Charging infrastructure most important factor for ULEV switch

Recharging infrastructure is the most important factor for fleets considering the switch to zero or ultra low emission fleets, according to a poll held on day one of GREENFLEET365's AMP ULEV eROADSHOW.

Forty-four per cent cited infrastructure as their most important consideration, followed by whole life costs (26 per cent), driver acceptance (18 per cent) and vehicle purchasing cycle (12 per cent).

When it comes to electric vans, charging infrastructure is the biggest barrier to adoption - with 35 per cent saying it was their biggest blocker. The range of electric vans was a concern for 28 per cent and operational capability was an obstacle for 23 per cent. It appears that leadership within fleet organisations is supportive of EV plans, as only five per cent said no support from leadership was a barrier.

Interestingly, the rapid pace of change of powertrains was not a barrier, with no one saying that today's electric vans becoming obsolete in two to three years was a blocker to adoption.

Delegates were also asked what percentage EV charging they thought would be in the workplace by 2030. Thirty-two per cent believe that over 25 per cent would be in place, while 30 per cent believed 15-20 per cent would be in place.

When asked what type of vehicles powertrains delegates had on their fleets, thirty six per cent said had full electric vehicles, followed by plug-in hybrids at 27 per cent, and self-charging hybrids at 22 per cent. Five per cent had some hydrogen vehicles and two per cent had gas.

Day one of the AMP ULEV eROADSHOW took place on 1 June and saw delegates tune in to hear from industry experts on electric vehicles, charging infrastructure and smart mobility.

Speakers included Edward Nelson from the Office for Low Emission Vehicles, Tammy Carter from Crown Commercial Service, and Stephen Pensom from LeasePlan, who spoke about ULEV strategy, planning the procurement.

Graeme Cooper from National Grid and Shayne Rees from Ubitricity tackled workplace charging & infrastructure, while James Mackintosh and Hayley Kirby from Toyota, Lucy Allberry from Kia Motors UK  and Mike Haran from MAXUS / LDV spoke about the role of zero and ultra low emission vehicles in air quality strategies.

Results from the poll of day two of GREENFLEET365's AMP ULEV eROADSHOW, which took place today, will be out tomorrow.

Day three of GREENFLEET365's AMP ULEV eROADSHOW takes place on 5 June and will look at smart cities, technology and future strategies. Register for free here.

Image shows speakers from day one of GREENFLEET365'S AMP ULEV eROADSHOW