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Q&A: Bob Saynor of the EST

By / 10 years ago / Interview / No Comments

   

Why is the scheme being replaced?

When we introduced short-duration ecodriving training to the UK in 2009 the concept was virtually unknown in the UK and there was some scepticism. Now five years on and nearly 40,000 drivers later things are very different and we think it’s time to let the commercial driver training companies take the lead, with the Energy Saving Trust moving to a supporting role as independent ecodriving expert.

 

How does the Ecodriving scheme improve on Smarter Driving?

Under the new scheme driver training companies are free to offer the Energy Saving Trust’s well-proven short-duration format, or build the Energy Saving Trust’s requirements into longer duration training, perhaps combining efficiency with more of a focus on safety. So the big improvement for fleets is that they now have greater diversity and choice, in particular the choice of training provider and training product. However, in all cases fleets can be confident that the eco element of the training will still provide many benefits due to the experience of the Energy Saving Trust’s Smarter Driving programme. A list of participating driver training companies and their contact details can be found at: www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/smarterdriving

 

What are the main benefits for fleets?

Reduced fuel costs is the big driver for most fleets. We’ve seen just over a 14% average saving on the day from nearly 40,000 drivers. The long-term savings will depend on how the fleet is managed as well as on the training itself, but studies of the short-duration training format show 3.7–6.2% reduction in fuel consumption in the 12 months post-training. Lower fuel consumption also means reduced CO2 emissions. And as anyone in the driver training industry will tell you, efficient driving is also safer driving, as the key to both efficiency and safety is improved anticipation.

 

Why should all fleets be looking at using the scheme?

Ecodriving training is a time and cost-effective means of reducing fuel costs, CO2 emissions and accident rates. With our new scheme there’s a choice of suppliers and choice of training formats, so whatever a fleet is looking for should be available under our scheme.

 

Is it relevant to both car and van drivers?

Yes the techniques and the savings are equally applicable to both car and van drivers.

 

Is there a module for EV drivers?

Yes. EV ecodriving training is the only training we’re still providing directly ourselves, and this can be organised by contacting [email protected]. Of course for an EV, efficient driving means greater vehicle range as well as lower energy consumption. This module also includes training on safe recharging and other aspects of operating EVs such as the effects of ancillary loads on energy consumption.

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