Fleet briefs: Latest industry news from Europcar, Paua, Microlise, FuelGenie and the EVA

Europcar Mobility Group UK launches EV rental solution

Europcar Mobility Group UK has launched Europcar Flex, a long-term solution to help business transition to electric vehicles (EVs).

The launch of the new solution comes after research by Europcar showed that 35% of company car drivers would consider changing their job if they felt their employer ‘wasn’t doing enough’ to tackle climate change.

The company said the solution allows businesses to assess the operational and commercial impact of EV use and to help satisfy driver concerns.

Ron Santiago, managing director (MD) at Europcar Mobility Group UK, said: “Renting an electric vehicle is an effective way for employers and their employees to experience electric motoring in real-world conditions before committing to lease or outright purchase.

“We are continually adding vehicles that span most business motoring use cases. This gives fleet managers the chance to genuinely put low and zero emission motoring to the test. Not only is this beneficial for overall fleet costs, but it is reassuring for drivers to know that they work for a company that invests in good sustainable options.”

Co Charger and Paua partner to expand network

Co Charger and Paua have joined forces to provide business drivers with single access to both base and route charging across almost 22,000 charge points nationwide.

The joint offering combines Paua’s business drivers EV charging service with Co Charger’s base charging solution, to enable employees who cannot charge at home to rent a neighbour’s charger instead. The latter provides charging for the 40-50% of fleet drivers unable to install a charger at home.

Joel Teague, co-founder and chief executive (CEO) of Co Charger, said: “Businesses across the UK know they need to switch to electric vehicles, but many are nervous about transferring, mostly because of the potential impact on employees, and this is especially true for those unable to charge at home.

“Providing a comprehensive ‘single site’ solution, combining base and route charging with easy payments, allays these fears”, Teague continues. “It means companies can provide clear, easy advice to all employees about where they go for information, regardless of their individual circumstances.”

Through the new solution, business drivers can use Paua’s app-based solution to see where both public and private home charge points exist on the Co-Charger peer-to-peer network.

EVA launches pilot scheme for auctions

Electric Vehicle Approved (EVA) has launched a pilot scheme specifically for auctions.

NAMA members, CD Auctions/Cazoo Wholesale, Wilson Auctions, Shoreham Vehicle Auctions, Fleet Auction Group and Central Car Auctions, have agreed to pilot the scheme.

Sue Robinson, chief executive of the National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA), said: “It is extremely positive to see that EVA expanding into another sector within the automotive industry, typifying the efforts and investments automotive wholesalers and retailers are making towards supporting the decarbonisation of transport and reaching government’s net-zero targets.”

The EVA scheme for motor retailers has expanded over the years to more than 400 EVA accredited sites across the UK.

Paul Hill, spokesperson at NAMA, said: “Auctioneers have been putting a great deal of time and investment into preparing their businesses for the electric revolution, which is undoubtably shaping up to be the future of automotive retail.

“NAMA represents all auction companies of all sizes selling cars, commercial vehicles and plant in the UK, and we are delighted that NAMA members will be piloting the EVA scheme for our sector.”

Fuel cards offer savings beyond lower costs at the pump, says FuelGenie

The value of fuel cards goes beyond immediate savings at the pump for fleet operators, FuelGenie has said.

The company said that greater value for businesses lies in reduced paperwork for drivers and other colleagues and that fuel cards offer greater control.

Robert Pieczka, MD at FuelGenie, said: “Even in highly efficient businesses, the administration around fuel expense claims is time-consuming and there is always the potential for mistakes to be made or payments not to go through promptly. This can result in irritation and ill-will among colleagues, especially when payments can run into hundreds of pounds at a time.

“The administrative savings from the introduction of a fuel card across an entire business or fleet are potentially enormous in terms of reduced administration time and they can be extended further using technology such as mobile apps which enable drivers to find the best value fuel price wherever they happen to be.

“Cutting a few pence off the cost of a litre may not necessarily sound like a lot, but again when considered across multiple visits and vehicles every week, the annual savings across a business can again run into thousands of pounds, or even more.”

Microlise takes part in Cycle Malawi Challenge

Six Microlise employees are to take part in the Cycle Malawi challenge to fundraise for Transaid’s work in Africa.

The five-day journey will see them cover more than 500km, starting in Senga and taking in Lake Malawi, Mount Mulanje, Liwonde National Park and the Zomba Plateau this month (October 2022).

The fundraising initiative is part of Microlise’s employee-led, community engagement activities which sees the company support community and charity groups at home and abroad.

This year’s team is made up of Andree Ball, marketing events manager, Tony King, technical hardware engineer, Tim Featonby, new business sales consultant, Fred Solari, director of sales (France) and Allan Herbert, embedded systems architect.

The Microlise Cycle Malawi team have raised more than £25,000 so far for Transaid with the help of their employees, customers and shirt-sponsors Bidfood, Co-Pilot, DHL and MEP Hire.

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