FROM THE
INDUSTRY
Start as you mean to go on
By Naomi Nye, Head of Sales, Drax
Our recent research into UK organisations’ electrification progress revealed that over half (52%) of businesses hadn’t yet installed any EV charge points.
Common barriers include cost, lack of government support and technology uncertainty. But with competitors already reaping the benefits – and the 2035 ban on the sale and manufacture of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles looming – it’s crucial businesses prioritise electrification.
Why electrify now?
As well as ‘beating the ban’, there are sustainability and PR advantages associated with transitioning to EVs soon. Offering zero tailpipe emissions and a visible display of environmental awareness, EVs can help propel organisations towards net zero and enable them to promote their CSR and ESG credentials.
What’s more, implementing an electric fleet and a supporting charging infrastructure enables organisations to start recouping costs. With EV purchase/hire prices higher than those of equivalent ICE vehicles, the sooner businesses switch to cheaper fuel and maintenance, the sooner they can start saving.
Company EVs and accessible charging facilities can also help organisations attract and retain drivers and other staff – and serve customers and visitors.
“To understand their operational requirements, organisations should analyse where their vehicles need to be, how far they travel and their charging availability”
Where to start
Electrification’s not as simple as buying the best-looking or most affordable EVs and handing the keys to your drivers. While it’s important to start the transition, it’s even more important to make sure you start in the right place.
Every organisation’s electrification journey will be different. Before investing in vehicles or hardware, businesses need to understand their specific challenge.
To understand their operational requirements, organisations should analyse where their vehicles need to be, how far they travel and their charging availability. An electrification suitability assessment (like the one in Naomi’s comment) – along with detailed electrical site surveys – will give businesses the data they need.
High-level strategic factors will also influence organisations’ routes to electrification. It’s particularly important to understand the business’s sustainability direction of travel when planning (and seeking support for) the transition.
And, of course, organisations need to use financial pragmatism. Carrying out small-scale EV trials can give businesses the proof and confidence they need to commit to larger-scale transition. Spreading the costs of electrification in this way – and leveraging both hardware financing options and potential government grants – can help make the process affordable.
To discuss where to start your electrification journey – whether you’re planning on switching to EV fleets or installing charging facilities for customers or staff:
