Some Companies Planning to Invest in EV Fleets

We recently reported that the government was planning to invest as much as £500 million in electric vehicle (EV) development over the next six years. Part of that money will be earmarked specifically for the development of LGVs and other commercial vehicles for fleets. Imagine taking the LGV test in an electric vehicle. It is something that may become reality within a few years.

According to a recent survey conducted by TrackCompare, roughly 6% of the nation’s fleet operators plan to invest in EVs in the coming years. They believe electric vehicles are not only the wave of the future, but a great way for them to reduce expenses by reducing costly diesel fuel consumption as well. Switching to EVs will also likely present a much better image among the buying public looking for companies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions as much as possible.

The survey noted some interesting results explaining why the remaining 94% of fleet operators are not planning EV investment. Among those reasons, the following were given:

• worries about drivers having to spend hours charging
• worries of an insufficient number of charging stations in the UK
• a belief that EVs are already old technology that will be quickly updated
• a belief that there is no tangible benefit in switching to EVs.

It seems that electric vehicles are destined to be part of haulage and transport one way or the other. It is only a matter of whether or not fleet operators will participate voluntarily. We do not foresee forced participation due to the limits of these sorts of vehicles, but we do expect the government to strongly encourage it whenever possible.

Keep on Training

Regardless of the direction EVs take for the commercial sector, we plan to keep on offering high-quality driver training programmes covering nearly every aspect of the haulage, transport, and logistics industries. We offer training to fleet operators as well as individual drivers looking to get started in their careers.

Individuals interested in taking the PCV, HGV or LGV test must first train with a company like ours. As long as you have a full car licence and you are in reasonably good health, you could get started right away. We will help you submit your medical paperwork, prepare for and pass the theory test, and apply for your provisional entitlement. Then we will start your training, which will include classroom work and behind-the-wheel practice.

When it comes time for you to take the LGV test, we will even send one of our trainers with you to the testing site. We have found this to be the best way to boost the student’s confidence on the day of the test. Moreover, a confident student is one more likely to pass the first time.

For more information about our training programmes, feel free to contact us here at that HGV Training Centre. We have new classes forming all the time at more than 45 facilities around the UK.

Sources:

Fleet News – http://www.fleetnews.co.uk/news/2014/5/12/one-in-20-fleet-operators-plan-to-invest-in-evs-survey-suggests/52379/