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A new guide to the charging needs of EV fleets, aimed at local authorities, has been launched by the BVRLA.
The rental and leasing industry body says its new Fleet Charging Guide provides detailed case studies, advice, and tangible solutions that can be applied at a local level across the UK, with local authorities increasingly being given responsibility for the roll-out of public charging infrastructure.
The guide, said to have been compiled following extensive research with a variety of fleet operators, features 12 distinct recommendations, all of which, according to the BVRLA, are designed to give local authorities the background knowledge they need to develop informed strategies.
The guide's recommendations are broken down into four topics. On matching types of provision to emerging gaps in infrastructure, it recommends: The UK Government should conduct a regular review on whether private charge point operators (CPOs) are filling gaps in public charging provision; local authorities and distribution network operators (DNOs) should work with the private sector to explore ways of mutualising the cost of grid connections; the government should provide national guidance for local authorities and CPOs on how different vehicle 'dwell times' impact charger requirements.
Regarding building trust in the reliability of infrastructure, the guide recommends local authorities should: Encourage the installation of more than one or two chargers in busy locations where reliability or redundancy is a key factor; set enforceable service level agreements with CPOs; require CPOs provide dynamic data on charger status and performance.
On the subject of ensuring consistent ease of access, the guide recommends: Government funding should only be available for chargers that are secure and accessible for a variety of vehicle types; the government should provide local authorities with guidance on specific requirements for charge point users with disabilities; government funding should incentivise chargers that support contactless or fuel card payments.
On the final topic, creating a future framework for decisions based on user need, the guide recommends local authorities should: Have an obligation to engage with fleets on future as well as present charger provision; work with DNOs, CPOs, fleets, regional transport boards and other stakeholders to promote regular engagement and sharing of data; endeavour to establish a 'whole organisation' (including planning, sustainable transport, economic development, and parking) view of charging requirements across their region.
BVRLA chief executive Gerry Keaney said: "There is a way to go before the UK's charging network is fit for purpose, not only for the volume of vehicles that will rely on it, but the varying use cases too. Infrastructure has fallen behind and we need a seismic shift in the delivery of charging solutions.
"Up to now, infrastructure decisions have been developed with individual drivers and private use cases in mind. This needs to change so we are providing local authorities with the tools they need to succeed.
"By having fleets involved in the planning, roll out and maintenance of charging networks, local authorities can ensure they are catering to the broadest number of road users with solutions that will stand the test of time."
The BVRLA says that following the launch of the guide, it will be working closely with government at a local and national level to use its recommendations as part of open, collaborative discussions that will seek greater consideration being given to fleets across the UK.
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