The trend towards electrification in business transport is gaining momentum, as highlighted by a new report from Allstar, a leading firm in EV fuel and business expense payments. The AllCosts report, which analyzes data from millions of transactions across the Allstar fuel card network, reveals several key insights into the growing adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) among businesses.

One of the standout findings is the dramatic increase in the use of public EV chargers by Allstar customers, which has surged by 264% year-on-year. Additionally, there has been a notable rise in home charging, with electric business drivers plugging in 113% more frequently from the comfort of their own homes.

Despite the recent volatility in energy prices, the cost of home charging has remained stable, with the average tariff holding steady at 28p per kWh over the past three months. Conversely, the cost of using public chargers has risen, with drivers now paying an average of 82p per kWh, up 12p from the previous quarter.

Corporate fleets are at the forefront of this electrification trend, utilizing public and home charging more extensively than any other business size. Currently, 36% of drivers have a card for public charging, while 21% also charge their vehicles at home.

Ashley Tate, MD of Allstar Chargepass UK, provided additional insights: “The AllCosts report paints an interesting picture of the needs and wants of business drivers across the UK. Despite some having the perception that there are not enough chargers around the region, or a lack of accessibility, public charger use is up more than twice as much as the same time 12 months ago.

“We know that EV adoption has slowed in some areas, but businesses continue to turn to electric vehicles for their fleet operations.

“It is also important to look at the type of charging that the report represents, with recharging being significantly cheaper to do at home. But for those that are out and about and need to plug in, it seems that drivers and their businesses are happy to pay more if charging speeds are faster and downtime is minimised.”

The AllCosts report underscores the ongoing shift towards electric vehicles in the business sector, highlighting the balance between cost, convenience, and the growing infrastructure to support this transition. As more businesses adopt EVs for their fleet operations, the demand for efficient and accessible charging solutions will continue to rise, shaping the future of business transport.

Stephen Cooke, Managing Director of Asphalt Group, one of the UK's largest road surface treatment solution suppliers and installers, is pushing back against claims that electric vehicles (EVs) are to blame for the growing number of potholes on UK roads. Cooke argues that the focus should instead be on building durable, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly roads for the future.

Earlier this year, major motoring organizations like The AA, RAC, and FairCharge refuted accusations that the weight of EVs was causing a decline in road quality. Despite some national media attributing the deteriorating state of roads to heavier EVs, the latest Annual Local Authority Road Maintenance (ALARM) survey by the Asphalt Industry Alliance does not even mention EVs.

According to the ALARM survey, over half of the local road network in England and Wales has less than 15 years of structural life left, with the cost to fix the backlog of repairs reaching a record high of £16.3 billion. In light of this, Cooke emphasizes the need for innovative solutions rather than temporary fixes.

“Let’s be crystal clear, EVs are not the cause of the current state of the UK’s roads. The real reason is a lack of investment in the solutions of the future, and a lack of awareness of what’s available. Traditional ‘sticky plaster’ pothole solutions are simply unacceptable, we need to be thinking bigger picture. Prevent, reinforce and spray treatment is the way forward – not just filler and hope. Asphalt Group has the solutions and wants to talk to government directly to offer a societal win, that saves huge amounts of taxpayers' money,” Cooke stated.

Asphalt Group offers solutions that reinforce asphalt, extending the life of road surfaces by up to eight years and reducing maintenance costs. Cooke advocates for a preventive approach to asset management, focusing on extending the life of roads rather than repeatedly fixing potholes with substandard solutions.

Bill Esterson, Shadow Road and Transport Minister, commented on the issue: “There are 100 times as many potholes as there are craters on the moon. Rather than looking for conspiracy theories and scapegoats, we need a plan to fix the roads. That means replacing the sticking plasters and gimmicks with a sustainable approach and long-term resurfacing and prevention in their place. The UK has a £16.3 billion backlog of repairs, this is simply unacceptable.”

Quentin Willson, Founder of FairCharge, also supported this view, saying: “Blaming EVs for potholes is laughable since they’re only around 3% of all vehicles on UK roads. I’m pleased that road repair experts, Asphalt Group, and the Shadow Minister for Roads, Bill Esterson, have joined FairCharge’s calls for facts and accuracy in the exaggerated media reports linking the weight of EV batteries to road damage. Instead, we should focus on how to create long term solutions for fixing the worst levels of potholes that the asphalt industry has seen for 29 years. This country’s economic productivity depends on safe, well-surfaced roads.”

Asphalt Group's push for innovative road solutions aims to address the root causes of road deterioration and promote long-term sustainability, benefiting both taxpayers and the environment.

Electric vehicle (EV) drivers using Sainsbury’s ultra-rapid charging service, Smart Charge, can now collect Nectar points with their charges. Customers with active Nectar accounts will earn one Nectar point for every £1 spent on Smart Charge.

Nectar, a multi-partner loyalty scheme, allows users to spend points at various consumer brands, including Sainsbury’s, Argos, and British Airways. EV drivers without a Nectar account can easily register via the Nectar app or website, or obtain a card in Sainsbury’s stores and register it at home.

Patrick Dunne, Sainsbury’s Director of Property, Procurement, and EV Ventures, announced: “Rolling out across June, customers using any of our 400 Smart Charge bays across the country will now be able to benefit from collecting Nectar points to spend on their favourite brands.”

This announcement coincides with the launch of Sainsbury’s 50th Smart Charge EV charging location, with 12 new bays now available at the Sainsbury’s London Enfield Superstore.

“With bays in more locations than ever before, and Sainsbury’s stores conveniently placed far and wide, it has never been easier for EV drivers across the UK to access ultra-rapid facilities, and now they can reap the benefit of Nectar points too,” Dunne continued.

“Our Enfield store is a fantastic location, in a popular residential area of North London and near main roads, making it an ideal spot for our 50th location.”

Smart Charge is the only fully owned and end-to-end managed EV charging business by a UK supermarket. This service aims to promote the uptake of electric vehicles in the country, making access to charging on the go more convenient and supporting the UK’s transition to a low-carbon economy.

In 2022 'Hypermiling' champion Wayne Gerdes’ drove a Porsche EV from New York to Los Angeles, stopping to charge for only 2 hours 26 minutes, at a cost of £56.

Here are Wayne's 5 tips on getting the most miles from your EV:

1. Use the car’s 'range' mode or equivalent to get the most from the battery. This optimises the car’s settings, such as climate control and driving modes to ensure maximum efficiency and lower electrical consumption.

2. Programme navigation for the shortest route between rapid chargers. Faster routes may be longer and less efficient than the shortest journey between chargers.

3. Pre-condition battery en route to the charger. Pre-heating the battery before you reach a rapid charger enables the unit to deliver electrical charge at the highest possible rate immediately. Many new EVs will do that automatically if you set the sat nav to take you to a rapid charger.

4. Stay in the charging sweet spot. For the fastest charging, allow the battery to deplete to less than 5% charge and top up to no more than 50%. The fuller a battery gets, the slower it will charge, so for those in a hurry keeping the charge level at the lower end of the scale can be more time-efficient than topping up to 80% and above.

5. Engage active cruise control. Though not available on all EVs, active cruise control helps to smooth out harsh acceleration or deceleration, reducing the higher electrical consumption associated with both.

EVA England has officially launched its EV Drivers’ Manifesto 2024, outlining the critical areas that need addressing as the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) continues to accelerate. The manifesto was introduced yesterday at a special evening reception in Westminster, sponsored by Octopus EV and hosted by Shadow Minister for Roads, Bill Esterson MP. This event provided an invaluable platform for EVA members nationwide to engage with parliamentarians and key stakeholders in the EV sector.

The launch featured a keynote speech from Anthony Browne MP, Government Minister for Decarbonisation, and was attended by several influential parliamentarians involved in the EV landscape, including Ian Stewart MP, Chair of the Transport Committee, and Matt Western MP, Chair of the APPG for Electric Vehicles.

The EV Drivers’ Manifesto 2024 was developed through a series of workshops conducted by EVA England and shaped directly by EV drivers. It identifies the essential priority areas to focus on as the UK moves closer to a majority of EVs in its mobility landscape. Government support, which was crucial in the initial phase of EV adoption, will continue to be vital to ensure the next phase is fair, equitable, and inclusive of all income levels, while supporting the growing and complex charging infrastructure needs.

The Manifesto is structured around five key pillars:

1. Fairer Charging Costs: Public charging networks must be fairly and consistently priced as more drivers rely on public charging. Diverting green levies from electricity to gas or general taxation and lowering VAT on public charging can help address the cost discrepancies.
2. Liberate Charging Provision: Charge Point Operators (CPOs) should be granted greater statutory powers, similar to major telecoms and electricity providers, to facilitate a new wave of infrastructure at lower costs. Targeted schemes should support new destination and home charging points to meet growing demand.
3. Lower Insurance Premiums: Insurance premiums have risen significantly, particularly affecting EVs due to their nascent market status. Insurers should be mandated to offer a share of EV coverage reflective of current uptake levels.
4. Enforce Accessibility Standards: With an estimated 1.35 million disabled drivers on UK roads by 2035, the current charging infrastructure must meet their needs. Existing accessibility standards should be mandated for all new charging points.
5. Democratise EV Uptake and Drive Demand: EV sales are currently concentrated in higher income brackets. Implementing targeted, cost-effective schemes such as salary sacrifice programs, social leasing schemes, and 0% loans, as seen in other countries, can enable lower-income households to participate in the green transition.

The UK has seen a record number of vehicles on its roads, with the total rising by 1.7% to 41,404,589, according to the latest Motorparc data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). This increase is largely driven by the growing popularity of plug-in vehicles.

The number of cars on the road increased by 1.6% to 35,694,845, spurred by the registration of nearly half a million new battery electric (BEV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) vehicles in 2023. BEVs saw a remarkable rise of 47.3% compared to 2022, now making up 2.7% of all cars in use, up from 1.9% in the previous year.

Interestingly, the data also shows that British motorists are keeping their cars longer, with the average car age now at nine years, the highest on record. This trend is reflected in the lowest implied scrappage rates ever recorded.

Despite the record number of vehicles, average car CO2 emissions dropped by 2.1%, and company car emissions fell by an impressive 11.5%. This reduction is attributed to fiscal incentives that have encouraged fleets to adopt EVs.

Zero-emission commercial vehicles also saw a significant boost. BEV van numbers increased by 43.5% to 61,161, meaning 1.2% of vans on UK roads are now zero-emission. Electric heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) saw a dramatic increase of 146.4% in 2023, though they still represent just 0.4% of the fleet, indicating a need for further action.

The number of electric buses grew by 159.4% to 1,922 units, making the UK the largest market for zero-emission buses and coaches in Europe.

While last year saw the best rollout of public charge points to date, there is still only one standard public charger available for every 35 plug-in cars, a slight improvement from one for every 36 cars the previous year. This highlights the need for faster expansion of charging infrastructure.

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, commented on these developments:

“After two challenging years of constrained supply, more people and businesses across the UK are now getting back behind the wheel – and increasingly, opting for greener options. However, given the ageing fleet, we now need to encourage consumers and businesses who have deferred purchases of new cars, vans, trucks, and buses to upgrade."

The electric vehicle (EV) revolution is gaining momentum, yet it often finds itself under scrutiny by sections of the media, which raise concerns about EVs being too heavy, too expensive, environmentally detrimental, or simply too inconvenient. However, a closer look at the facts reveals a more positive and encouraging picture for those curious about the viability of electric vehicles. Here's an expanded summary of our thoughts on common EV misconceptions:

1. The Cost of Electric Vehicles

It's true that, for now, electric vehicles tend to have a higher purchase price compared to traditional petrol or diesel cars. However, it's important to consider the bigger financial picture. The cost of owning an EV is significantly lower over time, thanks to reduced maintenance needs and the lower price per mile of electricity compared to fuel. Furthermore, EV owners benefit from zero road tax and exemption from Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) fees. As battery technology advances and production scales up, the initial purchase prices are also gradually decreasing, making EVs an increasingly economical choice.

2. Range Anxiety

Range anxiety is often cited as a major concern for potential EV owners. Yet, with the average electric vehicle offering a range of 100 to 300 miles on a single charge and the typical UK car journey being less than 25 miles, this concern is largely unfounded for daily use. For longer trips, some planning may be necessary, but this usually aligns with the need for regular rest stops, making charging a convenient part of the journey rather than a hindrance.

3. Battery Life

The lifespan of EV batteries is a topic of much discussion. Most manufacturers now offer warranties of 8 to 10 years, or up to 100,000 miles, alleviating concerns about premature battery replacement. With some brands even considering lifetime warranties, it's clear that the industry expects these batteries to last. Additionally, adopting smart charging habits can further extend battery life, much like with smartphone batteries.

4. Charging Infrastructure

While the availability of charging points has been a concern, the UK now boasts over 50,000 public charging points, with hundreds more being added every month. Government initiatives and funding are rapidly expanding this infrastructure, making it easier than ever to find a charging station near you.

5. Charging Time

Charging an EV is more flexible and convenient than you might think. Home charging units allow for overnight charging, ensuring your vehicle is ready to go each morning. For those needing a quick top-up while out and about, rapid chargers can replenish a battery in as little as 20 minutes—just enough time for a coffee break.

6. Environmental Impact

There's ongoing debate about the environmental footprint of electric vehicles. However, as the grid becomes increasingly powered by renewable sources, the environmental advantages of EVs over fossil fuel vehicles become even more pronounced. EVs offer a cleaner, more sustainable mode of transportation that will only improve as green energy sources continue to grow.

While the transition to electric vehicles may seem daunting due to misconceptions and media skepticism, the reality is much brighter. EVs present a viable, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly option for the future of transportation, aligning with the needs and values of modern drivers.

Good news today as the UK government gives 'Boost for drivers as millions delivered for EV charge points across the country'.

Charging electric vehicles (EVs) is set to get even easier £381 million of funding is made available for local authorities, homeowners and renters.

The money is from the Local Electric Vehicle (LEVI) fund for councils, who can choose where best to install charge points in their local area. 

44 councils across England will benefit from the funding to boost the rollout of EV charge points.

The EV charge point grant is being expanded to help those without a driveway as part of the government’s Plan for Drivers.

This news comes as over 56,000 public charge points have now been installed across the UK – up 47% from this time last year.

Minister for Affordability and Skills Amanda Solloway said:

"This funding will make it easier for people to switch to electric vehicles. By bolstering our public charging network, we are not only making electric vehicles more accessible, but also driving the transition towards a cleaner, greener future."

The Chancellor has opted not to cut VAT on public electric vehicle (EV) charging but continue the freeze on fuel duty which has prompted dissatisfaction amongst the UK's EV community.

Quentin Willson, Founder of FairCharge said: "FairCharge is staggered that the Chancellor is prepared to spend £5 billion on a fuel duty freeze and continuation of the 5p cut, yet won’t spend 125th of that – circa £40 million – on cutting the VAT on public EV charging."

James Court, Chief Executive of EVA England, said: "Without targeted schemes to make EVs more affordable for the average consumer, all of our immense progress so far risks failing to hit the mark of our rightly ambitious net-zero targets. Highly successful social leasing and targeted grant schemes are being implemented elsewhere, incentivising yet more drivers to make the switch, and this Government has failed to keep up with this momentum".

Mike Hawes, CEO of Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT)said it was a "missed opportunity to deliver fairer tax for a fair transition. Reducing VAT on new EVs, revising vehicle taxation to promote rather than punish going electric, and an end to the VAT ‘pavement penalty’ on public charging would have energised the market."

If you are a hotel manager you don't need us to tell you that positive guest experience and satisfaction is your number one objective. With over 1,000,000 electric vehicles (EVs) now on UK roads, the hospitality industry has a unique opportunity to be at the forefront of a more sustainable future.

As you consider ways to improve your guest experience, the installation of electric vehicle (EV) chargers in your hotel car parks will also help drive business growth and set you apart from the competition. Here are three simple reasons why you should consider EV charging provision in your car parks.

1. Environmental credibility: Today's travellers are increasingly mindful of their environmental footprint, and their accommodation choices reflect this stance. By offering EV charging facilities, your hotel can attract a growing segment of guests who prioritise sustainability. Installing EV chargers sends a powerful message that your hotel is committed to environmental responsibility, positioning it as a preferred choice among environmentally aware travellers.
2. Your customer's evolving needs: By providing EV charging stations, you also enhance the convenience and comfort of your guests, elevating their overall experience. EV drivers can charge their cars conveniently during their stay, eliminating the anxiety of finding charging stations elsewhere. This added convenience will foster loyalty and repeat business, as guests appreciate hotels that cater to their evolving needs.
3. Corporate Social Responsibility: As stewards of both business and community, hotel chains have a responsibility to embrace sustainable practices. By investing in EV chargers, you demonstrate corporate social responsibility and environmental stewardship. Not only does this contribute to reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable transportation, but it also enhances the reputation of your business as a socially conscious organisation committed to making a positive impact.

With easy-to-use payment terminals and management software, you can be ahead of the game in providing a better guest experience. The installation of EV chargers in hotel car parks offers a myriad of benefits and investing in EV charging infrastructure now positions your chain as a leader in sustainable hospitality and sets the stage for long-term success.