The Association for Renewable Energy and Clean Technology and the Energy Saving Trust have published advice for let managers exploring the possibility of having electric-powered fleets.
Called “Electrifying the fleet. A practical resource for fleet managers”, the resource aims to provide fleet managers with a roadmap to successfully electrify their fleets, offering step-by-step guidance, demonstrating value for money and efficiency savings, and insights into overcoming current barriers to adoption.
One of the key sections of the report focuses on the savings fleet managers could achieve from electrifying their fleets, predicting a saving of around £1,500 a year per light commercial vehicle driving 15,000 miles a year if charged at the depot or home. Rigid HGVs driving the same distance could save about £3,500 annually.
Current UK policy targets are also outlined in the resource, with a mandate that by the end of 2024, 10% of new van sales in the UK must be zero emissions, rising to 58% by 2029, 70% by 2030, and 100% by 2035. For HGVs, all new models sold in the UK must be zero emission by 2040. To support these targets, government offers various Plug-in Grants, including up to £2,500 for small vans, £5,000 for large vans, £16,000 for small trucks, and £25,000 for large trucks, helping to offset the initial costs of electrification.
Future of Roads Minister Lilian Greenwood said: “Our roads are undergoing a technological revolution, and fleets will play a big part.
“A cleaner greener transport network is a key priority for this Government, which is why we have plug-in grants available for vans and trucks and programmes aimed at scaling up zero emission HGVs, to decarbonise road freight. The REA and Energy Saving Trust’s new resource is a great step on our path to net zero.”
Matt Adams, REA’s Transport Policy Manager, added: “The REA, with its diverse membership, is uniquely positioned to take an authoritative stance on fleet electrification. This resource provides a proven, well-managed process for fleet managers considering electrification, offering significant savings on fuel costs and helping fleets achieve their ESG targets.”
