Boosting EV fleets with
try-before-you-buy
As part of its commitment to reducing fleet emissions, Europcar recently commissioned a study into how businesses are progressing with making improvements to their fleet sustainability. 300 professionals responsible for fleet management and business travel decisions gave their insights into what they have changed, the challenges they face, and what the future holds as they work to reduce the environmental impact of their business mobility. The results are published in a new report: ‘Switching sustainability from buzzword to business benefit’.
It's clear that the introduction of low and zero emissions vehicles is on the minds of over half of those businesses surveyed. 52% already have fully electric vehicles (EVs) on fleet and 54% have hybrids. However, very few businesses are able to make a wholesale switch to electric right now. Instead, many are employing a transitional strategy of reducing emissions through cutting journeys and utilising alternative transport methods, alongside testing new powertrains.
This approach will become ever more important as current fleet vehicles age. More than half of respondents to the Europcar study stated that the average age of vehicles on their fleet is 3-4 years. This is potentially hampering their ability to meet emissions targets, as well as presenting a very real cost concern when it comes to complying with the growing number of Clean Air Zones emerging in UK cities.
Sustainability Targets by 2025
Increase in other forms of mobility
Increase in fully electric fleet
Reduction in business travel generally
Reduction in petrol fleet
Reduction in carbon emissions
Reduction in diesel fleet
Increase in use of public transport
Increase in use of corporate car sharing at company
Increase in use of public car sharing services
Increase in hybrid fleet
Reduction in business fleet overall
Barriers to change
As well as the initial cost to purchase new hybrid or electric vehicles, the study found multiple roadblocks holding organisations back from making the switch. One in three cited current fleet supply challenges as a barrier to switching to a more sustainable fleet. Almost as many are held back by a lack of understanding around the maintenance and running costs of electric vehicles, concerns around the charging infrastructure, and a lack of finance to purchase or lease zero or low emissions vehicles.
Many also experience resistance from individual employees and the wider business, as well as a lack of employee understanding about greener motoring. Clearly there is a need for education. A try-before-you-buy solution could help remove many of the existing barriers and open the way for greener fleets to become a reality in more businesses.
Electric vehicle rental from Europcar offers a way to use the newest, most efficient and environmentally friendly vehicles as and when required. It is a great ‘try-before-you-buy’ solution that provides a real-world picture of all areas of electric vehicle driving and ownership. And the fact that long-term rental is commitment-free gives businesses an important safety net; they’re not locked into agreements before they know what works for them.