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ELECTRIC & HYBRID MONTH: Fleet Managers at the forefront of transition

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Commercial and public sector fleet managers are increasingly turning to electric vehicles (EVs) as a means to enhance sustainability and operational efficiency. This shift aligns with the UK government’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and promoting cleaner air, especially in urban environments. Let’s examine the ways in which electric vehicles are being leveraged by fleet managers to bring about a more sustainable and efficient future for their organisations…

Historically, fleets in the UK have been dominated by petrol and diesel vehicles, contributing significantly to carbon emissions and air pollution. However, the rising awareness of environmental issues and the urgent need for climate action have catalysed a change. Fleet managers are now at the forefront of this transition, recognising the long-term economic and environmental benefits of electric vehicles.

One of the primary advantages of EVs for fleet operations is their lower operational costs compared to traditional vehicles. Electric vehicles have fewer moving parts and thus lower maintenance requirements, translating into significant cost savings over the life of the vehicle. Additionally, the cost of electricity for charging EVs is generally lower than the cost of petrol or diesel, further reducing operational expenses.

The UK government’s push towards electrification has also been instrumental in this shift. Incentives such as reduced taxes, grants for purchasing EVs, and investment in charging infrastructure have made the transition to electric fleets more feasible and attractive for organisations. Moreover, the planned ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030 under the UK’s ‘Road to Zero’ strategy has added a sense of urgency to the transition.

Another critical factor driving the adoption of EVs in fleets is the enhanced corporate image. By incorporating EVs, organisations can demonstrate their commitment to sustainability, appealing to environmentally conscious consumers and stakeholders. This aspect of corporate social responsibility is becoming increasingly important in the public and commercial sectors.

However, transitioning to an electric fleet also presents challenges. Range anxiety, or the concern about the vehicle’s ability to cover required distances on a single charge, has been a significant barrier. Fleet managers are addressing this issue by carefully planning routes, ensuring access to charging infrastructure, and choosing vehicles with sufficient range for their specific needs.

Moreover, fleet managers are utilising telematics and fleet management software to optimise the use of their electric vehicles. These technologies provide valuable data on vehicle performance, energy usage, and driving patterns, enabling more efficient fleet operation and management.

The UK’s commercial and public sector fleet managers are increasingly embracing electric vehicles as a key component of their sustainability and efficiency strategies. By leveraging the economic, environmental, and technological advantages of EVs, and overcoming challenges through careful planning and the use of advanced technologies, they are setting a precedent for a cleaner, more sustainable future in fleet management.

Do you need Electric & Hybrid Vehicle solutions for your organisation? The Fleet Summit can help!

Photo by Tim Meyer on Unsplash

Access online courses to boost your Fleet Management skills

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We have a wide selection of online courses tailored specifically for the fleet management sector, enabling you to both amass new skills and improve existing ones in 2024 and beyond – start learning today!

These are specially-curated online courses designed to help you and your team improve expertise and learn new things.

The Management, Leadership & Business Operations online learning bundle provides you with over 50 courses, which cover all areas of both professional and personal development:

  • Costs, Volumes and Profits Certification
  • Agenda Setting Certification
  • Health and Safety in the Workplace (UK) Certification
  • GDPR in The Workplace Certification
  • Project Management Foundation (Small Projects) Certification
  • Project Preparation Certification
  • Making Meetings Matter Certification
  • Marketing Certification Level 2
  • Managing Emotions at Work Certification
  • Managing Your Workload Certification
  • UK Employment Law Certification
  • Workplace Monitoring and Data Protection Certification

And many more!

Find out more and purchase your ticket online here.

Additionally, there are a variety of bundles available on all spectrums;

  • Personal & Professional Development
  • Healthcare
  • Sports & Personal Development
  • Human Resources
  • Customer Services
  • Health & Safety
  • Education & Social Care Skills
  • Sales & Marketing
  • IT & Personal Development

Book your courses today and come out of this stronger and more skilled!

Do you specialise in Electric & Hybrid fleet solutions? We want to hear from you!

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Each month on Fleet Management Briefing we’re shining the spotlight on a different part of the fleet market – and in January we’ll be focussing on Electric & Hybrid Vehicle solutions.

It’s all part of our ‘Recommended’ editorial feature, designed to help fleet buyers find the best products and services available today.

So, if you’re a supplier of Electric & Hybrid Vehicle solutions and would like to be included as part of this exciting new shop window, we’d love to hear from you – for more info, contact Nick Stannard on 01992 374092 / n.stannard@forumevents.co.uk.

Here’s our features list in full:

Jan 24 – Electric & Hybrid Vehicles
Feb 24 – Security & Dash Cams
Mar 24 – Driver Training
Apr 24 – Risk Management
May 24 – Fleet Management Software
Jun 24 – Telematics/Tracking
Jul 24 – Contract Hire & Leasing
Aug 24 – LPG/Alternative Fuel & Fuel Management
Sept 24 – EV Charging & Infrastructure
Oct 24 – Duty of Care
Nov 24 – Grey Fleet
Dec 24 – Service, Maintenance & Repair

LEVC’s TX hits 50% of all licensed London taxis milestone

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More than half of London’s entire black cab fleet is now zero-emission capable thanks to LEVC’s class-leading electric taxi, as the TX continues to play a vital role in clean green, and accessible urban mobility.

Supporting the UK’s capital to achieve its net zero target, LEVC’s electric TX is accelerating the transition away from fossil fuels. More than 50 percent of London’s 14,700 black taxis are now actively contributing to cleaning up London’s air and the overall environmental impact of London’s iconic taxi fleet is also rapidly reducing.

As the UK’s electric TX fleet increases, so does the positive contribution this purpose-built vehicle is making to cities. Powered by its revolutionary eCity technology, LEVC’s electric TX taxi has travelled more than 700 million miles globally and prevented more than 200,000 tonnes of harmful CO2 emissions from entering the world’s atmosphere since its introduction in 2018.

Alex Nan, CEO of LEVC, commented: “With more than half the black cabs on London’s streets now electric, thanks to the iconic TX, today represents another momentous milestone for LEVC. We would like to thank London’s famous black cab drivers, who have been instrumental in this achievement.

Since its launch, the TX has delivered an unrivalled sustainable mobility solution. Globally the TX has saved an incredible 200,000 tonnes of CO2 from entering the atmosphere, with London leading the way in helping us to achieve that. But there is always more that we can do. Other cities can learn from London’s world-leading approach, improving air quality throughout urban settings, to the benefit of the public and the environment.

“LEVC is committed to working alongside policymakers to demonstrate the positive impact that the TX is having in our cities, as we seek to continue building a greener and more accessible transport network better suited for all.”

Helen Chapman, Transport for London’s Director of Licensing and Regulation, said: “London’s black taxis are recognised worldwide and we are proud to see that so many drivers are helping clean up our air and assist us in tackling the city’s health emergency by driving zero emission capable vehicles (ZEC). Reaching this milestone is a great reflection of how London is working hard to be a greener, more sustainable, environmentally friendly city. We know that by bringing more electric and ZEC vehicles to London we can continue to bring down the level of harmful chemicals in the air and reduce the impact of road transport on our environment.

“Making the taxi fleet cleaner and bringing more electric vehicle charging points to the capital are significant parts of the wider efforts we’re making to help continue being London’s strong, green heartbeat, cleaning London’s air, and helping get Londoners around the city in the greenest ways possible.”

The TX taxi is an accessible and inclusive vehicle for all, regardless of age or disability. Featuring flexible space for up to six passengers, the vehicle includes an integrated wheelchair ramp enabling the TX to accommodate a forward-facing wheelchair – the only taxi of its kind to do so.

The TX’s eCity technology provides a pure EV range of 78 miles and a total range-extended capacity of 333 miles, making it ideally suited to London’s busy black cab drivers. LEVC manufactures the electric TX at its state-of-the-art facility in Ansty, Coventry. With an investment of over £1 billion from the Geely Holding Group since 2014, LEVC has built the UK’s first dedicated manufacturing plant for electric vehicles. LEVC recently announced its new strategy that will see it grow beyond manufacturing the TX, to become a leading zero-carbon mobility technology company.

Procurement leaders faced with ‘insufficient talent’ for future demands

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New data indicates that just 14% of procurement leaders express confidence in their talent’s ability to meet the future needs of the function, as business acumen and technology/data competencies have rapidly grown in importance over more traditional procurement skills.“Procurement leaders are generally confident in the current state of their talent and the ability to meet their near-term objectives,” said Fareen Mehrzai, Senior Director Analyst in Gartner’s Supply Chain Practice. “However, our data shows that chief procurement officers (CPOs) are worried about the future and having sufficient talent to meet transformative goals based around technology, as well as the ability to serve as a strategic advisor to the business.”

The Gartner survey of 111 procurement leaders in June 2023 showed a bifurcation between procurement leaders’ assessments of current and future talent needs in the function.

While 46% of respondents are confident in their current talent needs, only 14% agree they have adequate talent to meet future requirements. The number of respondents who strongly disagreed with the statement that they have adequate talent tripled from current levels when asked about their future requirements (see Figure 1).

Figure 1: Procurement Talent Readiness, Current vs. Future Needs
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Source: Gartner (November 2023)

Driving the lack of confidence in future talent readiness is a shift in the key competencies CPOs need to help drive objectives associated with procurement transformation. Sixty-nine percent of respondents said business acumen had gained importance in the last 12 months, while 68% said technology and data skills had increased in importance. Only 26% said “traditional procurement competencies” had gained importance in the same period.“Procurement leaders are aware that the competencies required to drive transformation are different from traditional procurement skills, and that there are significant gaps between their current and future needs for the most important competencies,” said Mehrzai. “Ninety-six percent of respondents reported at least a small gap in their needs for technology and data skills, while 86% reported the same when it came to business acumen.”

Gartner’s survey data suggests that more work needs to be done in refining competency planning strategies to meet future talent needs in the procurement function. While more than 65% of respondents reported that their organizations have dedicated strategies to target the most critical competencies, only 31% believe that their current competency models are relevant to their staff’s work.

“In evaluating current competency levels, we see procurement leaders relying most on peer and stakeholder feedback, while less than half report engaging in competency-driven interviews to directly evaluate their staff’s skills,” said Mehrzai. “Considering the significant gaps in the most critical future competencies, CPOs need to consider expanding their options in how they train and evaluate their staff.”

Photo by Memento Media on Unsplash

FLEET SERVICING MONTH: Navigating a route to your perfect partners

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For Fleet Managers, sourcing and selecting the right vehicle servicing and maintenance partners is pivotal for ensuring fleet efficiency, safety, and longevity. This process requires careful consideration and strategic decision-making. Here are some top tips to guide Fleet Managers in making informed choices when it comes to servicing and maintenance partners, based on input from attendees at the Fleet Summit…

1. Prioritise Quality and Expertise

First and foremost, the quality of service should be at the forefront of your decision. Look for partners with a proven track record in handling vehicles similar to those in your fleet. Check for certifications or accreditations that indicate they adhere to high standards. A partner with specific expertise in your fleet’s makes and models can offer more specialised service and advice.

2. Consider the Scope of Services Offered

Assess the range of services offered by potential partners. It’s beneficial to choose a provider who can handle a comprehensive array of maintenance needs – from routine servicing to more complex repairs. This can reduce the need to use multiple providers, simplifying logistics and potentially reducing costs.

3. Evaluate Response Times and Flexibility

In fleet management, downtime is a critical factor. Select a service provider who can guarantee quick response times and flexible scheduling. Partners who can offer mobile servicing or on-site repairs can further minimise downtime.

4. Assess Location and Accessibility

Consider the geographical coverage of the servicing partner. Ideally, they should be conveniently located in relation to your fleet’s operational base or the routes frequently travelled. Accessibility is key for timely servicing and in case of emergency repairs.

5. Look for Cost Efficiency

While quality should never be compromised for cost, it’s important to consider the financial aspect of servicing and maintenance contracts. Compare different providers on their pricing structures. Look for transparent pricing with no hidden costs. Also, consider negotiating contracts that offer value for money for routine servicing requirements.

6. Review Feedback and References

Do your due diligence by reviewing feedback from other clients and asking for references. This can give you insights into the provider’s reliability, quality of service, and customer service ethos.

7. Prioritise Communication and Customer Service

Good communication is crucial. Choose a partner who is communicative and proactive about maintenance schedules, servicing updates, and any issues that arise. A provider who is a good communicator can greatly ease the management process.

8. Technology Integration

In an era where technology is integral to fleet management, select a service provider who utilises modern technology. This includes digital service records, real-time tracking of maintenance work, and online booking systems.

9. Sustainability Considerations

With increasing focus on environmental responsibility, consider the sustainability practices of the servicing partner. Partners who use environmentally friendly practices and materials can help your fleet in reducing its environmental footprint.

Conclusion

Selecting the right vehicle servicing and maintenance partner is a critical decision for UK Fleet Managers. It requires a balance of quality service, cost efficiency, accessibility, and technological capability. By carefully evaluating potential partners against these criteria, Fleet Managers can ensure their fleet remains efficient, safe, and well-maintained, supporting the overall success of their operations.

Are you looking for Servicing & Maintenance solutions for your Fleet? The Fleet Summit can help!

Have you registered for the 2024 Fleet Summit?

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The Fleet Summit is a bespoke and highly targeted event, where you can meet with a selection of suppliers, who can help with your upcoming plans and projects.

You will be provided with a personalised itinerary of pre-arranged, 1-2-1 meetings with suppliers relevant to you. No hard sell, and no time wasted.

The event is entirely free for industry professionals, like you, to attend.

7th & 18th June, 2024

Hilton, Manchester Deansgate

Register Here

Your free pass includes;

  • A corporate itinerary of one-to-one meetings with solution providers
  • A seat at our industry seminar sessions (live attendance only)
  • All meals and refreshments provided throughout
  • Networking breaks to make new connections in your field
  • Pre-dinner drinks
  • A gala dinner with a showcase of entertainment
  • Overnight accommodation at the venue

For more information contact, Laura Spratt, Delegate Portfolio Manager on 01992 374053 | l.spratt@forumevents.co.uk

MEET THE TEAM: Fleet Summit’s Nick Stannard on creating the perfect event for fleet professionals

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In this Q&A Fleet Summit‘s Sales Manager, Nick Stannard (pictured, right), reveals what solutions delegates will be looking for most in 2024, plus how the event’s unique format works for both suppliers and industry professionals…

Can you share with us your journey in the event management industry and what led you to specialise in sales within this field?

My career started with Forum Events 12 years ago, and in that time I have worked across multiple industry events ranging from Supply Chain and Digital Marketing to Physical Security and now the Fleet sector.

What have I learned so far? New business is key the key to success for everyone involved in the industry! My philosophy when it comes to managing our unique brand of industry events is to gather together the best buyers in the UK for the best suppliers, ensuring everyone is engaged with the process and happy with their individual outcomes.

In your opinion, what are the most critical needs and challenges faced by clients in our industry when organising events, and how do you address these?

Undoubtedly there is still a hangover from the vehicle storage of 2022, plus the EV elephant in the room, with the Net Zero targets and the need to keep up with demand for both electric vehicles and how they charged. A lot of the Fleet Managers I have spoken with have told me they are under pressure to implement a sustainable EV programme by 2025.

Of course, we also have the inflation worry with at least an 8% increase from 2021, meaning financing had been made harder and more expensive. The Fleet Summit can help both buyers and suppliers navigate those choppy waters.

What emerging trends or innovations in event management do you believe will shape the future of our industry?

Event-wise, the buyers that attended our November event were most interested in EVs and Charging, Fleet Management Software, Telematics and Vehicle/Driver Safety.

The key for the next event in June 2024 will be tracking how those buying trends evolve. We will almost certainly be looking into the hydrogen market, for example, as I think this is going to be more sustainable than EVs one day!

How do you approach building and maintaining strong relationships with clients, especially in an industry where personalisation and customer experience are key?

In all the events I have managed I believe in transparency and putting clients’ needs first: creating a happy environment makes for a relaxed atmosphere at the event, and that in turn converts to good, productive meetings for all attendees.

I am always available to offer help and advice in relation to events and marketing of them.

Could you share a specific success story or a challenging event you managed?

In most of the events I have taken over I have had to build a new client base, which I enjoyed doing and is also very rewarding. With Fleet Summit, however, we have a great and established client base in place already, so I’m very much enjoying developing these relationships.

What were the key learnings for your B2B events experience so far?

The key learning from all of the events I have managed is to work closely with industry supplier clients to understand their solutions, and speak regularly with buyers to keep on top of the products they need. Oh, plus the fact that working extremely hard brings out the best result for everyone involved!

To speak to Nick about the Fleet Summit, you can contact him at n.stannard@forumevents.co.uk | 01992 374092.

Or visit https://fleetservicessummit.co.uk for more information!

Lotus enters the EV charging arena

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Lotus has launched its own electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions, including an ultra-fast 450 kW DC charger, power cabinet and a modular unit for charging up to four vehicles at once.

The sports car maker sats charging anxiety remains one of the main barriers to electric vehicle adoption, with nearly 80% of the public citing the lack of charging infrastructure as a primary reason for not buying an EV in a survey conducted by the Energy Policy Institute.

The new suite of EV charging solutions designed for businesses includes:

  • Liquid-Cooled All-in-One DC Charger: a new charger, which offers ultra-fast charging of up to 450 kW. For example, with the Lotus Eletre R, it can add up to 88.5 miles or 142 km of range with approximately 5 minutes of charge making it one of the most competitive electric vehicle chargers. A 10% to 80% charge can be achieved in just 20 minutes with a range extension of 74 miles or 120 kilometres from a 5-minute charge when using a 350 kW Rapid Charger.
  • Liquid-Cooled Power Cabinet: a modular power cabinet that is suited for spaces that require high energy in order to increase efficiency and minimise charging time, such as motorway rest stops. It offers market-leading power output capabilities of up to 480 kW.
  • Liquid-Cooled Charging Unit: a charging terminal, which when used with the Liquid-Cooled Power Cabinet, can charge up to four vehicles at once. The unit has a maximum current output of 600 Amp, which ensures it is able to meet the needs of all electric vehicle drivers. For instance, if they need a short top-up whilst on the go, or fast-charge for long distance drives, Lotus’ new offering provides them with a convenient solution.

Lotus is using liquid-cooled technologies throughout its suite of commercial charging solutions to make it easier and quicker for EV drivers to charge their vehicles.

The firm’s fast-charging solutions have already been deployed in China and are expected to roll out across the majority of European countries and Middle East in Q2 2024. Further market availability will be announced in due course.

As charging infrastructure improves over time, Lotus is ensuring its customers are equipped by providing a 450 kW solution. Lotus has futureproofed its charging offering, which is expected to be the next step forward in fast charging when the infrastructure becomes readily available. Lotus customers will be able to easily upgrade to this power output without additional hardware costs once in-market service providers rollout grid upgrades.

Mike Johnstone, Chief Commercial Officer at Lotus Group, said: “Over the past six years, Lotus has been investing in the technology and infrastructure to accelerate the transition to electrification. We want to make it easier than ever to own an electric vehicle and with our latest offerings, Lotus is able to provide customers with the confidence to access easy, fast, and efficient charging.”

Alan Wang, Vice-President of Lotus Technology and CEO at Lotus Flash Charge, said: “As more governments are increasing investment into electrification in their journey to net-zero, the demand for a reliable electric vehicle charging infrastructure has never been higher than before. Lotus has developed best-in-class fast charging solutions to deliver a quick and reliable charging experience to meet customer needs.”

In 2018, Lotus announced its Vision80 strategy and plans to transform the brand from a British sports car maker to an all-electric global luxury technology brand by 2028. As part of this transition, the company is committed to developing its own range of EV charging solutions.

The company launched its first electric hyper-SUV Eletre in 2022, with customer deliveries across UK, Europe and China taking place this year. Lotus recently launched Emeya, its next-generation electric hyper-GT, in early September 2023.

Both vehicles integrate hardware, software, and cloud capabilities to deve op a full stack of intelligent driving technologies. They also include HD cameras, radar, and high-precision mapping capabilities to allow the vehicles to precisely perceive their environment in a stereoscopic display, providing a smooth drive even in extreme conditions. Lotus will continue to expand its range of premium electric vehicles, as the company looks to scale in this growing market.

Lotus says it has seen a huge demand for its products, with an orderbook of over 19,000 vehicles for its Emira sports car and Eletre hyper-SUV. The company has ramped up production this year, having had a record-breaking first half of 2023, and expects the full year to surpass all previous years.

FLEET SERVICING MONTH: The evolving approaches to maintenance in fleet management

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How Fleet Managers approach servicing and maintenance has undergone considerable evolution over the last 10 years, especially as we move towards an increasingly electrified, low emissions future. Staying abreast of these changes is crucial for ensuring efficiency, minimising downtime, and extending the lifespan of vehicles. Here we explore how approaches to servicing and maintenance are impacting the sector, based on input for attendees at the Fleet Summit…

1. Predictive Maintenance

Traditionally, fleet maintenance was largely reactive or based on predetermined schedules. However, the advent of predictive maintenance marks a significant shift. This approach utilises data analytics and monitoring tools to predict when a vehicle might need servicing. By analysing data such as mileage, engine usage, and driving patterns, Fleet Managers can anticipate potential issues before they become problematic. This shift from reactive to predictive maintenance helps in reducing unexpected breakdowns and prolonging vehicle life.

2. Integration of Telematics

The integration of telematics has been pivotal in transforming fleet maintenance strategies. Telematics systems provide real-time data on vehicle performance, enabling more precise and timely maintenance interventions. This technology allows for the monitoring of various parameters such as fuel usage, engine temperature, and tyre pressure, facilitating immediate action when anomalies are detected. As a result, telematics has not only improved vehicle maintenance but also enhanced overall fleet efficiency and safety.

3. Emphasis on Sustainability

There is a growing emphasis on sustainability in fleet maintenance. Fleet Managers are increasingly adopting eco-friendly practices, such as using renewable energy sources, recycling parts, and opting for biodegradable lubricants. Additionally, there is a push towards electric vehicles (EVs) in fleets, which introduces new maintenance dynamics. EVs typically require less maintenance than traditional vehicles, altering the nature and frequency of servicing needed.

4. Compliance and Regulation

The regulatory landscape in the UK, particularly regarding emissions and safety standards, has significantly influenced fleet maintenance practices. Fleet Managers must ensure that vehicles comply with stringent regulations, including those related to the Euro 6 standards for diesel vehicles and MOT tests. Failure to adhere to these regulations can result in substantial penalties and operational setbacks.

5. Adoption of Mobile Maintenance Services

Another notable trend is the rise of mobile maintenance services. These services bring the maintenance to the fleet, rather than vehicles being sent to a service centre. This approach minimises downtime, as servicing and repairs can be conducted during off-hours or in locations that do not disrupt the fleet’s operations.

6. Enhanced Focus on Driver Training

Finally, the role of driver behaviour in vehicle maintenance has gained recognition. Fleet Managers are investing more in driver training programmes that emphasise efficient driving techniques to reduce wear and tear on vehicles. Educating drivers about the importance of regular checks and maintenance can also play a significant role in preventative care.

The approach to servicing and maintenance in UK fleet management has evolved to become more predictive, data-driven, and sustainable. These changes are propelled by advancements in technology, regulatory demands, and a growing awareness of environmental impact. By embracing these developments, Fleet Managers can optimise their operations, reduce costs, and contribute to a greener future.

Do you need Fleet Servicing and Maintenance solutions for your organisation? The Fleet Summit can help

Photo by Jimmy Nilsson Masth on Unsplash