EV-Box’s survey of over 850 electric drivers shows that 85% are happy having switched to electric driving. While insufficient charging infrastructure is raised as a concern by most (55%) of the EV drivers.

The main reason to initially purchase electric vehicles turns out to be a contribution to a more sustainable future (51%), although we still believe the “EV grin”, the smooth driving experience and advanced technology is something that will win over consumers in the long run.

Also interesting to note, is that 55% of those surveyed say they have never used a public DC fast charging station. Further to that, some 56% indicate that retail areas are the top locations to add charging facilities.

“A survey of over 850 electric drivers based in Europe and North America, as well as a “Manifesto for Electric Mobility”, was released publicly during rEVolution 2017, an annual gathering for e-mobility thought leaders that brought together 240 industry participants on the 14th of March in Amsterdam.

The e-mobility manifesto was created by a group of 12 thought leaders from EV-Box, ENGIE, EVConsult, Renault, Jaguar Land-Rover, E-Laad, The Municipality of Amsterdam, Urban Foresight, and Fastned, all of whom shared their vision on the future of e-mobility and what drivers, businesses, associations, and government can do to increase adoption of electric cars as well as improve the experience for the user.

Amongst many insights and recommendations, the manifesto clearly states that to increase the pace of transition towards sustainable mobility for electric vehicles, the following has to happen:

• For the general e-mobility stakeholders: To cooperate and implement interoperability between different countries and EV charging providers;
• For the charging providers and operators: To enable direct and mobile payments. Drivers should be able to pay for any charging session with any method, hassle-free;
• For the semi-public charging facilities: To empower and support the expected rise of electric vehicle adoption by installing smart charging infrastructure at their parking sites;
• For the automotive manufacturers: Create new services that allow drivers to charge their car in an easier way, and begin producing new batteries that can be charged faster
• For the Governments: To assist the charging providers in standardizing their services and products by implementing more public charging stations, and create or continue financial incentives to motivate their citizens to acquire an electric vehicle.

The full manifesto has been shared publicly and can be accessed at www.ev-box.com/manifesto.

As per the survey, the insights are shared in the manifesto as well; the most notable findings are as follows:

• 51% of electric drivers say that contributing to a sustainable future is the main reason to purchase an electric car
• 55% of electric drivers are unhappy with the current availability of charging points
  47% of electric drivers want to have online connectivity on their home charging station to track and bill their charging sessions
• 42% of electric drivers say that the main incentive to buy a charging station is to charge faster
• 55% of electric drivers have never used a public fast (DC) charging station
• 56% of all electric drivers rank retail areas as the top location to add charging facilities

The survey was answered by electric vehicle drivers, with the majority of respondent’s male (91%) and above 45 years old (58%). The respondents come from The Netherlands (40%), United States (35%) and 32 other European and North American countries, including United Kingdom, Canada, Norway, and Germany.”

Source: Inside EVs

In the last decade the challenges faced by fleet managers have dramatically changed. From fuel price volatility to changes in technology that allow fleet managers to monitor vehicle usage and efficiencies – the job for a fleet manager is considerably different to ten years ago. One thing that has remained, however, is the strive towards greener fleet management.

Changes in corporate and social regulations which increase sustainability plus growing demand for cost reductions encourage fleet managers to source greener alternatives that aren’t too costly.

Despite everyone talking about it, there is a surprising lack of clarity to help managers make the right moves towards greener fleets. There are several hurdles to get over before the process can begin, staff buy-in and initial upfront costs, to name a few – however once these are addressed, there are so many benefits.

1. Electric Vehicles (EV)

Fleet managers wanting to make a conscious effort to be greener should look to switching their fleets to electric vehicles. EVs have often had a perception challenge surrounding battery range, with many citing this as a major reason for not investing in EV. Yet, in recent years, Plug-ins, Hybrid and EV technology and range has increased to up to 500km, bringing about a significant change.

As infrastructure improves, more public charge points are available and most EVs come with smart technology that allows you to locate the nearest charge point to your location.

‘Refuelling’ is minimal cost and once the actual foundations have been put in place e.g. installing dedicated equipment, charging can take place at home or work.

2. Cost reduction and savings

Reducing overall costs for any manager is a constant uphill battle. For a fleet manager, keeping an eye on costs is probably the number one challenge and the pressure to save money is persistent. Volatile fuel prices means it can be tricky to keep a handle on predicted costs and some fleet managers can find themselves trying to make cuts in other places, like maintenance.

The government has also put in place schemes to incentivise anyone thinking about making the switch; low or zero road tax and exemption from the London Congestion Charge are both benefits of moving to the renewable energy way of driving.

With low carbon dioxide emissions comes low tax. Businesses with low CO2 emissions benefit from corporation tax relief and allowances as well as lower national Insurance payments.

3. Hybrids and Plug-ins

Another consideration is to look at the use of Hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles. This option gives drivers the best of both worlds and is probably most chosen by those wanting to go green but aren’t entirely confident in full EVs yet.

As mentioned previously, one of the big hesitations among drivers when switching from fuel to EV is ‘what if I run out of charge and become stranded’. Fleet managers who face hesitation from nervous drivers worried about being stranded with no means of charging should take a look into hybrid vehicles as they could be just the solution they need.

4. Good brand reputation

Companies that are seen to be making greener decisions and moves are praised. Most organisations now have carbon reduction or corporate social responsibility targets and it’s very much seen as ‘the thing to do’.

Sustainability is the buzzword for many businesses and some big players are investing efforts and money into activity that is driving their social efforts into the public eye. But this shouldn’t be the only reason for adopting greener initiatives.

Read more: Fleet News