As part of research undertaken by Drax into the status of UK business electrification and what’s next for the electric vehicle (EV) market, they looked at the factors motivating companies to invest. Specifically, they wanted to know what’s driving organisations to introduce and expand EV charging facilities across their sites.
Respondents who said they were likely to install further charging infrastructure in the next five years were asked why they planned to. The top three motivators were need, influence, and benefits. In the report, “Driving change – the state of fleet electrification the UK”, they’ve broken down these responses – and some specific feedback – for a better understanding. Here’s a preview.
The need to future-proof
‘Need’, in this instance, related to organisational views that charging facility implementation was necessary for keeping up with global trends, customer expectations or the actions of competitors. Many respondents saw charging infrastructure introduction as ‘inevitable’ to serve the growing numbers of EVs.
Three in five respondents said they were motived by the general shift towards EVs and the need for their business to keep pace. Almost a third (31%) felt the world’s moving towards EVs.
The environmental need to install charge points and move away from fossil-fuel-powered vehicle fleets also featured in responses. While organisations across sectors seem to feel a strong sense of social responsibility, many businesses also have emissions targets, which electrification will help them hit.
Respondents also referenced positive environmental perceptions associated with running EVs and installing charge points as an important factor.
Influence from senior decision makers
The research revealed insights into how senior decision makers, including company directors, play a pivotal role in driving organisational transition towards EVs. While individuals or teams might have the responsibility for delivering electrification, senior employees have often tasked them with the job. This top-down approach underlines the strategic importance organisations are placing on electric fleet transitions.
The interviews also showed a high degree of inter-departmental collaboration in shaping and delivering the transition. Electrification leaders often require input from Finance, Procurement, Legal, Fleet Management and HR teams.
Electrification benefits
The benefits of electrification and investing in charging facilities are numerous. Beyond regulatory compliance, respondents acknowledged that electrification offered tax incentives, driver satisfaction, increased talent attraction and future-proofing.
They rated these benefits fairly evenly, with those relating to cost savings, environmental impact and reputational boosts edging ahead of the rest.
Over one in five respondents had already noted an increase in EVs across their company car fleet – a clear indication that their employers recognised the benefits, too.
The report, “Driving change: The state of fleet electrification in the UK”, covers the analysis of survey and interview responses from senior decision makers from across business sectors.
Based on the results of 405 online surveys and eight in-depth interviews, it offers learnings on:
- The level of transition
- The state of the market
- The decision-making process
- The drivers and barriers to electrification
Download your free copy here.
