The Case For Switching Your Fleet to EVs Now

As the world faces an urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and combat climate change, there is a major focus on transportation and more sustainable means of travel, especially for businesses. One of the most effective ways to significantly reduce emissions is to switch to electric vehicles (EVs) and transition to the use of an electric fleet. In this article, we’ll explore the compelling case for switching your fleet to EVs now.

An Electric Fleet

An electric fleet is a fleet of electric vehicles used by a business or organisation. It could consist of transportation or delivery vehicles, company cars, maintenance vans, or anything else the company needs to operate. As all vehicles within an electric fleet (or e-fleet), are electric, they produce zero carbon emissions within their day-to-day running, unlike vehicles that run on petrol and diesel. They, therefore, are a great way for a business to reduce their GHG emissions and carbon footprint. 

Reasons to Switch Your Fleet to EVs

There are many reasons to switch your fleet to electric. Here, we’ll take a look at some of the key points for making the transition. 

Environmental Benefits

The primary reason to switch your fleet to EVs is the environmental benefits they offer. The UK government have stated that UK transport was the largest emitting sector of GHG emissions, producing 24% of the UK’s total emissions within the last year. EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions, meaning their adoption is helping reduce local air pollution and improve urban air quality. EVs also have a significantly lower carbon footprint compared to gasoline vehicles, which when integrated into a business fleet, will then help to reduce the organisation’s overall carbon footprint too.

Cost Savings

While the upfront cost of EVs may be higher than their conventional counterparts, the long-term cost savings associated with EV fleet adoption are substantial. Electricity is usually cheaper than gasoline or diesel on a per-mile basis, resulting in lower fuelling costs for fleets. The cost of electricity is also generally more stable and less susceptible to price fluctuations compared to fossil fuels. 

Electric fleets can also take advantage of off-peak charging rates, which will charge vehicles during times when electricity is cheapest, such as overnight. Plus, maintenance costs for EVs are generally cheaper than gasoline cars as there are fewer moving parts and systems to maintain or to go wrong. This means businesses can save time and money on servicing, maintenance and replacement parts.

Government Incentives

The UK government have announced a goal to be net-zero by 2050, and a ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030. This, therefore, pressures businesses to think about switching to an EV fleet eminently, and the government are actively promoting the adoption of EVs to accelerate this transition. Fleet operators can therefore take advantage of various government incentives and initiatives that are making the switch to EVs more financially attractive. 

There are several grants, tax credits and subsidies available to encourage the purchase and deployment of EVs, as we as the installation of the needed charging infrastructure such as EV charge points. 

In the UK, the EV Charge Point Grant and the Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS) are both initiatives to support the upfront investment of EV charger points, with eligible applicants able to claim up to 75% off the cost of their charge points. 

Sustainability Leader

Switching to an EV fleet will also help to showcase your business’s sustainability, corporate social responsibility (CSR) and dedication to becoming a sustainability leader. As companies increasingly focus on their environmental impact, switching to an EV fleet aligns with these objectives and enhances a brand’s image. Customers, employees and stakeholders are more likely to support businesses that prioritise sustainability and take proactive steps to reduce their carbon footprint.

Technical Advancements 

The EV industry is experiencing serious technological advancements and significant growth in infrastructure. Battery technology is improving too, leading to increased driving ranges and shorter charging times which is making the switch to EVs for fleets more and more appealing. These developments provide fleet operators with more options and confidence in the viability of EVs for their operations.

Switching your Fleet to EVs Now

The case for switching your fleet to electric vehicles now is compelling from both environmental and economic standpoints. The environmental benefits of zero emissions, along with the potential for significant cost savings and government incentives, make EVs an attractive choice for fleet operators. Additionally, embracing EV technology aligns with corporate social responsibility goals and demonstrates your commitment to a sustainable future.

As the EV industry continues to evolve and infrastructure expands, now is a great opportunity to transition your fleet to electric. By taking this proactive step, you can contribute to the global effort to combat climate change, improve air quality, and drive the transition to a cleaner, greener transportation sector.

EV Charging with eFaraday

If you are thinking about electrifying your fleet, speak to the eFaraday team! We are experts in EV fleets and can support you with charge point installation as well as provide you with a comprehensive cloud-based fleet management platform so that you have full control of your electric fleet. 

Call us on 0330 002 1154 or fill out this form and a member of the team will be in touch.