Fleet briefs: Latest from Tusker, BP Pulse, RAM and Aston Barclay

Tusker urges Chancellor to keep BIK rates low

Tusker is pledging its support for the BVRLA’s #SeetheBenefit campaign which is urging the Chancellor to keep Benefit in Kind (BIK) rates low after the current 2024/25 cut-off.

The BVRLA’s July campaign event in Westminster has been set up to educate MPs as to the importance of keeping BIK rates low to retain the momentum of electric vehicle (EV) adoption post 2025, Tusker said.

Tusker said its salary sacrifice car benefits scheme has seen a ‘big move’ to electric and low emission vehicles over the past two years, with ULEVs now accounting for 90% of Tusker’s current order bank.

But Tusker chief executive officer (CEO) Paul Gilshan said a more long-term view on BIK taxation is needed.

He said: “Low BIK rates have done exactly what the Government intended, kickstarted the move to electric for many drivers but there is still so much more work to do as we continue to drive this shift, particularly for mass market drivers.

“So, continuing with low BiK for EVs will encourage those that cannot afford electric to switch from diesel or petrol to electric for the first time.”

Tusker will also be encouraging companies to write to their local MP using BVRLA’s pre-written letter to add further weight to the campaign prior to the Autumn Budget.

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BP Pulse launches new home smart EV charger

BP Pulse has launched its new home smart charger for domestic EV charging, with customers able to purchase the system through the BP website.

The new 7kW charger is Wi-Fi enabled and has remote connectivity features including remote scheduling, optimising charging rates and the ability to start, stop, enable, or disable the charger through the BP Pulse web portal. The chargers will also receive over-the-air updates.

Will Evans, home charge business director at BP Pulse, said: “The launch of the BP Pulse home smart charger is a major step forward for BP Pulse as we continue to integrate our domestic, public and workplace charging infrastructure for the benefit of motorists.

“We’re able to offer a true one-stop-shop for EV drivers to power up at home and on the go.

“Over the coming weeks, we’ll be working with vehicle manufacturers and dealer groups to showcase the benefits that bp pulse can offer to their customers for charging at home.”

RAM Tracking signs fuel card cooperation agreement with BP

RAM Tracking, vehicle tracking, dashcam and fleet management company, has signed a cooperation agreement under which it will market BP’s Fuel and Charge card to its customers.

The agreement provides RAM’s customers with a product that is accepted at more than 3,700 sites nationwide, including more than 1,400 own-branded fuel stations, plus an additional 2,350 partner service stations through Esso (1,200), Gulf (420) and Texaco (730) to fleets.

For fleets with EVs on their books, BP’s Fuel and Charge card can be used across BP Pulse’s network of more than 9,000 public charging points.

Adam O’Neill, head of commercial at RAM Tracking, said: “We are delighted to sign this agreement with BP to offer our 30,000 customers a complete solution for their fleets.

“With more and more fleets embracing EVs, it is vital that we offer our customers support for mixed fleets through BP’s Fuel and Charge card and the BP Pulse network.”

The agreement will last for an initial two-year term and includes an option to extend the arrangement for a further two years.

All new and existing RAM clients will be eligible to apply for the BP Fuel and Charge card. Further promotions are expected to be announced in future.

Adrian Brabazon, UK fleet sales manager, said: “We’re thrilled to be working with RAM Tracking to support their network of small businesses.

“We hope that our fleet solutions will help these businesses reduce costs and accelerate their EV electrification journey.”

Aston Barclay partners with 247 Money

Aston Barclay has announced a new partnership with 247 Money, the non-bank lender specialising in used vehicle hire purchase (HP) contracts, to enable the remarketing of its used vehicles.

247 Money will initially sell between 500 – 1,000 vehicles through Aston Barclay’s sale lanes nationwide and the number of used vehicles to be sold is expected to rise in the future.

Martin Potter, Aston Barclay’s chief customer officer said: “This new contract with 247 Money will facilitate the rapid sale of the quality used vehicles which have come out of contract.

“The wide range of vehicles on offer will be of particular interest to our buyers, and the number of physical sales held by Aston Barclay across the country will allow for easy disposals for the lender.

Chris O’Connor, operations director at 247 Money, said: “Having access to physically attended sales and a national network of auction centres with multiple sales happening each week will help our stock to find buyers quickly.

“These quick conversations and strong performance will support 247 Money in its growth journey, with Aston Barclay by our side as our remarketing partner.”