‘Electrifying the fleet’ - REA launches advice resource for fleet managers

The resource, developed by the REA’s HGV and Commercial Fleet Working Group, aims to provide fleet managers with a detailed roadmap to successfully electrify their fleets, offering step-by-step guidance, demonstrating value for money and efficiency savings, and insights into overcoming current barriers to adoption.

One of the key sections of the report focuses on the extensive savings fleet managers can expect from electrifying their fleets.

Denise Beedell, Logistics UK Senior Policy Manager commented: “Our members are committed to making the transition to zero emission vehicles. Fleet operators face many challenges in meeting decarbonisation deadlines and the REA’s new advice initiative will give fleet owners some much needed clarity as they embark on the journey to net zero.

“Logistics UK has been calling for an agreed and co-created logistics roadmap to net zero to help support the industry to decarbonise and as a partner of the Zero Emission Van Plan(link), we have been seeking urgent steps from government, including removing regulatory barriers, to help more fleets transition to electric vehicles."

The resource reveals that operators can expect to save around £1,500 annually per light commercial vehicle (LCV) driving 15,000 miles a year if charged at the depot or home. For rigid HGVs driving the same distance, the savings could be approximately £3,500 annually.

These significant cost savings are attributed to the fact that electric vehicles (EVs) only require 25-30% of the energy that a diesel equivalent would need to deliver the same performance, highlighting the substantial efficiency gains from electrification.

Current UK policy targets are also outlined in the resource, with a mandate that by the end of 2024, 10% of new van sales in the UK must be zero emissions, rising to 58% by 2029, 70% by 2030, and 100% by 2035.

For HGVs, all new models sold in the UK must be zero emission by 2040. To support these ambitious targets, the UK government offers various plug-in grants, including up to £2,500 for small vans, £5,000 for large vans, £16,000 for small trucks, and £25,000 for large trucks, helping to offset the initial costs of electrification.

The resource emphasises the benefits of smart charging, which can significantly reduce costs by enabling fleet managers to schedule charging during off-peak times when electricity prices are lower.

Smart charging also reduces the need for costly grid upgrades and improves overall efficiency. Additionally, the Public Charge Point Regulations 2023 that came into force on 24 November 2023 will require all rapid public charge points of 50kW or more to have 99% reliability by November 2024, ensuring a dependable charging experience for fleet vehicles.

The potential of depot sharing is also discussed, noting that with approximately 66,973 depots in the UK, enabling depot sharing could significantly reduce the demand for public HGV charging infrastructure, facilitating faster and more cost-effective fleet electrification.

Numerous case studies are included, showcasing successful fleet electrification projects by REA members. For example, Drax’s deployment of EV charging infrastructure for SES Water is saving an estimated 43 tonnes of CO2 per year, while Mer’s installation of 200 chargers for IKEA supports the retailer’s commitment to sustainable deliveries.

Future of Roads Minister, Lilian Greenwood said: “Our roads are undergoing a technological revolution, and fleets will play a big part.

“A cleaner, greener transport network is a key priority for this government, which is why we have plug-in grants available for vans and trucks and programmes aimed at scaling up zero emission HGVs, to decarbonise road freight."

Published On: 29/08/2024 12:51:42

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