Octopus appoints Fleet Assist and FMG

Octopus Electric Vehicles has appointed Fleet Assist to help manage its electric vehicle (EV) fleet and support its servicing, maintenance, and MOT requirements.

It said it appointed Fleet Assist as more than 75% of its garage network is ‘EV ready’.

“With incredibly low company car tax rates on EVs, demand has never been higher – our enquiries from businesses have risen seven-fold in the last year alone,” explained Natalia Peralta Silverstone, head of propositions at Octopus Electric Vehicles.

“We appointed Fleet Assist based on its track record of managing a large ‘EV ready’ garage network combined with its class-leading service booking services and technical expertise.

“EVs require a different mindset when it comes to servicing and maintenance and this is an integral part in supporting our customer requirements today and in the future as demand continues to grow.”

The announcement follows the launch of its new salary sacrifice scheme, Electric Dreams, which FMG has also been awarded a new contract to support.

As part of the contract, FMG will provide driver care and an end-to-end incident management solution to Octopus drivers.

Silverstone said by partnering with FMG, it can ensure a "seamless and personal service for customers, when incidents occur".

So far, 15 companies are live on the Electric Dreams scheme, including Huel and Purplebricks.

Andrew Chandler sales director at FMG, said: “As many fleets find that their medium to long term EV-adoption plans have accelerated overnight, we have taken proactive steps to prepare for the incidental effect on vehicle repair.”

Fleet Assist’s ‘EV ready’ status means garages qualify by meeting its minimum competencies which includes the technicians having completed, as a minimum, the IMI Level 2 qualification in Hybrid Electric Vehicle Operation and Maintenance and have suitable premises.

Karen Ewer, Fleet Assist’s head of business development, said: “We have spent a great deal of time getting our network EV ready and we are delighted that Octopus Electric Vehicles has recognised this by appointing us as its network partner especially with its core focus on customers and giving them great service.

“We look forward to an increasing number of EVs going through our network as Octopus grows its fleet.”