The start point for the best source of fleet information |
Electric fleet interest still rising despite energy price concerns, Fleet Logistics UK reports
Date: 14 February 2022 | Author: Sean Keywood
UK fleets are continuing to show record levels of interest in electrification, despite the threat of rising energy prices.
That's according to Fleet Logistics UK, which said it was receiving record levels of requests for consultancy and advice on implementing an EV fleet policy.
It said motivating factors included generally reduced mileage post-pandemic, which has lessened range anxiety, with interest still overcoming the potential issues.
The company's country head for UK and Ireland Sue Branston said: "We have all heard and read the stories regarding the likely impact of rising energy prices from April, and you might have been excused for thinking that this might limit the desire to switch to EVs.
"However, nothing could be further from the truth. We have customers virtually queuing up outside the door for help with EV adoption and implementation and policy advice.
"Germany saw significant energy price increases last year of around 18% and this has not slowed adoption levels. And we expect the same thing to happen here."
Branston said that the BIK tax advantages of EVs - currently incurring a 1% rate, with a 2% rate being introduced from April - far outweighed energy price concerns.
She continued: "Not only are there considerable tax savings for both the driver and the employer, but the running costs are lower, and we have seen recent figures that show that SMR costs of battery electric vehicles are around 50% lower than those of equivalent ICE vehicles.
"With fewer moving parts in an electric drivetrain, maintenance intervals are longer and services take less time to perform, so running costs are lower - going someway to offsetting the higher front-end prices that are typically charged for electric cars."
