The adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in the UK continues to grow year-on-year due to regulatory pressures and technological advancements. With the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate becoming law in early 2024, businesses are now incentivised to adopt EVs in their fleet operations.
A key element of this transition is the ongoing development of charging infrastructure to support the growing number of EVs on the road. This guide will detail the key considerations of fleet electrification for businesses; the benefits of investing in EVs and EV charging; and the financial support available to those looking to make the most out of the UK’s green transition.
What is an EV fleet?
What are the benefits of an EV fleet for business?
Grants, subsidies and incentives available for business EV fleets
What are the key considerations for EV fleet charging?
Why is EV fleet charging an important consideration for EV fleet managers?
Operational Effectiveness
Consistent access to charging stations ensures that EV fleets can operate smoothly without disruptions, improving overall efficiency.
Cost Efficiency
By managing their own charging infrastructure, fleet managers can significantly reduce reliance on expensive public charging networks and control operational costs.
Environmental Impact
Private charging options can usually integrate with renewable energy sources such as solar PVs, thereby creating opportunities to help businesses further decrease their carbon footprint.
Reliability of Charging Infrastructure
Public charging stations may be unreliable due to their condition or availability. Private, full-service charging solutions ensure fleets are not affected by these issues.
Flexibility and Customization
Full-service EV charging systems allow fleet managers to customise charging practices based on the fleet's specific needs, such as adjusting charging speeds and schedules to optimise energy use.
Future Readiness
As the automotive industry evolves, having a robust and adaptable charging infrastructure prepares fleets for future changes and advancements.
Ready to explore EV charging for your business?
CQuel simplifies your business’ transition to EVs by identifying the best charging set-up for your business and connecting you with trusted installers, all on one easy-to-use platform.Explore our current openings and become a part of Team CQuel.
What is the difference between alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) chargers?
AC electricity is the type of electricity that is used in homes; however, EV batteries run on DC electricity. An AC charger (which is usually used in residential and public charging stations) thus feeds AC electricity into an EV, which must convert it to DC electricity before feeding it into the battery. A DC charger converts electricity from AC to DC before it is fed into the EV, allowing the EV to charge significantly faster.
Do I need planning permission or DNO approval before I install EV charging infrastructure for my business?
Whether or not you need planning permission or DNO approval will depend on what type of charger you are looking to install and its location. We strongly recommend you check with your local council and your DNO before undertaking any work.
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