Volkswagen Financial Services Fleet launches EV Maturity Tool

Volkswagen Financial Services (VWFS) Fleet has launched an advanced EV Maturity Tool, designed to provide fleet managers a score on how far they are in their journey to an electric fleet.

It follows the Future Fleet Analysis tool and EV-4-ME? tools. Both of which have been released by the leasing company this year, with an aim to also help managers gauge their transition to an electric fleet.

Its existing customer base consists Manchester United Football Club and Eddie Stobart, but is continuing to expand its offering to clientele.

Business owners have been unsure on whether they should make the switch to an electric fleet, and VWFS has looked to provide such companies with perspective, knowledge and an overview.

Tom Brewer, head of sales and marketing at VWFS Fleet, said: “We understand the pressure on fleets to consider switching to EV but with so many factors to consider, it can be overwhelming and often a costly decision that many fleet managers don’t feel able to make.

“Through our EV consideration hub, a growing suite of online tools and a team of experts we are here to support fleet operators, VWFS customers or not, feel confident in making the right decisions for the short and long term.”

Areas that are causing concern for managers include charging, electric vehicle choice and Plug-in Car Grants. The new maturity tool allows hierarchy to have a self-assessment on its fleet.

The tool provides scope on what stage a fleet is at, rather than whether it’s ready to make the transition or not, looking at its strengths and weaknesses.

Users will be taken through a series of questions. The series will cover the number of vehicles, availability of the electric vehicle that would be needed, the eligibility for the Government’s Plug-in Car or van grant, and an overview on the whole-life cost analysis, as well as training opportunities for drivers.

Upon completion, users are presented with their place on the maturity scale. It grades its readiness through: Overall, driver, vehicle, infrastructure and cost.

If the fleet falls short of the necessary requirements to upgrade its fleet to an electric one, then the tool provides feedback on what steps can be taken to make the required progress.