The EU is gearing up to move to the next generation of driver mobility

In December 2019 the European Commission (EC) announced the European Green Deal. This holistic approach towards climate action includes a roadmap for the introduction of various measures throughout 2020/2021.

It states that climate change and environmental degradation are an existential threat to Europe and the world. It goes on to suggest that to overcome these challenges, Europe will need a new growth strategy to transform the Union into a modern, resource-efficient and competitive economy, where

• there are no net emissions of greenhouse gases by 2050
• economic growth is decoupled from resource use
• no person and no place is left behind

As part of this Green deal, transport and energy are key and will require companies to rethink their mobility and transportation needs.

Preparing for a 100% zero-emission fleet

In the coming years, the European Green Deal will impact mobility and transport-related regulations in two main ways:

• further restrictions and penalties for the acquisition and operation of polluting vehicles (e.g. fuel excise duties, registration/road tax, introduction of more Low Emission Zones)
• motivation of zero- or ultra-low-emission vehicles (e.g. subsidies for vehicle purchases and infrastructure, free parking, cheaper road tolls).

With typical renewal cycle for vehicles being three to four years and many on hold due to current Covid-19 issues, now is a good time to start planning for the upcoming measures.

• Create an overview of your current fleet and driver profiles: types of vehicles, typical usage patterns, mileage, powertrains, etc. and aim to identify the possible early EV adopters.
• This overview wil need to map mobility profiles of your staff to promote the right power trains for the right profiles and to avoid the “wrong” profiles driven eg. PHEV’s. Mobility profiles will further allow to provide insights for bike leasing, PHEV and EV optimal drivers.
• Think about the connection between your company’s corporate goals/sustainability targets and your fleet operations. Fleet is a major factor in accomplishing them.
• Keep updated with changing regulations, subsidies or other measures that may add risk to your fleet operations. Others may add value that can help you to transition to sustainable fleet management.
• Gain feedback from your drivers. You will be surprised at the numbers of drivers that are actively wanting to switch.
• Ensure relevant stakeholders are engaged and involve them in your preparations to future-proof your fleet. Demonstrate top-down support with a to EVs.
• Be proactive. Switching can take time and involves planning and consideration for all drivers of benefit and business need vehicles.
• The EV switch is ready to be pressed!

More and more of our clients are seeing an increase in drivers asking to switch to electric. This is not about if it will happen, but when it will happen. Are you ready to press the EV Switch ?

Bart Vanham