Category: Electric Vehicles

Electrification is one of the biggest buzzwords for fleets as we move towards NetZero2050. Transport continues to contribute a huge amount of pollution, accounting for 24% of UK emissions in 2020 and standing as the largest emitting sector in the country. Fleet electrification is an essential step for operators who want to become accountable, decrease their carbon footprint, and maintain a good reputation for sustainability.

Fleets can look very different from business to business, and electrification can mean different things depending on what the specific vehicle architecture within your fleet looks like. That’s why this article will examine what fleet electrification is and how it can impact different businesses.

What is fleet electrification?

Electrification is about removing technologies that operate using fossil fuels and replacing them with tech that uses electricity instead. For fleets, this primarily means shifting from combustion engine vehicles to hybrid and electric vehicles and supporting the installation of the infrastructure necessary to support them.

What does fleet electrification look like for different fleets?

Fleets look different from business to business, and can have a range of different vehicle types that can make the process of electrification really varied.

Vans and LCVs

There are over 1.5 million vans registered to UK companies, of which only 0.3% in 2019 were ultra-low emission vehicles – making this vehicle category a prime subject for electrification. The variety of electric vans on the marketing is increasing, as is the support on offer to help facilitate the purchase of these vehicles.

The Plug-In Vehicle Grant includes a range of low emission and electric vans offered at discount prices to help increase the uptake of these more sustainable vehicles by last mile deliveries, professional services and other businesses with fleet vans. The discount is automatically added to eligible vehicles.

You can read more about electric last mile vehicles here.

HGVs and Buses

For heavier goods and passenger vehicles, electrification can seem like a significant challenge. With mileage one of the main concerns for those looking to switch to electric vehicles, HGV, bus, and coach drivers might be hesitant to put faith in electric alternatives due to the need for long distance mileage.

Despite this concern, the technology in electric vehicles is rapidly improving and we are seeing the mileage capability of larger EVs increase significantly with fully electric HGVs now capable of up to 110 miles on a single charge.

You can read more about electric HGVs here.

Cars

The most common type of vehicle on the roads, cars, are an essential in the personal and working lives of many, and if you drive a company car or manage a fleet of cars then electrifying your vehicle/s might be of interest to you. Electric cars have seen significant development in the last decade and the choice for these vehicles is vast, putting those looking to invest in electric fleet cars in a beneficial position.

For taxi businesses interested in expanding their fleets electric vehicles, the aforementioned Plug-In Vehicle Grant similarly offers discounts on taxis offering savings of up to £7,500. There are also approaches to the acquisition of electric cars you can take to help ease the cost and convenience including salary sacrifice schemes that encourage uptake with staff.

You can read our deep dive into the real cost of electric cars for UK fleets to learn more about what electrifying your company cars will look like financially at every step of the process.

Electrification for SMEs

While larger companies might be in a better economic position to make larger short-term investments into electric vehicles and the charging infrastructure to support them, SMEs might find the initial costs of electric vehicles and vehicles charge points off putting. However, there are still options for SMEs.

With an increasing uptake of electric vehicles both at home and by businesses as we move closer toward our collective NetZero goal, there are range of government support schemes in place to help with the cost of both electric fleet acquisition and the cost of implementing charging infrastructure.

Workplace Charging Scheme

Expanding your EV fleet is not just as simple as acquiring the vehicles, and in order to make electric fleet vehicles really work for your business it could be worth equipping your business’ premises with charge points so as not to rely solely on public charging.

The Office for Zero Emission Vehicles offers the Workplace Charging Scheme to help support businesses with cost of installing electric vehicle charge points at work places, offering as much as £350 per socket and up to 40 sockets per business.

You can read more about the Workplace Charging Scheme including the requirements, eligibility terms, and details on how to apply here.

The Plug-In Vehicle Grant

We’ve mentioned the Plug-In Vehicle grant, which offers a discount on purchases on eligible new electric and hybrid or ‘plug-in’ vehicles. This is a discount that is applied automatically at the dealership, and can benefit businesses looking to invest in electric vans, motorcycles/mopeds, trucks and taxis. Unfortunately, the scheme no longer includes cars.

For those looking for ways to help fund the introduction of electric cars to a business fleet, read our article on salary sacrifice for electric cars.

Our growing EV solutions

With the acquisition of fleet vehicles, it pays to be set up with the right tools. From installing charging points to covering the costs of recharging on the road, Fuel Card Services can help. We have a growing range of electric vehicle charge cards to choose from and are expanding our range of electric services.

Get in touch today if you want to learn more about the electric vehicles services we’ll be offering or refer to our EV solutions for news, updates, and information.

The cost-of-living pinch is being felt in personal and business life by all, and fleets are no exception. With the cost of second-hand vehicles and vehicle leasing on the rise, companies looking to introduce more electric vehicles into their fleets need to consider their options in order to build an electric fleet in the most cost effective manner.

In this blog we’ll break down what salary sacrifice is and how fleets can use it to electrify their fleet in a way that benefits the company’s and employee’s wallets alike.

What is salary sacrifice?

Salary sacrifice is an arrangement between employer and employee to reduce the employee’s entitlement to cash pay in return for a non-cash benefit, such as an electric car. The cost of the car is then deducted from the employee’s salary each month before they are taxed.

A salary sacrifice car of any kind will usually be supplied by a partnered supplier and will often come in a package deal meaning that salary sacrifice EV packages may also provide users with charging infrastructure and other benefits.

2017 tax changes

In April of 2017, changes were made to tax rules that mean employees need to pay income tax on either the amount of salary sacrificed or the value of the car. Whilst this does mean that the salary sacrifice schemes aren’t quite as beneficial as they once were, they still offer a host of valuable benefits, particularly for companies/employees looking to reduce environmental impact with electric vehicles.

Benefits of salary sacrifice for electric cars

Whilst the tax savings may not be as significant as they were in previous years, salary sacrifice schemes still offer great perks for both companies and their employees.

All-inclusive packages

Generally, electric cars and other vehicles are on average still somewhat more expensive than combustion engine vehicles, particularly when you account for the infrastructure needed to run them. Many salary sacrifice car schemes offer all-inclusive packages that will provide employees not just with the electric car but also with a home charging point and installation as well as other benefits such as servicing maintenance discounts.

These perks quickly add up, and those opting for a salary sacrifice fleet vehicle will find themselves saving money not just on the vehicle but on all the important extras that go with it.

Better electric cars for a lower price

Salary sacrifice schemes for electric vehicles offer fleet drivers a more affordable price for newer electric vehicles. This is because companies with agreed partnerships to salary sacrifice car providers will get better deals on newer cars than if the employee looks to lease an EV independently.

No deposit

Putting down a deposit on a new vehicle can often be pricey and off putting, but with salary sacrifice schemes, there is usually no deposit for the employee to pay. This makes the acquisition easier on employees’ pockets.

OZEV tax advantages

The Office for Zero Emission Vehicles are a government office supporting the UK in increasing the uptake of electric and hybrid vehicles as well as implementing EV infrastructure. Electric company car drivers benefit from a lower BiK rate than combustion engine drivers, so whilst there is less of a tax break than before 2017, using salary sacrifice to acquire EVs still offers a lower tax rate.

OZEV also have other schemes in place like the Workplace Charging Scheme which can help businesses to introduce EV charging infrastructure to business sites.

How promoting a salary sacrifice scheme can help your business

Salary sacrifice schemes do offer the most saving potential for employees but there are also benefits for employers too – from money saving to improving employee retention.

Reducing National Insurance contributions

Salary sacrifice schemes knock down the National Insurance contributions for both employer and employee. Whilst there isn’t as large a tax saving as there was in years gone by, there is still a monetary saving to be made here.

Better cash flow

The uptake of salary sacrifice schemes can have a positive knock-on effect on cash flow for businesses. These schemes are typically deducted from pay before taxes, which offers a better cash flow for employers.

Employee retention and satisfaction

Opportunities for staff like salary sacrifice schemes are great for employee retention as they diversify the compensation to employees, and this range of benefits can improve retention by rewarding commitment to the company.

Increase sustainability

When it comes to increasing the number of electric vehicles on the roads, sustainability is the key thing in mind. Electric vehicles serve to reduce a company’s carbon footprint, and for companies with active fleets, the saving can be significant when the switch is made.

Reducing costs with Fuel Card Services

Whether your EV fleet is growing with a salary sacrifice scheme or you are using other means to expand your electric vehicle tally, keep cutting costs with electric charge cards from Fuel Card Services. Our range is growing, and with so many benefits to reap, and thousand of locations to use them at, these charge cards are a great opportunity to save money and time on admin costs.

Use our quick enquiry form to get in touch and we’ll help you to find an EV charge card or fuel card that fits your fleet’s needs.

You can find more information about electric vehicles over on our EV Hub, where we share insights we think fleet managers can benefit from, including latest news and money saving opportunities.

Making the switch from combustion engine vehicles to electric vehicles is one of the biggest sustainable changes that fleets can make, and one that can help bring about long-term prosperity and lowered running costs – but it can require a serious initial investment.

In this blog, we’ll take a look at what the cost of electrifying your fleet of vehicles could look like, covering not just the cost of purchasing the vehicles but also what infrastructure you will need to invest in.

EV Costs

As technology develops and demand for electric vehicles increases, EVs are becoming more affordable and more versatile than ever. When it comes to price, they are giving combustion engine vehicles a run for their money. There are now more EV pricing options in the market than we have ever seen before, and a larger product range comprising vehicles of all different shapes and sizes – meaning there are options to fit different budgets.

How much do electric cars cost?

If you are looking to acquire electric cars for your fleet, you can expect an average cost of around £47,300 for a new vehicle, however this industry-average figure accommodates the higher costing car brands like Tesla and Lucid Motors. The electric cars at the lower end of the price range can cost as little as £22,225.

Second hand electric cars

Buying second hand electric cars can knock a fair sum off the buying price. You can find models like the Nissan Leaf or Renault Zoe for as little as £7,000 second hand, and with ranges of around 130 miles these are suitable for a lot of businesses fleet needs.

How much do electric vans cost?

New electric vans often have a similar upfront cost as electric cars, with some great models costing between £29-45,000 and ranges almost reaching 200 miles. These types of EVs have some way to go to being a true match to their petrol and diesel vehicle cousins but they are a great switch for last mile delivery services.

Second hand electric vans

Opting for seconds hand electric vans will similarly save you some money on the up front costs, with many second hand models selling for around £10,000 or less. This resale price is similar to the second hand cost of many petrol and diesel van models too, making the switch to electric even easier to justify financially.

How much do electric HGVs cost?

Haulage companies and other businesses needing heavy good vehicles are becoming increasingly able to electrify their fleet, and the cost of electric HGVs currently stands at around £100,000. This is a price that is close to the cost of combustion engine vehicles.

Electric Fleet Financing

Leasing your electric fleet

Leasing electric fleet vehicles is a great way for businesses to benefit from an electric fleet without being tied to a vehicle that will depreciate in value over the years. It can help you balance the cost of electric fleet vehicle acquisition without your cashflow taking too big of a hit and leases can offer flexibility that works with your needs.

Leasing your electric vehicle could cost you less than £200 per month, and businesses can reap the benefits of newer models and cheaper servicing costs, too.

Your can read more about electric vehicle servicing here.

Purchasing your electric fleet

Alternatively, you could consider purchasing electric fleet vehicles. This route of acquiring your EVs will mean that you will eventually be paying no monthly payments and have an asset which can be resold if necessary. Additionally, if buying electric vehicles new you might qualify for the UK government Plug-In grant, a grant which is automatically deducted from the price of some EV models on purchasing.

Leasing often includes certain restrictions on mileage over the lease term, and with a vehicle you won you are not limited to these requirements. However, servicing is your own responsibility with a vehicle you own and the cost of purchasing electric vehicles will often include a higher upfront cost as well as higher monthly payments.

EV acquisition that suits your business

There is a lot to consider when making the move to an electric fleet that can make it feel like a daunting task. The first step you should take is to consider what exactly your fleet needs in terms of vehicle size and mileage, whether you have the means to install the appropriate charging infrastructure, and whether purchasing or leasing will be most beneficial to your business.

Charge Cards from Fuel Card Services

Once your electric fleet is on the road, recharge it efficiently with EV charge cards from Fuel Card Services. We have a growing range of electric vehicle charge cards that offer great rates, useful perks, and can help to keep admin costs down and your fleet in motion. You can use our enquiry form to get in touch and our team will be on hand to help you find the right charge cards for your fleets needs.

Finding sustainable solutions to powering our homes and vehicles is more important than ever, both for planet and pockets. With electric cars, vans, and other vehicles increasing in popularity and affordability every year, what options are available to businesses (and the public) to get these vehicles in motion in an environmentally savvy way?

In this blog, we discuss how solar charging could become a viable option for EV users looking for sustainable means of charging their vehicles – and what funding is available for businesses and homeowners looking to introduce this technology into the workplace or home.

How does solar panel charging work

Charging an electric car with solar power works by utilising the electricity generated from UV light via solar panels. Then, using a solar compatible EV charger, the generated electricity is transferred to the car’s battery.

Solar panels absorb sunlight, generating direct current energy. This DC energy is then converted to alternating current energy though the use of an inverter. This makes the energy domestically usable. It is this AC energy that can be used to power things like a home, business, or electric vehicle.

To charge an electric car with the energy generated by solar panels, a suitable EV charger with a solar feed is necessary. These types of chargers have dedicated charging terminals for solar power, allowing you to charge with both solar power and grid power.

Benefits of solar power for EV charging

Switching to electric vehicles already has a host of benefits that both businesses and individuals can benefit from, from their minimal carbon output to the lifetime savings. Opting to charge an EV even partially with solar power could offer additional advantages.

1. Save more money

Saving money on energy is more important than ever as the cost of living crisis continues. Making use of renewable energy sources is a great way to beat the cost of refuelling; sunlight is effectively free energy.

2. Further carbon footprint reduction

Take the sustainability a step further. Charging the already more environmentally mindful choice of vehicle with a renewable resource is a great way to keep reducing the carbon footprint of commercial and private vehicles.

3. Increase your property value

As electric vehicles increase in affordability and popularity, both buildings and commercial properties with existing charge points could be appealing if you find yourself moving locations. For buyers who own EVs, buildings with existing charging infrastructure are likely an appealing option, helping to maximise the return on your investment. And if the EV chargers also benefit from solar charging, then this increases the value more so.

Limitations of solar power for EV charging

Solar charging for electric cars has the potential to be hugely beneficial, but it still faces a few limitations that EV owners need to consider.

Costs

Much like the electric vehicles that use them, installing solar panels and charging equipment is not cheap at the start. Whilst there will likely be savings to be made further down the line, the initial costs can be too high for many. If a building doesn’t already have solar panels installed, the costs of powering an EV using the sun can quickly add up.

Reliability

Using appropriate equipment that is designed to handle the task is important to ensure the safe transfer of energy in any circumstance, and solar charging EVs is no different. It’s important to check that existing equipment and new equipment match the energy requirements to ensure minimal risk of accident.

Will solar power for EVs be viable?

Much like any development of this kind, the success of solar power for charging electric vehicles will no doubt have a slow start as its more widespread uptake will first require more EVs on the roads.

However, the number of individuals and businesses opting for electric vehicles is increasing year on year and as technology develops, EVs become more and more accessible. With more of the UK driving EVs, calls for sustainable means of charging with likely take off, with more people becoming aware of options like solar power for the EVs.

Fuel Card Services EV Hub

If you’re keen to know the latest EV news, insights, and updates, then head over to our EV hub. You’ll find loads of great information that can help you stay ahead of the curve.

There you’ll also find great deals on EV charge cards, with useful tools to help you pick the charge cards that’s right for your needs.