Audi’s Head of Direct Sales, Warren Richards, sets the scene for Electrifying Progress – our new collection of articles designed to guide you and your business through electrification.
Six months have passed since the government announced that the ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles – the ‘ICE ban’ – would be delayed by five years, to 2035.
However, on the whole, the benefits of making the switch to electric vehicles are understood, so many businesses have been undeterred by the shift in deadline. The planning, resources and time already invested in electrification meant that this process was well underway before the delay came about. But those yet to start this journey can do so knowing Audi is providing the support to make this transition as seamless as possible.
Government policy aside, there are wider factors encouraging electrification. Increasingly, businesses have ambitious Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) targets and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategies – as you may know, electrifying a passenger car fleet can help deliver these.
Added to this, a large number of fleets are of the view that transitioning to electric vehicles is the right thing to do. Ban or no ban, they were always going to make this change.
In addition to the clear desire to switch to electric vehicles, there are mechanisms in place that are accelerating electrification.
Salary sacrifice is a prime example. For employees participating in these schemes, attractive Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) rates on electric vehicles can make going electric cost-effective. With low BiK confirmed until 2027/28, there is still time for your business and your employees to benefit.
Fleet decision-makers face a complex landscape. When switching to electric vehicles, you may need to update your existing policies, consider how you cost and account for your fleet, while also managing a different set of driver requirements and concerns.
Your role is likely to be evolving, with fleet decision-makers facing new challenges. These include, but certainly are not limited to:
Workplace charging: this requires interaction with your facilities team, understanding the possibilities, planning permission required and grants available to your business.
Energy capacity: offering electric vehicle charging at your workplace may mean you need to increase your site’s power supply. Knowledge of the options available could affect your workplace charging plans.
Sustainability objectives: the transition to electric vehicles can be a key contributor to achieving environmental objectives, helping to reduce direct and indirect emissions.
While it may feel as though there are more questions than answers, with the right guidance and support, a smooth transition can be achieved.
At Audi, our commitment to electrification and supporting businesses on this journey remains unchanged. By 2027, Audi plans to offer an electric vehicle for every core segment in our portfolio, as we accelerate our own electrification.
This strategy is taking shape, with 90% of Audi’s corporate fleet order bank consisting of fully electric or hybrid vehicles. This is evidence, if ever it was needed, that businesses are as committed to electrification as we are.
“As the UK’s leading premium fleet brand, we see it as our responsibility to help you and the wider fleet sector navigate electrification.”
We recognise the scale and complexity of this transition. As the UK’s leading premium fleet brand, we see it as our responsibility to help you and the wider fleet sector navigate electrification.
Electrifying Progress is one of the many ways we will do that. This is a platform upon which we will regularly share our opinion, insight and advice on the latest developments impacting the fleet sector and what it means for you, your drivers and your business.
We hope you will join us on this journey and welcome any topics that you would like us to explore.
We would be delighted to hear your feedback on this article and welcome any suggestions you have for topics that you would like Audi to explore in future.