details about load volume, payload or body options have been made available at this stage.

/ B-On

B-On was founded in 2020 and acquired StreetScooter the following year. StreetScooter had been producing last mile delivery vehicles for both the German Post Office and DHL for a number of years, so had a great deal of experience with operating and producing electric light CVs. Pelkan will make its global debut in production-intent form at the CV Show and Pelkan will be available in Europe in the second half of 2024. CV Show visitors will be able to take test drives of the vehicle for the first time.

B-On is not just about manufacturing and selling vehicles, the company will also display its smart dispenser technology, which was designed to save time loading and unloading packages. Visitors will also be able to see the company’s EES (Electrical Energy Storage) system using second life EV batteries to store power, enabling fleet operators to use off-peak power for charging. B-On will also be running software demonstrations of its fleet management and charging/energy management systems. The company is planning to make a partnership announcement at the Pelkan launch.

/ ARB Truckman

Australian ARB, well known for its range of 4x4 and off-road accessories acquired UK pickup hardtop manufacturer Truckman three years ago. The company will use the CV Show to launch its range of new LCV products. These include the BASE Rack roof rack, made from lightweight extruded aluminium and its modular drawer system, which can be designed to fit any van layout.

ARB UK has recently become an authorised supplier for Australian Redarc electronic products, making them available in the UK for the first time. Products include the RedVision Vehicle Management System, BCDC Chargers, Manager30 Battery Manager, and Smart Start Battery Isolator.

/ Modul System

Well known for its vehicle racking systems and accessories, Modul System will have a range of new products on display at the CV Show. The company, which is a Tier One supplier to Ford at its Otosan Plant in Turkey has developed a specific floor for electric vehicles. The new floor answers the need to avoid drilling the floor in EVs to fit racking. Since the vehicle batteries are stored under the floor, drilling presents too great a safety risk.

The company has also developed its own pipe tube which is claimed to be lighter than alternatives. Modul System has also put the pipe tube through crash testing.

Another new product on display at the NEC will be a new jump seat for van cabs in place of the standard passenger seat. The resulting improved cross-cab access would make it easier to enter and leave the cab from the kerbside, useful in busy traffic.

/ Bott

Vehicle converter Bott can be found in Hall 5 on a large new stand opposite Ford. The company will be demonstrating its online configurator and quoting system. The company offers two partner networks, its Service Partner aimed at bigger fleets and Fitting Partner designed for smaller fleets.

With the Bott Tool Kit, all information packs are available on a new online portal. Individual QR codes identify specific vehicles at the company’s Ashby-de-la Zouch site and fleet managers can add specific details. The company has partnerships with a range of companies such as TVL and Motormax, whose equipment can all be fitted at Bott centres. The Ashby-de-la Zouch site is now equipped with EV chargers. The head office site at Bude in Cornwall is a manufacturing site and a satellite conversion centre. Small scale satellite conversions are also carried out at the company’s Cumbernauld site near Glasgow in Scotland.

/ Isuzu

Isuzu recently announced the electric D Max BEV, unveiled at the recent Bangkok Auto Show. Unfortunately, it won’t be making an appearance at the CV Show, but Isuzu has promised us something exciting on its stand…

/ Trakm8

Telematics provider Trakm8 will be displaying its AI Fleet Optimisation Solution at the CV Show. Among the claimed benefits of the system are significant reductions in fuel and labour costs, decreased total fleet mileage, and the ability to handle increased order volumes without the need for additional shifts or vans. Trakm8 says that these efficiencies translate into substantial savings in emissions, fuel expenses, and overall operational costs.

The company will also launch its RH800 mobile digital video recorder at the CV Show. This device can combine a range of features, including live streaming, GPS vehicle tracking, driver behaviour monitoring and scoring, and vehicle health insights. The RH800 is compatible with a range of internal and external cameras.

/ PHVC E-Transit Minibus

We recently drove PHVC’s E-Transit 15-seat minibus conversion and were impressed with its quality and attention to detail. See the PHVC conversion for yourself at the show.

/ Canoo

US EV manufacturer Canoo will be showing vehicles at the CV Show. The company makes a range of cars, pickups and light CVs, with light CVs focused on the last mile delivery sector. Expect to see the LDV 190 and other models at the show.

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PLUG-IN POINTS

Unsure where to start when sorting out your fleet vehicle charging? Matt MacConnell has been looking at some of the options

Many companies rely on their van fleet to lug gear around for multiple daily jobs. So it’s vital that LCV operators optimise and maximise vehicle storage to keep tabs on what fixtures, fittings and equipment are needed for a particular job. A messy van can lead to a fogged mind, which can result in missing fundamental parts that are needed to get a job done.

The UK government had pledged to install at least six rapid chargers above 50kW in every motorway service area throughout the country by the end of 2023. The roll-out was to be funded by the £950m Rapid Charging Fund, designed to give EV drivers the confidence to travel further. Unfortunately, it didn’t become a reality and, as a result of this missed goal, van fleets may need to look at home charging alternatives.

While the boat has sailed for mass motorway service station installs for now, solar-powered EV car parks are on the rise. Wiltshire Council has debuted a solar car park at Five Rivers Health & Wellbeing Centre in Salisbury, but what does this mean for EV LCV operators in Wiltshire?

The car park has 70 spaces – although it’s unclear if these are suited to larger LCVs – and it can charge 12 EVs at 7, 11 or 22kW.

Shurgard self-storage and LEAP24 have also joined forces to build 70 ultrafast charging stations in the UK, with 24 situated in or around London. Each charging point will consist of two parking spaces and a 240kW dual fast charger, taking LCVs that can accept higher charge rates from empty to 80% in 30 minutes. The charging points will be open 24 hours a day to the public and are to accept all common charging cards.

To fleets that are looking to expand –or those looking to onboard electric LCVs – fleet management remains incredibly important. UK-based software company FPS (Flexible Power Systems) has invested £2.7m into its real-time EV and charger management platform for commercial vehicle fleets. The platform, FPS Operate, was originally developed for the John Lewis Partnership but has since been expanded to address all fleets. FPS Operate integrates and operationalises charge points, vehicles, building energy management and

are only now getting to grips with significant challenges such as power availability, variable range and increased scheduling complexity that can come with an EV transition,” admits Allan Gray, chief financial officer at FPS.

For companies looking to transition to an EV fleet, it’s easy to get lost in the complexities of EV releases – which battery options to tick, how fast the van can charge, what range can be achieved, etc. However, one obstacle that could arise at the very beginning of the process is the cost of transitioning. Charge point installation and EV tariff comparison company Rightcharge has collaborated with Mercedes-Benz Vans UK to make it easier for fleets to shift. Fleets that purchase Mercedes-Benz eCitan models are eligible for £1,000 towards their charge point and installation costs when organising via Rightcharge.

Shurgard self-storage and LEAP24 have joined forces to build 70 ultrafast charging stations in the UK

“The key is understanding what fleets use their vehicles for and then gradually adapting the fleet to suit business requirements”

It’s also important to consider the grants offered to businesses who are considering depot charging. “Of course, improving public charging infrastructure, as suggested by the recent House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee, alongside charging bays appropriately sized to take vans, would make a difference to overall uptake of electric vehicles,” says Keith Shorter, Europcar van and trucks director. “While there are currently around 54,000 public charging points across the UK – a 45% increase year-on-year – there is still a long way to go. However, many businesses are already preparing. Just like Europcar has done, with our own infrastructure. While

over 60% of our network is now electrified, the big difference will come from businesses investing in charging at their locations. There’s a range of financial support to help companies – especially SMEs – to get chargers installed. For example, there’s an OZEV SME Grant, known as the EV Infrastructure Grant for Staff and Fleets. For organisations that employ under 250 employees, £850 per charge point can be claimed.”

Shorter adds that charging concerns are still a hurdle to overcome and that it could be wise for businesses to test before making any long-term commitments. This evaluation could be as simple as switching a portion of a fleet to

electric – perhaps those being used for journeys most suitable for EVs – or accessing vehicle rentals rather than purchasing. The key is understanding what fleets use their vehicles for and then gradually adapting the fleet to suit business requirements.

Meanwhile, Bradshaw Electric Vehicles offers its Goupil range, an ideal solution for city-based fleets looking to switch to EVs. There are two main vehicle options, the G2 and G4. The G2 has a 596kg payload and is available as a pickup, cage body or box van. It will charge in six hours and provide a range between 27 to 62 miles. The G4 has a 1,142kg payload and there are 11 body options

available ranging from pick-ups to pressure washers. The G4 will charge in 4hr 15min and it has a range of 50 to 101 miles.

When LCV operators are on the day job, stopping for a topup can be troublesome not only because chargers are limited, but because some charge cards are only accepted in certain stations. This results in the van driver having to pass working chargers and seek one that accepts their card. There are various charge card companies, but which is best? Allstar One, for example, gives operators access to over 13,000 charge points and is accepted at 7,600 fuel stations. Shell Recharge has access to over 23,000 public EV UK charge points and 600,000 across Europe. Making a measured decision can prove difficult.

Octopus Electroverse uses a physical card – and operators can download the app to their mobile. By doing so, they can see which charge stations can be used, what the prices are and what the condition of the charger is like via photographs taken by the public, which are then uploaded to the platform. Paua, another provider, has access to 70% of all UK rapid chargers and fleet managers also receive a monthly invoice for the entire fleet to claim back VAT. Answering which charge card is best comes down to your fleet, monthly budget and how simple you want managing and invoicing to be.

There are various options for home charging – and companies such as Rightcharge and Ohme will install chargers at fleet operators’ homes. If fleets opt for home charging, it may raise a few eyebrows within the LCV EV operator circle and fleet managers can expect questions such as: “Will I need to use my own electricity? What happens if I leave the business? Will I need to fill in expense sheets all the time?”. All are valid queries.

Ohme’s fleet portal can talk to other software and report it back to the fleet manager and, while the employee will need to use their own electricity, reimbursing will be swift. For fleet managers, they’ll know that employees will start with a full charge and fleet operators will know they can return to their home charger and don’t need to hunt for a public charge point.

Of course, spending £1,000 on a home charger for an employee who may leave in three months may cause concern. To bypass this, many companies have amended contracts to say that any employee with a home charger fitted must stay with the company for six months from installation. If they don’t, the companies then have the right to remove the charger. Of course, this is at the company’s discretion.

Time saved from waiting at public chargers or even finding one in the first place could mean an employee squeezing in an extra job. For the employee, this means an increased house value having an EV charger and it means that the employee does not have to invest in a charger if they buy an EV.

“Charging at home will always be the cheapest option all round,” reasons Peter McDonald, Ohme’s head of mobility.

“First, the price per kWh of a typical rapid charging option is, on average, more than double the current domestic standard variable tariff. Second, if the driver knows they can charge at home, they won’t have to hunt for a public charging station, so it adds valuable time to their day. The savings in employee time alone could potentially even be greater than the charging savings.”