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Five-step guide to electrification by the Association of Fleet Professionals
16 October 2023
Association of Fleet Professionals (AFP) chairman Paul Hollick recently spoke to FleetWorld about the organisation’s five-step guide to electric vehicle (EV) adoption for fleets.
Step 1: Profile your fleet
The first step is to note the basic questions any fleet manager asks themselves when purchasing any vehicle - what the vehicle will be used for and how and where it will be used.
The information can then be used to select the right EV model for your business and help you assess any changes you may need to make within your organisation to prepare for EV adoption.
Step 2: Pick the low-hanging fruit first
The easiest way to begin electrification is by identifying which of your fleet drivers have the capacity to install off-street chargers at home, or those who undertake shorter journeys. These should be the ‘early EV adopters’ within your fleet.
Step 3: Choose drivers who will be advocates
Identify which of your employees are most likely to advocate for EV adoption and begin your fleet electrification here. Additionally, the AFP says it is key to provide good quality employee education about EVs to avoid scepticism and unwanted surprises which can lead to negativity about the transition.
Step 4: Rethink your fleet structure
Interestingly, the AFP says that an unexpected effect of electrification has been fleet drivers becoming more receptive to car brands outside the established fleet ‘mainstream’ that offer strong electric choices. Additionally, for van fleets, large diesel models could be swapped for smaller electric models.
Step 5: Recognise the limitations
Currently, there are some limitations that come with electrification such as poor charging infrastructure which can be problematic for those who cover high mileages.
There is also a shortage of EV models for some vehicle types. However, the AFP says that good use of telematics data can help you keep the use of these ‘legacy internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles’ and their CO₂ output to a minimum. Telematics can also be a helpful tool to inform a planned future switch to EVs.
At Marshall Leasing, we understand that electrification can be a complicated process with many considerations. Our dedicated team of experts would be delighted to assist you in drawing up a plan for electrification and implementing it within your fleet.
Please get in touch with us today by calling 01480 414541 or emailing info@marshall-leasing.co.uk to receive free advice and quotation.
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