Speaking at the COP26 climate summit this month, Chancellor Rishi Sunak claimed the UK was leading the world in becoming the "first-ever net zero aligned global financial centre". He said the changes would mean: "Better and more consistent climate data; sovereign green bonds; mandatory sustainability disclosures; proper climate risk surveillance; and proper global reporting standards."
This statement stemmed from the announcement that most big UK firms and financial institutions will be forced to show how they intend to hit climate change targets, under proposed Treasury rules.
By 2023, they will have to set out detailed public plans for how they will move to a low-carbon future - in line with the UK's 2050 net-zero target.
Whilst it is only big businesses that must show their plans, we know from our smaller clients that the desire to hit net zero and have green credentials is widespread. We are also extremely sensitive to the needs of businesses who run high mileage, diesel fleets – whilst electric is the future we still offer the best advice to customers who aren’t quite ready for the switch.
Here we take a look at how moving to an all-electric fleet can play a part and what businesses need to be looking at now
Net zero is when a business or a country achieves an overall balance between the amount of carbon it is emitting and the carbon that it's removing from the atmosphere.
A traditional fleet of petrol and diesel vehicles will have a level of emissions, by replacing these vehicles with all-electric alternatives emissions will decrease and eventually disappear. But is it really that easy?
With some planning, yes!
Are electric cars better for the environment?
Electric vehicles emit fewer greenhouse gases and air pollutants than petrol or diesel cars. Research has also taken into account their production and electricity generation to keep them running.
Electric cars contribute massively towards improving air quality in towns and cities; pure electric cars produce no carbon dioxide emissions when driving so air pollution reduces considerably.
Data has shown that in over a year, just one electric car on the roads can save an average 1.5 million grams of CO2. That’s the equivalent of four return flights from London to Barcelona.
Electric cars and UK's Net Zero target
The UK government has set a target that the sale of petrol and diesel cars will be banned by 2040. The government is also looking to reduce carbon emissions to zero by 2050. It is estimated that half of London’s air pollution is created by vehicles on the road so electric vehicles will be able to make a big difference.
Making the switch to an electric car
If, as a business, you are keen to begin the move towards an all-electric fleet and net-zero our team is on hand to support you.
If you run a fleet of vehicles you will have many considerations when it comes to choosing the right cars for your team. With electric and hybrid vehicles as relatively new choices, you might be wondering what exactly are the benefits of switching to an electric car?
We have outlined some of the key benefits below
EMISSIONS
Zero emissions is one of the key point that makes electric vehicles an attractive proposition.
If you are mindful of your business’ carbon footprint and want to decrease the impact your business has on the environment, then Electric Vehicles are for you.
If you opt for a fully electric car, no petrol or diesel is needed and if you opt for a hybrid, your CO2 emissions will reduce significantly – all good news for your carbon footprint.
RUNNING COSTS
Compared to traditional fuels, electricity is cheaper. On a cost per mile basis a pure electric car could cost a third of what a traditional petrol or diesel car does. Hybrids, combining an electric motor with a petrol or diesel engine, can also be considerably cheaper to run.
EASIER TO MAINTAIN
Pure electric cars have just three main components – the on-board charger, inverter and motor – and fewer moving parts than cars with a traditional engine. This means there are fewer points of failure and servicing is simpler.
BRAND IMAGE
A ‘green’ brand image is a positive thing to have and switching to electric and/or hybrid vehicles is a very clear message that you and your business care about the environment.
Of course, your vehicles are just a part of creating a green brand image and many of the businesses we work with have implemented other policies including reduction in international travel, using video-conferencing where possible and recycling policies.
Our account management team are on hand to help you to begin the switch to electric. Just give them a call – 01491 615 500 or email sales@ovl.co.uk and someone will get in touch with you.