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The world has been accustomed to using conventional vehicles for a long time. These vehicles use an internal combustion engine (ICE), supplied with diesel or petrol to power the wheels. Unfortunately, ICE vehicles are also responsible for the immense greenhouse gas emissions worldwide.
Statistics show that transportation has the third highest contribution to greenhouse gas emissions worldwide, with 7.29 billion metric tonnes of emissions in 2020. Thus, many governments, especially United Nations members, are actively seeking ways to reduce their country’s carbon emissions by 50% by 2030, as stated by the Paris Agreement of 2015.
One sustainable solution they’ve come up with is the use of electric vehicles (EVs). These may be the best option for business owners and fleet operators who want to future-proof their businesses. However, the negative environmental impacts of ICE vehicles and the stricter mandates from governments aren’t the only reason many fleet managers should consider using EVs in their vehicle mix.
To give you a clear idea, here are four compelling reasons you should shift into an electric vehicle fleet that’ll leave you feeling that it could be high time to embrace this huge transition:
Lower Cost of Ownership
One of the great things about shifting to an electric vehicle fleet is having a much lower cost of ownership. Here are a few ways EVs can cut down on your business expenses:
Cut Fuel Costs
When operating a fleet of vehicles, the cost of fuel will always be the biggest expenditure. But, by embracing EVs, you no longer need to set aside a budget for fuel at all. Although you may still need to invest in EV chargers for businesses, charging EVs is more affordable than fuelling ICE vehicles since electricity is generally cheaper than petrol. Furthermore, many EV manufacturers are also producing better and more efficient vehicles in which an EV can travel up to 300 miles without having to recharge.
Less Maintenance Required
This is more good news when you choose to invest in EVs. Unlike conventional vehicles that use many parts to function (e.g. spark plugs, radiators, transmission fluid, etc.), EVs only use three fluids to operate: the brake fluid, coolant, and windscreen cleaner. Since the EV uses fewer moving parts, fewer replacements and repairs will also be required.
Meanwhile, conventional vehicles use various fluids to function efficiently, and will require regular maintenance to keep them in shape, which is generally costly when done to all of your fleets. In short, EVs are much easier and cheaper to maintain than conventional vehicles.
Eligibility To Tax Credits And Other EV Incentives
Did you know that purchasing EVs will qualify you for tax credits? Fleet operators who invest in such vehicles are granted tax credits from £1,500 to £7,500, depending on the vehicle’s cost. What’s more, to further promote EVs in the UK, some areas offer additional financial incentives to EV buyers. For example, businesses and commercial establishments that install charging points for EVs can claim a 100% first-year allowance for those costs.
Shifting to EVs with your fleet may cost your organisation a big initial outlay. But, with these benefits, the cost savings will eventually surpass it.
Readily Available EV Charging Stations
Many fleet operators were hesitant to switch to EVs from ICE vehicles in the past due to their worry that there aren’t enough charging stations available. But, now, there are more readily-available charging stations worldwide. According to the UK’s official government site, around 28,000 public EV charging networks are available across the UK as of 2022, and 5,156 of them are rapid chargers.
What’s more, the number of available charging stations is predicted to increase as governments and private establishments are installing EV chargers as part of their effort and support in reducing carbon emissions. The UK’s official government website also estimates that around 480,000 public charge networks will be installed throughout the country by 2030.
For new EV fleet owners, you may need to have the installation of EV chargers at your organisation. System EVchargers or those of other reputable brands are great options to consider. After all, as mentioned, the UK government is offering an incentive of 100% first-year allowance to businesses that install EV charging stations in their workplaces. For now, EV drivers and owners who are having trouble finding charging stations in their area can use smartphone apps to help them find the nearest EV charging point available.
More Range and Chargers for EVs
Another primary concern that fleet operators and some business owners have about the idea of shifting to EVs is the quality or performance of the current EVs available. For example, some may complain that their electric cars can only drive short distances and they may require recharging before you reach your destination. As a result, it can cause hassle to drivers or passengers as they’ll need to spend more time searching for charging stations and waiting for the battery to be full.
Fortunately, a 2021 publication on EVs and infrastructure reveals that more types of EVs are being developed and manufactured to suit your needs and demands. For instance, there are now many EVs that can cover over 300 miles on one charge.
Meanwhile, you can go for plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) for shorter distances as they have smaller batteries and can run on electric for 20-50 miles. Rapid chargers have also been deployed to lessen the charging time for EV owners to 30-40 minutes, instead of slower chargers that require 6-12 hours to achieve a full battery.
In terms of power and performance, electric vehicles are more efficient compared to conventional vehicles. EVs have the advantage over conventional cars as they offer instant torque. While conventional vehicles require time to burn fuel and release energy, the EV’s torque is released almost immediately.
Elevate Business Reputation and Perception
Switching to EVs will positively impact the environment. But, aside from environmental preservation, using EVs can also elevate your business reputation and customer perception. Companies that support or follow sustainable methods in their business operations will likely attract more clients and positively influence their decision-making process. Investing in EVs can effectively demonstrate green leadership and make your organisation more appealing to your customers.
Time to Make the Shift
It’s clear that the benefits of choosing electric vehicles can positively impact the environment, the business owners or fleet operators, and EV users. The transportation sector is currently in its evolution phase, so business owners or fleet operators like you must act now to keep up with the change and promote sustainability. Moreover, conduct extensive research to ensure you purchase your EVs from a reputable seller.
