ESG Metric: GHG Scope 1 emissions
Ease of implementation: Hard
Suitable for: Large non-electric fleets
Suggested functional lead: Logistics department
Summary
Transitioning to an electric fleet has a positive environmental impact through reducing fleet emissions. To implement this change, it is crucial to investigate and research which vehicle type is most appropriate and to build a business plan for the transition. Prior to making the transition, you will need to plan for the charging options and set up staff communication systems for any issues along the way. Once the transition has been complete, ensure a member of staff is assigned to monitor the costs of charging, as well as recording emissions reductions.
Background Information
Globally, countries are setting targets to eliminate production and usage of diesel and petrol vehicles, some as soon as 2025. In the UK, the Road to Net Zero strategy outlines the government’s ambitions to end petrol and diesel vehicles sales. By 2030, a target has been set for 40% of new van sales to be ultra-low emission. The EU will ban new non-electric and hybrid cars, excluding vans, by 2035, with the UK banning most new non-zero emissions cars and vehicles by 2030. This transition is crucial to meet each country’s nationally determined targets as set out in the Paris Agreement, and to ensure we are decarbonising the transport sector.
Implementation Steps
Investigate transition options and staff opinions
Assess staff thoughts and concerns regarding the transition to electric fleet. These may include concern regarding charging stations, route alterations or speed limitations. Work to address and reduce these concerns and demonstrate the environmental impacts and emissions reduction it will lead to. Additionally, identify which employees will make the switch first and evaluate how the transition would take place.
Investigate which model is suitable for your fleet
Identify which electric vehicle type would be most efficient for your fleet to ensure business can run as usual. Find out more about the various models here and advice on which model is the right fit for you here.
Build a business case
EV transition can make financial sense due to their lower running costs, but they have higher upfront costs. These are, however, recouped by fuel and maintenance savings. Additionally, the exemption for road tax and congestion charges will decrease costs. Research whether you would be eligible for any government grants, seeing as many countries have set nationally determined contributions to transition away from diesel and petrol vehicles (find out more for the UK here).
Analyse, investigate and plan for the transition
Whether some or all of your fleet is transitioning towards EVs, perform a cost analysis compared to the current fleet. Identify the operational requirements and suitable vehicle types for your business to perform business as usual. It is also crucial to measure your current fleet carbon footprint for comparisons after the transition is complete.
Assess charging options
When making the transition, consider the charging options at your facility, staff homes and en-route for your fleet. Find chargepoint options here.
Set up an easy communication system
Staff may have technical and transportation questions regarding the new fleet. Ensure there is a communication system set in place for staff to easily ask questions. It important to keep a fast response rate to make the transition as seamless and positive for the staff. Ensure you have the communication method, such as Slack, Microsoft Teams or a even a Google Form, set up before making the transition.
Set up an EV policy
Write up an EV policy for the new fleet (this may be a new policy or an adaptation of the current non-electric fleet policy). Find the policy template here.
Make the transition
This can be a phase-in of electric vehicles over time or an immediate full transition. Ensure the old fleet is sold back to the initial dealership or an alternative one.
Monitor the costs of charging
Monitor the costs of charging at home, in public and in the workplace for cost analysis.
Assign responsibility for monitoring the carbon emission reduction
Assign the responsibility to monitor the emissions reduction of your fleet to a member of staff. Share any positive reduction with the team and make any necessary changes to further reduce emissions. These changed may include poor charging habits resulting in decreased battery life and excess energy usage. See the Changing Charging Habits Initiative here.