According to reports, 45% of fleet managers are missing out on the opportunity to transition to electric vehicles due to a lack of expertise in taking the first steps. Simon King, managing director at Autotech Group addresses the issues.

Simon King, managing director, Autotech Group

The research, carried out by mobility solutions company Alphabet, found that pressure to meet both government and business environmental deadlines means demand for EVs is on the rise, however navigating the rapid developments around EV implementation is placing fleet decision makers under pressure.

Nonetheless, fleet managers are expecting electric and hybrid vehicles to make up 56% of vehicle fleets within two years and more than three quarters expect to have fully electric fleets before 2030. Research by Churchill Expert, Direct Line Group’s flexible fleet insurance business, found that petrol and diesel vehicles currently make up two-thirds of fleets, with 16% being hybrid and less than one-fifth being electric vehicles (EVs). Fleet managers expect this breakdown to change in two years with the proportion of EVs increasing to 37% and hybrid vehicles to 20%.

With the push for sustainability and clean energy sources, many companies are already taking the leap towards electric vehicles (EVs) as a way to reduce their overall emissions. While this is a step in the right direction, Autotech Training points out that it is important to remember that simply owning an EV fleet is not enough to achieve these sustainability goals. In fact, if the drivers aren’t comfortable and knowledgeable using EVs, it may just end up being a tick-the-box exercise on the part of the employer.

Overcoming range anxiety
One of the major concerns among drivers when it comes to switching to an EV is range anxiety. With petrol/diesel vehicles, refuelling is a relatively straightforward and quick process. However, with EV batteries, range capacity, charging speed and availability of charging stations can be a real issue unless fully understood. This is why it is crucial for fleet drivers to have adequate knowledge about the use of EVs. If drivers are confident on the EV range and what affects it, such as weather or vehicle load, they will have a better overall experience and feel more comfortable using EVs on the road.

Understanding charging methods
Another area where drivers need knowledge is on charging methods. While most EV drivers are familiar with the public or private charging options and modalities such as AC or DC, they may not know how charging affects the vehicle’s battery health, which is a key driver of maintenance costs for EVs. Understanding how to best utilize charging facilities, set rules for unplugging vehicles after they are fully charged, and using different charging modes depending on needs and the battery, can help drivers to get the most out of their EV and achieve the best mileage in each trip.

Regulation compliance
For fleets, compliance with regulation and environmental policies is a must. With the rise of low-emission zones and other environmental restrictions in urban areas, EV driving is seen as the ultimate answer, but failure of the fleet to abide by them can lead to fines and negative brand perception. As such, it is essential for drivers to be clued up on government regulations relating to EVs and how to follow the same to avoid penalties. With the right training and knowledge, fleet

drivers can navigate the changing landscape of regulations and provide an image of professionalism and compliance when using EVs.

Maintenance
Finally, proper maintenance of EVs is crucial to keep the fleet in top condition and extend battery life. Drivers who are familiar with basic EV maintenance such as cleaning, caring for the battery, and diagnosing issues can identify early signs of trouble with their vehicle, avoiding costly repairs and maximising driving performance. Educating drivers on maintenance can also help companies avoid misunderstandings about the ownership relationship of EV fleets between employees and the company.

Electrification of a fleet is a big step, and it is key to get drivers on board from the start. Importantly, drivers must have the right knowledge about EVs to use them effectively and without any anxiety. A properly trained fleet not only drives cost benefits and increases environmental credentials, but it also translates to a positive brand image and productive employee engagement.

For fleet operators looking to embrace sustainability and reduce emissions, employing the right training curriculum for their drivers can be one of the key factors to success. By doing so, they will be able to prepare their team for the transition and the result will be a committed workforce that is willing and able to utilise EVs to their full potential and meet the goals set by the business.

Autotech Training delivers IMI accredited Levels 1-4 Electric/Hybrid Vehicle training from either its dedicated electric vehicle training suite in Milton Keynes or on the premises of any garage or business across the UK.

Its IMI Level 1 Electric/Hybrid Vehicle Course is ideal as a simple awareness course for employees of a company which is electrifying its fleets. The half a day course provides a basic understanding of electric vehicles and the safety requirements when working within the vicinity of an EV.