Best in Class
The Great British Fleet Awards 2023 – an integral part of the Great British Fleet Event – recognised the very best electric cars and vans on the market. Here are the details of all the winners...
INNOVATION AWARDS
INNOVATION IN ELECTRIC VEHICLES
WINNER > Co Charger
For many fleets, especially return-to-home operators, the biggest barrier to switching to EVs is the lack of ability to charge at home. Some 50% of drivers can’t have home charge points – potentially rising to 75% for van drivers – and it’s this problem that the Co Charger community charging platform tackles.
Its app and platform enable people with home or workplace charge points to rent them to local EV drivers – on a bookable, dependable, convenient and affordable basis. It’s simple, easy and mutually beneficial – and for fleets, it could make the difference between running an EV or being stuck with a costly and polluting ICE van.
HIGHLY COMMENDED > Ohme
INNOVATION IN TECHNOLOGY
WINNER > Michelin Connected Fleet
Michelin Connected Fleet’s MoveElectric delivers a holistic solution to adopting and optimising EVs – including vans but also cars and trucks.
Using real-life proof points and data, it recommends the best way to transition to either EVs or hybrids – depending on specific needs. It also supports fleets thereafter, training drivers, providing an app for support and analysing charging behaviours and charging activity per vehicle, helping to reduce downtime and facilitate driver reimbursement.
It’s already assisted major fleets, such as Marston Holdings, and is a dedicated way to cut fleet CO2 emissions, reduce operating costs and to integrate EVs for the most efficient last-mile delivery strategy.
HIGHLY COMMENDED > Marubeni Europower
VEHICLE AWARDS
BEST EV CITY CAR
WINNER > Fiat 500-e
Proving that not all EVs have to have a huge range, the battery powered Fiat 500 is ideally suited to the urban environment. Fun to drive and cheap to run, and the design still looks fresh and modern.
BEST EV SUPERMINI
WINNER > Peugeot e-208
Proof that there is life in the supermini segment in the age of electric vehicles. The e-208 boasts a decent driving range, is fun to drive and offers plenty of room inside. The interior is well equipped and drivers will find it easy to get around urban environments thanks to nimble steering.
BEST EV LOWER-MEDIUM SUV
WINNER > MG4 EV
A mightily impressive addition to the MG range, which continues to launch products that enable drivers to transition to electric vehicles in a cost-effective way. Value for money isn't the only positive here, though – the MG4 is great to drive, spacious and offers an impressive driving range.
BEST EV SMALL SUV
WINNER > Kia Niro EV
The e-Niro was an impressive product in a relatively small sector, but its replacement raises the bar in terms of driving range, interior comfort and onboard technologies and safety systems. A fantastic addition to Kia’s evolving – and improving – product lineup.
BEST EV MEDIUM SUV
WINNER > Audi Q4 e-tron
With the usual high interior quality drivers expect from an Audi – and impressive driving dynamics – the Q4 e-tron is still the go-to electric SUV in this segment. Other e-tron models have taken inspiration and confidence from the success that Audi has had with the Q4.
BEST EV COMPACT EXECUTIVE CAR
WINNER > Hyundai IONIQ 6
The IONIQ 6 builds on the big success of the IONIQ 5 with a car that offers more refinement, comfort and space than its smaller sibling. A quality interior and advanced technology onboard are particular highlights that will be welcomed by many fleet drivers.
BEST EV EXECUTIVE CAR
WINNER > Mercedes-Benz EQE
There is now an impressive lineup of electric vehicles from Mercedes-Benz, all under the EQ banner. As a premium SUV, the EQE stands out for its well-appointed interior, dynamics and driving range that ensures long journeys can be completed with confidence.
BEST EV VAN
WINNER > Volkswagen ID. Buzz Cargo
Volkswagen’s ID range of electric cars has established the manufacturer as a producer of dedicated electric vehicle platforms and the logical extension to this has been to include light CVs in the same process. The VW ID. Buzz Cargo is the first model to emerge, providing a compact to medium sized van built on an electric only platform. With a design recalling the original 1949 VW Transporter, it’s a head-turner, while the ID electric driving experience is one that is likely to please drivers. With sales through VW Commercial Vehicles, EV van fleet customers can expect the support they would hope for from a van manufacturer.
ONE TO WATCH
WINNER > BYD Atto 3
It might be a new company to the UK automotive scene, but BYD has a strong pedigree in with electric vehicles and its debut product on the market is very impressive. A high-quality interior and impressive dynamics setup are just two of the attributes that will appeal to fleets over the coming months.
