THE BVRLA has launched a new guide aimed at assisting local authorities to meet the diverse charging needs of electric fleets.
With the roll-out of charging infrastructure increasingly devolved to local government, the Fleet Charging Guide highlights some key fleet use cases and how they can best be supported on their zero-emission journey.
The guide includes findings conducted with a variety of fleet operators, including those with car clubs and rental divisions, providing detailed case studies, advice and tangible solutions for application at a local level.
Up to now, infrastructure decisions have been developed with individual drivers and private use cases in mind. This needs to change so we are providing local authorities with the tools they need to succeed. By having fleets involved in the planning, roll out and maintenance of charging networks, local authorities can ensure they are catering to the broadest number of road users with solutions that will stand the test of time.
Gerry Keaney, chief executive, BVRLA
The BVRLA Fleet Charging Guide contains recommendations grouped into four categories:
- Matching types of provision to emerging gaps in infrastructure: building and development regulations are mandating more charge point installation. Greater consideration needs to be given to ensure those installations are fit for purpose and benefit the biggest number of potential use cases.
- Building trust in the reliability of infrastructure: charging-related downtime has a detrimental impact on productivity and customer service. Drivers need a charging network they can rely on and plan around.
- Ensuring consistent ease of access: many current solutions offer different payment methods, restrict access, or do not cater to users with reduced mobility or disabilities.
- Creating a future framework for decisions based on user need: this considers the ongoing role local authorities will be required to play, in conjunction with national government and private providers. Open collaboration between these parties will mean that long-term solutions can be developed in a way that benefits all road users.
Ralph Morton is the leading journalist in the leasing broker sector and editor of Broker News, the website which provides information and news for BVRLA-registered leasing brokers. He also writes extensively on the fleet and leasing market in both the UK and Europe.
