This research identified a number of these challenges, but also revealed a great deal of optimism and excitement among the industry for the switch to EVs. 25% of both groups admitted to feeling ‘excited and proud’ about the prospect of an electric fleet.
69% of fleet managers and 52% of fleet drivers say they feel this way because of the positive impact switching will have on the environment.
This research marks the launch of Now’s the Time, bp’s new campaign to support fleets with electrification
Electric vehicles already play an integral role in the fleet industry. EV fleets offer businesses an opportunity to demonstrate a commitment towards sustainability.
When it comes to tailpipe emissions, EVs have an obvious advantage over petrol and diesel vehicles for sectors such as city centre delivery, where local governments are increasingly clamping down on air pollution. And as manufacturers continue to add more and more vehicles to their electric ranges, fleet managers have an increasingly large range of options to choose from.
However, bp’s research has shown that some fleet decision makers (21%) are still overwhelmed by the need to keep costs low, manage complex logistics and meet ambitious corporate sustainability targets.
For many organisations, switching their fleet to electric vehicles is one of the most important steps on their journey to a low carbon future, but the logistics around how and when drivers can charge their vehicles is often the biggest pain point. The biggest concern for 51% of fleet managers about switching to EVs is at home charging solutions for their drivers. With so many different factors to consider, it can feel challenging.
bp’s industry research shows that over half of fleet drivers (54%) will use the public charging network in addition to charging points at home or at their depots. However, despite growing confidence in the network, over half of fleet managers (53%) and fleet drivers (52%) say that charging on the go is worrying.
When it comes to tailpipe emissions, EVs have an obvious advantage over petrol and diesel vehicles for sectors such as city centre delivery, where local governments are increasingly clamping down on air pollution. And as manufacturers continue to add more and more vehicles to their electric ranges, fleet managers have an increasingly large range of options to choose from.
This research marks the launch of Now’s the Time, bp’s new campaign to support fleets with electrification
But the future is looking bright.
Infrastructure is becoming more widespread and much more reliable. The first-generation of public charging networks were government funded and had to be free to use for an initial period, with schemes set up where users could activate the charging with an RFID card, which created lots of separate regional networks. Today, almost all new ultra-fast chargers have contactless payment as standard, making it easier for drivers who only need public charging occasionally. Most networks also offer live availability data, meaning drivers can easily check if a charge point is free to use at any given time.
It is already entirely possible to drive electric vehicles long distances in the UK, thanks to both the long ranges on offer from the latest models, and the abundance of charging infrastructure across the country. bp pulse, formerly Chargemaster, has been helping drivers charge their electric vehicles since 2008.
When it comes to charging an entire fleet, there are lots of different routes available for fleets transitioning to EVs. Depending on several factors, including business type, vehicle routes, power availability and costs, fleet managers will need to make an upfront assessment of whether workplace, on the road or home charging (or a mixture) is the right option for their business.
bp’s industry research shows that over half of fleet drivers (54%) will use the public charging network in addition to charging points at home or at their depots. However, despite growing confidence in the network, over half of fleet managers (53%) and fleet drivers (52%) say that charging on the go is worrying.
The bp pulse EV charging network currently has over 9,000 charging points and is expecting to triple this by 2030 as bp plans to invest £1 billion in electric vehicle charging in the UK. bp pulse will also roll out up to 4,000 charge points using the VW designed flexpole units across Germany and the UK within 24 months.
This investment will allow bp pulse to deliver more rapid and ultra-fast chargers in key locations, expand fleet products and services, and launch new home charge digital products and services to enhance the customer experience.
When it comes to charging an entire fleet, there are lots of different routes available for fleets transitioning to EVs. Depending on several factors, including business type, vehicle routes, power availability and costs, fleet managers will need to make an upfront assessment of whether workplace, on the road or home charging (or a mixture) is the right option for their business.
It is already entirely possible to drive electric vehicles long distances in the UK, thanks to both the long ranges on offer from the latest models, and the abundance of charging infrastructure across the country. bp pulse, formerly Chargemaster, has been helping drivers charge their electric vehicles since 2008. The bp pulse EV charging network currently has over 9,000 charging points and is expecting to triple this by 2030 as bp plans to invest £1 billion in electric vehicle charging in the UK. bp pulse will also roll out up to 4,000 charge points using the VW designed flexpole units across Germany and the UK within 24 months.
bp’s UK Fleet Sales Manager, Adrian Brabazon, shares his top considerations for each charging solution to make the switch as seamless as possible and ensure it’s a worthwhile investment for businesses.
Workplace Charging
Investing in charging infrastructure at your depot or workplace can be an efficient way of charging your fleet, but understanding who owns the land and the power availability is an important factor. Should your business lease the land, be prepared to enter into conversations early with the landowner before progressing too far down the line. As well as your energy tariff, you should also consider how the business will finance the initial capital expenditure, as well as the ongoing maintenance costs.
When it comes to charging an entire fleet, there are lots of different routes available for fleets transitioning to EVs. Depending on several factors, including business type, vehicle routes, power availability and costs, fleet managers will need to make an upfront assessment of whether workplace, on the road or home charging (or a mixture) is the right option for their business.
Getting Started Checklist:
✔ Power supply
The location of your power supply will have an important bearing on where you are able to install your chargers and how much the installation is likely to cost.
✔ Cost of charging
As well as your energy tariff, you should consider how the business will finance the initial capital expenditure, as well as the ongoing maintenance costs.
✔ Accessibility
- Every business will have its own unique considerations when it comes to the location of charging points and controlling their use.
- Fleet managers will need to think about clear signposting on-site, as well as any company policies that might impact access to charging points – for example, a reverse parking policy, given that many EVs have charge ports on the front of the vehicle.
- You also need to consider who will have permission to use the power supply and how they gain access to it. There are a number of access options available, from plug-and-play with no authentication, to RFID access cards.
✔ Recouping costs and ongoing monitoring
As is the case with petrol and diesel-fuelled company cars, fleet managers will likely want to consider how they can recoup some of the investment costs, as well as monitoring employee usage.
✔ Managing different types of user groups
Balancing the requirements of different types of driver (company car drivers, field-based staff or visitors).
✔ Dwell times
Understanding the type of drivers in your business and their length of dwell time on the premises will help inform the number of charging points you need, as well as the necessary power supply.
On-the-go Charging
Your fleet will sometimes need to rely on the public network, even if it’s there as a backup plan. And while for some drivers the process of switching to an EV won’t be easy and the initial thought of navigating the public network may cause anxiety, the public infrastructure is growing at pace. Include your drivers (or champions) in the early transition phases of your fleet. It will bring a lot of great insights to your business and make it easier to roll out EVs in the future.
Some fleet drivers will have capacity for a home charger, but some won’t. It’s important to have a deep understanding of your drivers’ habits including the current and desired mileage, routes, downtime, depot activity and refuelling and charging routines, to know whether it’s the right option for your fleet.
Home Charging
Some fleet drivers will have capacity for a home charger, but some won’t. It’s important to have a deep understanding of your drivers’ habits including the current and desired mileage, routes, downtime, depot activity and refuelling and charging routines, to know whether it’s the right option for your fleet.
Home Charging
Fuel cards deliver simplicity
As a simpler and more cost-effective way of fuelling a vehicle, fuel cards are more important now than ever before for businesses navigating the path to electrification. The transition to an electric fleet takes time, and some businesses might choose to introduce one or two EVs to the fleet to begin with. bp’s Fuel & Charge card and app allows fleets to transition in their own time and at a pace that suits their business needs.
Fuel & Charge supports vehicles of all engine types and can help eliminate some of the biggest concerns facing fleet managers responding to this industry change. With a focus on end-to-end integration, Fuel & Charge provides businesses with a one card solution for all charging and fuelling needs.
The offer helps facilitate a phased approach to electric fleets as it allows fuelling and charging on one card, with one consolidated report and invoice.
It is already entirely possible to drive electric vehicles long distances in the UK, thanks to both the long ranges on offer from the latest models, and the abundance of charging infrastructure across the country. bp pulse, formerly Chargemaster, has been helping drivers charge their electric vehicles since 2008.
Businesses don’t need to switch all vehicles to EVs at the same time, which means they can spread the upfront cost across multiple years.
bp’s industry research shows that nearly half of fleet managers (43%) and fleet drivers (41%) think they’ll begin introducing electric vehicles to their fleets within the next two years. While this demonstrates eagerness within the industry to embrace change soon, it’s clear that the logistics of transitioning a fleet can be a challenge, especially when it’s at scale and with mixed vehicle types.
bp’s Fuel & Charge offer provides the flexibility to bring a fleet into the future step by step. Combining fuelling and charging in one card means fleets can connect to charging networks and fuelling stations on key routes with one simple card and make the transition to a low carbon future more straightforward.
When it comes to charging an entire fleet, there are lots of different routes available for fleets transitioning to EVs. Depending on several factors, including business type, vehicle routes, power availability and costs, fleet managers will need to make an upfront assessment of whether workplace, on the road or home charging (or a mixture) is the right option for their business.