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When considering different mobility solutions, cost, ease and efficiency must be at the forefront of a company's mind.
Workplace pressures are constantly evolving and without the ability to micro manage every journey, there is no single, one-size-fits-all solution.
For almost 60 years, the car has been considered just that and is still the go-to-solution, but there is increasing scrutiny on this favoured mode of transport. For example, there is pressure from recent emissions scandals and a constant focus on air quality, especially in cities. In response, fleets and drivers are looking towards pure electric, hybrid and plug-in vehicles offered by manufacturers.
Despite various issues, such as the lack of a fast-charging infrastructure, the convenience of the car, allied to incentives such as lower BIK rates, the Plug-in Car Grant, and zero road tax for vehicles producing emissions up to and including 100g/km of CO2, continue to keep the car at the forefront of fleet decisions and the favoured option, for now.
If fleets are to truly reap the rewards of electric vehicles, they must act now. However, the bigger mobility picture must always be considered.
From a cost and efficiency perspective, there are financial and practical pressures on every method of transport. Constant developments in technology allow teleconferencing and video calling, both from the office and on the move. This can save fleets time and money by only travelling when necessary, which could lead to usage of the car decreasing. However, face-to-face meetings are still preferred by many.
There's always the option of public transport. Rail allows employees to work on the move, and this is an attractive alternative, especially for longer journeys. However, rail transport is only cost-effective when booked in advance, and it can still leave employees with more journeys to make. This can prove expensive and a particular problem for those predominantly based in rural areas.
For extremely long journeys, air travel could provide an easier (and sometimes cheaper) option, although additional costs could arise from further transport into towns and cities. This advocates use of the car, taking advantage of its door-to-door capabilities. Increased access to alternatively fuelled vehicles on car sharing and instant rental schemes within a city provide an alternative option to multiple changes and connections.
Alternatively fuelled cars shouldn't be considered the sole solution. They are a quick-fix solution for companies to take advantage of various cost savings, if different transport modes aren't suitable.
With this foresight, fleets should take full advantage of EV technology and combine it with different transport methods where possible, as constant pressures on efficiency, emissions and costs becomes ever greater.
Alternatively-fuelled vehicles will only remain the favoured mode of transport while taxation remains relatively low. If we continue to support alternative fuelled vehicles, the Government's attitude to how they are taxed will change just as quickly. They can't afford not to.
And when this happens, companies will have to continually consider alternative modes of transport. Doing so now will allow fleets to maximise savings where possible.
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Business Car Magazine © 2020 | Business Car is part of NS Media Group.
