THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
Sustainable goals
By adopting electric vehicles, companies can showcase their dedication to sustainability
Richard Parker, Webfleet UK EV lead at Bridgestone Mobility Solutions, discusses how going down the EV route can lead to sustainability and success – as well as cost savings
As the world increasingly embraces sustainability, businesses are seeking new ways to align their operations with broader corporate goals and values. One of the most impactful steps companies can take is the electrification of their vehicle fleets.
While the immediate operational cost savings from reduced fuel and maintenance spend are compelling, the benefits of fleet electrification extend far beyond financial considerations. Electrification can align with corporate sustainability goals, enhance brand reputation, boost employee satisfaction and foster customer loyalty.
Sustainability in focus
In the face of climate change, many businesses are setting ambitious sustainability targets, including achieving net-zero carbon emissions. Electrifying vehicle fleets can offer one of the most powerful ways of contributing to these goals. EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions, reducing a company’s carbon footprint. This reduction in emissions not only helps combat climate change, it supports cleaner air in urban areas, contributing to improved public health.
Moreover, integrating EVs into a company’s fleet demonstrates a commitment to sustainable practices, which can be crucial for attracting investors and partners who prioritise environmental responsibility. By adopting electric vehicles, companies can showcase their dedication to sustainability, enhancing their attractiveness to environmentally conscious stakeholders.
To further bolster their commitment to sustainability, organisations should consider sourcing renewable energy for charging their electric vehicles. Integrating solar power into EV charging infrastructure can be a particularly effective strategy here and helps to reduce reliance on the grid. Panels can be installed on buildings or car park canopies, opening up the potential for additional revenue streams through the selling of excess electricity back to the grid.
By integrating solar installations or wind turbines with battery energy storage systems (BESS), even more benefits can be realised. These systems maximising the use of renewables by capturing excess solar generation.
“Adopting electric vehicles can contribute positively to morale and engagement”
A fillip to brand reputation
In today's market, consumers and clients are increasingly making purchasing decisions based on a company’s environmental credentials. Businesses that adopt electric fleets can differentiate themselves as leaders in sustainability. This proactive stance on environmental issues can enhance brand reputation, fostering trust and loyalty among customers. Electric fleet businesses can also leverage this commitment in their marketing and communications strategies.
Highlighting the use of EVs in operations showcases environmental responsibility and aligns with the growing consumer demand for eco-friendly products and services. This alignment can drive customer preference and loyalty, providing that all-important competitive edge.
Boosting employee satisfaction
Employees are arguably a company’s most valuable asset and their satisfaction is crucial for productivity and retention. Adopting electric vehicles can contribute positively to morale and engagement. Many employees take pride in working for a company that prioritises sustainability and innovation. Investments in EVs can reinforce a company’s commitment to reducing its environmental impact, resonating with employees who value sustainability. Furthermore, EVs offer a smoother and quieter driving experience. Reduced noise and vibration levels contribute to a more comfortable and less stressful working environment.
Fostering customer loyalty
Customers today – both individual and business – are not just buying products and services, they are buying into the values and principles of the companies they support. Those that see companies making genuine efforts to prioritise environmental responsibility are more likely to remain loyal and even become advocates for the brands in question.
Strategic advice for involving different departments
The transition to an electric fleet should be seen as a company-wide initiative that brings value to various departments. HR teams, for example, can use fleet electrification as a recruitment and retention tool. Promoting the company’s sustainability initiatives can help attract top talent who strive to work for environmentally responsible businesses. Additionally, offering electric vehicles as part of a benefits package can boost satisfaction and engagement.
Marketing and communications departments can leverage the move in campaigns, showcasing the company’s commitment to sustainability. For operations and logistics, the transition to EVs, when supported by meaningful management insights, can lead to efficiency gains.
Fleet management solutions, such as Webfleet, offer a suite of tools designed to optimise fleet performance and reduce costs. They can enable real-time monitoring of battery levels and driving ranges, comparison of energy performance across vehicles and analysis of energy recovered through regenerative braking. Critically, EV routing can be optimised by taking account of vehicle battery levels, capacity, energy consumption and charge point locations.
While finance departments will invariably focus initially on immediate cost implications, they should also consider the long-term financial benefits.
The potential for a lower total cost of ownership (TCO) can make EVs a financially sound investment and finance professionals, alongside fleet managers, can work with fleet data insights to help track and analyse cost savings over time.
The road ahead
It is clear the business case and value proposition for fleet electrification is far reaching. Companies that embrace the EV revolution today are not only contributing to a more sustainable future, they are positioning themselves as leaders in this evolving market.
