Recent studies have underscored the growing call from UK businesses for increased support in the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs). This push is driven by a recognition of the environmental benefits, potential cost savings, and the alignment with the UK’s broader sustainability goals. However, the transition to EVs presents several challenges, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which often lack the resources for such capital-intensive changes.
Barriers to EV Adoption
One of the primary barriers to EV adoption identified by businesses is the high upfront cost of electric vehicles. Despite prices falling, EVs still command a premium over their fossil fuel counterparts, making it difficult for SMEs to justify the switch without significant financial support. Additionally, the current public charging infrastructure is deemed inadequate for the needs of many businesses, particularly those reliant on commercial fleets. The need for more fast-charging points to avoid operational disruptions is a recurring theme in the discourse.
The UK government has responded to these concerns with a range of incentives and grants designed to ease the transition. The Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) offers funding through grants to support the installation of charge point infrastructure across the country. This includes the Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS), which provides vouchers to businesses to reduce the cost of installing EV charge points for fleets, staff, and customers. The WCS is capped at £350 per charge point socket, with a maximum number of sockets capped at 40 per business.
Moreover, the government has set ambitious targets to phase out new fossil fuel vehicles, aiming for 80% of new cars and 70% of new vans sold in Great Britain to be zero emission by 2030, increasing to 100% by 2035. To support this, there are grants available for small vans up to £2,500 and for large vans up to £5,000 until at least 2025, as well as £350 off the cost of homeplace charge points for people living in flats.
The EV Infrastructure Grant for small-to-medium-sized business is another initiative that helps businesses provide employees with charging points by covering up to 75% of the cost of having the infrastructure installed. These measures are part of a broader strategy to encourage businesses to adopt EVs as part of their operations, contributing to the UK’s green recovery and its commitment to reducing carbon emissions.
In conclusion, while UK businesses are eager to adopt EVs, they require more support to overcome the financial and infrastructural barriers. The government’s current incentives and grants are a step in the right direction, but continuous evaluation and adaptation of these support mechanisms will be crucial to meet the needs of businesses and ensure the successful transition to a greener, more sustainable transport system.
Client Corner - EDSB Rollout EV Vans
Longstanding SBS client EDSB are continuing to lead the way in environmental impact and investment with their recently announced ID Buzz EV Van Rollout.
SBS have worked with EDSB for over 3 years, supporting the development of their Carbon Net-Zero Reporting, Planning and ambition through the SBS Net-Zero Program, utilizing our leading software and outsourced environmental manager service to work with the EDSB leadership and wider teams to identify areas of environmental action and improvement.
100% renewable electricity has been used for many years and we have seen their car fleet switch to EV now covering 98% of cars. As a trusted supplier to the construction and property management industry with a range of services, that has seen huge growth over recent years, engineers on the road has been a hotspot area and one that has grown with increased work and engineers. EDSB have invested vehicle tracking software to support good driver behavior and planning and to identify potential opportunities to switch engineers to an electric van. The main problem they have had to date following many trials has been the vans to enable their team to be as efficient in providing services to clients.
Until now, read their article on the ID Buzz van testing and roll out plans
SBS EV Charging solutions
For businesses, charge points at the workplace are likely to become an increasingly important facility for attracting and retaining good employees, along with a factor for your visitors, customers and suppliers. Or as demonstrated by EDSB a requirement to transition your current fleet to EV.
Our experts can support with costs, siting, ownership and install of chargers for your business.
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