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THE BUSINESS CASE

Here’s why your company should be championing electric transport.

THE FUTURE OF FLEETS IS ELECTRIC

Electric vehicles have become the practical, sustainable choice for business in New Zealand. By transitioning your fleet to electric, you can:

  • Position your company as a national leader in climate action and tech
  • Exercise your corporate responsibility
  • Benefit your bottom line
  • Offer your staff an enhanced, safer driving experience.

CHEAPER, LOWER MAINTENANCE TRANSPORT

The cost of charging an electric vehicle is equivalent to paying about 30c per litre of petrol. Considering the ever-rising price of fuel, a transition to electric isn’t just about emissions, it’s a no-brainer cost saving exercise for your fleet. Check out some workplace charging solutions from ABB here.

A fully electric EV has only around 20 moving parts. It doesn’t need oil or grease, and it hardly ever needs servicing. A fossil-fuel powered engine has approximately 2,000 moving parts, almost all of which need regular servicing. By transitioning your fleet to electric, you are reducing the overall cost of your vehicles and much of the administration associated with maintenance.

Battery electric and plug-in hybrid light EVs are exempt from Road User Charges (RUCs) until 31 March 2024, which saves another $600 per year in running costs on average.  Plug-in heavy EVs are exempt from RUCs until they make up 2% of the national heavy vehicle fleet; your business could save thousands of dollars in RUCs in the meantime!

Check out this Total Cost of Ownership calculator by Gen Less to get a better idea of the current and potential costs associated with your fleet.

THE GOVERNMENT IS HELPING TO FUND ELECTRIFICATION FOR BUSINESS

Some businesses undertaking particularly innovative vehicle electrification projects could be eligible for funding from EECA’s Low Emission Transport Fund. The LETF makes up to $25m a year in funding available to support the demonstration and adoption of low emission transport solutions. The fund has helped facilitate projects like the introduction of New Zealand’s first electric milk tanker and concrete mixer, wireless bus charging in Auckland and solar-powered buses.

EXPANDING VEHICLE OPTIONS TO MEET THE NEEDS OF YOUR BUSINESS

One major drawback for businesses wanting to electrify their fleets so far has been the lack of vehicle choice. However, a wide range of electric utes, trucks and vans are now infiltrating the New Zealand market.

A full transition of your company vehicle fleet is becoming more attainable every day. Check out the electrified transport solutions available for Kiwi business here.

BOOST YOUR BRAND BY LEADING THE CHARGE

Several businesses in New Zealand, from small enterprises to major corporates, have been successful in their transition to electric. Electric vehicle adoption showcases your company’s commitment to the environment and positions you as a leader in tech and the new era of transport. Don’t get left behind!

It is absolutely possible, even for large, complex corporates, to successfully electrify your fleet. Discover key insights from some of the biggest names in Kiwi business in Making the Move: How some of New Zealand’s leading organisations have gone electric.

WHERE TO START?

Even though there is an exceptionally strong case for businesses to transition their fleets to electric now, there are a few extra processes to consider and resolve.

One major consideration is ensuring that staff are equipped to charge their vehicles both at home and at work, and effective reimbursement schemes ‘per km’ remain a topic of discussion as fleet managers navigate the shift from fossil fuel bills to electricity bills. Many of our members have found effective solutions; learn more about Westpac’s electric journey in our whitepaper ‘Building an Electric Fleet’.

There are several specialist consultants in New Zealand for fleet managers looking to switch to electric. Here are some of our trusted fleet transition partners:

BUILD YOUR BUSINESS CASE USING REAL-WORLD SCENARIOS

Use SwitchMyFleet, a free online evaluation tool to compare and evaluate the operational costs of internal combustion engine and electric vehicles using your own business scenarios.

You can evaluate different vehicle types, sizes and changing payloads along with their typical routes and destinations. This helps you measure the battery capacities your commercial vehicles would require and indicates the levels of charging infrastructure you will need to consider.

The results provide you with the metrics you need to build your business case for switching some or all of your commercial fleet to EVs.

TAKE THE LEAD. ELECTRIFY YOUR BUSINESS.

Many of the companies among our Drive Electric membership are at the forefront of the shift towards an electric transport future. As an organisation, we offer hands-on support and expert advice, and connect you with Kiwi companies who have the insight you need to make e-mobility a success for your business, and reap all the benefits of our future-focused community.

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