Electric vehicle advice tool launched by Volkswagen

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has launched a new digital tool, Van Fuel Advisor (EV4me), to help business owners determine whether combustion engine or electrified vehicles best suit their business’ requirements.

With an ever-expanding selection of electrified vans on the market, as well as potential taxation and total cost of ownership benefits, businesses are increasingly making the switch to electric vehicles. Weighing up whether an electric van would suit a company can, however, be difficult.

The tool simplifies the decision-making process through a series of quick-fire questions, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ new Van Fuel Advisor (EV4me) helps businesses decide whether an electric vehicle could be appropriate for them.

Taking into account factors including distance covered on a typical working day and access to charging facilities, the tool forms an impression of the business’ driving requirements.

The suggestions allow businesses to compare annual costs and indicative emissions of plug-in hybrids and combustion engine vehicles with fully-electric models, as well as available government grants that further support businesses to go electric. Covering price of fuel, servicing, congestion charges and Vehicle Excise Duty, the annual cost estimate acts as a guide for the potential savings to be made in everyday running costs by going electric.

Based on the business’ requirements, the Van Fuel Advisor tool also suggests the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles models that match their driving preferences. With the manufacturer’s diverse range offering combustion engine, plug-in hybrid and fully electric models, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has a practical solution for almost any business – whether they’re ready to make the switch to electric vehicles or not.

From establishing a business’ preferences to making comparisons and recommending an appropriate vehicle, the new digital tool provides business owners with support in making suitable decisions for their fleet. Customers can also find further support and information on Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ product offering in any of the manufacturer’s network of over 60 UK Van Centres.

Craig Cavanagh, National Fleet Manager at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, said: “Choosing whether to electrify a fleet can be a daunting process for any business and, with the added considerations of range, purchasing and running costs, it can be difficult to know which of the available options is most suitable.

“As part of our Working With You promise, we’re committed to making life easier by helping business owners choose the right vehicles for their business. This new tool provides suggestions tailored to their driving requirements, removing some of these uncertainties to give business owners peace of mind.”