REA (The Association for Renewable Energy and Clean Technology) and Energy Saving Trust have announced the publication of a new resource titled ‘Electrifying the fleet. A practical resource for fleet
managers.’ This comprehensive resource, developed by the REA’s HGV and Commercial Fleet Working Group aims to provide fleet managers with a detailed 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 extensive savings fleet managers can expect from electrifying their fleets. The resource reveals that they can expect to save around £1,500 annually per light commercial vehicle (LCV) driving 15,000 miles a year if charged at the depot or home. For rigid HGVs driving the same distance, the savings could be approximately £3,500 annually.
These significant cost savings are attributed to the fact that electric vehicles (EVs) only require 25-30% of the energy that a diesel equivalent would need to deliver the same performance, highlighting the substantial efficiency gains from electrification.
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 ambitious targets, the UK 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.
The resource emphasises the benefits of smart charging, which can significantly reduce costs by enabling fleet managers to schedule charging during off-peak times when electricity prices are lower. Smart charging also reduces the need for costly grid upgrades and improves overall efficiency. Additionally, the Public Charge Point Regulations 2023 will require all public chargepoints of 50kW or
more to have 99% reliability, ensuring a dependable charging experience for fleet vehicles.
