New research released last week by FleetCard reveals corporate sustainability goals, tax benefits, and incentives are the three biggest factors driving the EV transition in managed fleets.
While nearly 44% of fleet drivers appreciate the positive contribution EVs have on society, incorporating EVs into existing car fleets is a long-term goal for fleet managers, with current costs and infrastructure limitations named as two key challenges.
FleetCard’s research reveals 15% of fleet managers currently have at least one EV in their fleet, with 7% of respondents noting EVs make up just 10% of their existing fleet.
Positively, the goal for over half of fleet managers surveyed is for EVs to make up 10% of their fleet, while over a third wish to have EVs comprise up to 25% of their fleet, by 2030.
‘Range Anxiety’, a driver’s fear that a vehicle has insufficient energy storage (fuel and/or battery capacity) to cover the road distance needed to reach its intended destination, and leave the driver stranded, is reflected in the research.
The time it takes to charge EVs, and finding a location to do so, are the two biggest fleet driver issues (36.25% & 25.94% respectively), but this statistic is one been countered by FleetCard’s collaboration with Chargefox.
Sam Steel, Managing Director of Corpay Australia and New Zealand, FleetCard’s parent company, said the natural next step in fleet management is the consideration of EV and Hybrid vehicles.
“Our new addition of FleetCard +Electric is helping our customers to make an easy transition to EV, and our partnership with Chargefox gives them access to a vast national network of charging stations, meaning drivers don’t have to stress about on-road charging.”
While fleets don’t update overnight, the new FleetCard +Electric fleet management offer combines fuel of all types – whether it be petrol, diesel or electric, allowing for flexibility when considering upgrading vehicle fleets.
With two EVs in a fleet of 11 vehicles, Paul Benson, Director of Centec Group, expects to bring more EVs into his fleet as the market matures and charging becomes more efficient.
“With a greater range and style of EV available, along with the ability to manage and predict costs associated, this EV trend will continue to grow and prosper,” said Benson, noting the decision to include EVs in the fleet was due to growing sustainability awareness and driver preferences.
Benson notes ‘Range Anxiety’ was a consideration when it came to EV re-charging locations. “Charging is a considerable challenge and local charging stations can sometimes be few and far between. As EVs become more popular, drivers can face a considerable wait to get access to charging stations,” said Paul.
Nullifying ‘Range Anxiety’, the new FleetCard +Electric product provides EV and Hybrid vehicles with an immense network of traditional re-fuelling and +2200 Chargefox re-charging plugs across Australia.
Allowing drivers to bill the recharge to the company account, the new FleetCard +Electric card provides greater flexibility to fleet managers when it comes time to consider fleet upgrades.
Centec Group’s fleet covers significant ground to service and meet with clients and Benson notes FleetCard +Electric’s charging network, which accesses Chargefox’s locations, helps reduce the stress of recharging. “The Chargefox app makes it easy to plan in advance,” said Paul.
The centralised platform for managing vehicle expenses offered by FleetCard +Electric also assists with staff payment options. “The addition of EVs to the fleet complicated things a little as not all employees have a company credit card. FleetCard +Electric allows the expenses for all our vehicles to be managed in a simple and efficient system and ensures no one is inconvenienced.”
Incorporating environmentally considerate processes into all facets of the business, FleetCard payment cards are now produced using sustainable PVC film SICO-R, made from 99% recycled PVC.
