Alphabet wholelife cost model sparks 97% shift to PHEVs at B Braun

B Braun has seen 97% of company car drivers switch from diesel to plug-in hybrids at renewal time after it adopted a wholelife cost model for its fleet.

The provider and manufacturer of healthcare products, which has its UK headquarters in Sheffield, has worked with its fleet partner Alphabet to make the move after wanting to identify cost and time savings within the busines.

Drivers were also keen to extend the vehicle choice list to take advantage of the favourable benefit-in-kind tax rates for electrified cars, while B Braun also wanted to begin the move towards an electric fleet.

Claire Richardson, fleet manager and procurement support at B Braun, said: “It’s been invaluable to provide our drivers with PHEV options so they can not only embrace cost savings and get the vehicles they want, but also support the wider business objectives.

“This is something we couldn’t have implemented on our own and is why we continue to work so closely in partnership with Alphabet, which forms an extension of the B Braun team and has done for more than 10 years.

“These are important changes for the future of B Braun and we’re excited to see what more we can achieve together.”

One of the first steps in the process was for the employer and Alphabet to communicate directly with drivers, setting up virtual clinics to understand their needs, shape policy and engage staff.

An internal survey helped developed a set of FAQs for drivers interested in going electric.

Alphabet said the change to a WLC model has resulted in enhanced visibility of cost for the company, a wider and improved choice of vehicle for drivers, while employees opting for PHEVs have effectively received a pay rise through the savings from lower BIK tax bills.

B Braun will also work with Alphabet to expand its fleet choice list to include pure electric vehicles and offer employees support with charging requirements.

Alphabet has been the sole fleet supplier to B Braun for 10 years. B Braun was an early adopter of the company’s AlphaCity car sharing solution, as well as introducing AlphaRent services to its fleet.