Taking our van fleet electric

In the middle of 2022, IT support provider Acronyms started to take their van fleet electric by replacing two of their diesel vans with electric vehicles, and having seen financial benefits, have plans to replace their existing fleet by the middle of 2023. In their own words, they explain why they made this decision and what their experience of running electric vehicles has been to date.

The primary reason we replaced our diesel vans with electric alternatives was cost. Whilst there were obviously environmental benefits, as an SME and having worked with SMEs for almost 20 years, we understand that businesses can’t do something merely for the sake of it. It must also bring value to the business, and with a struggling economy at present, this has perhaps never been so important. With that being said though, upgrading to electric vehicles was certainly positive for the business, with the added benefit of being good for the environment too.

Our vans are used primarily to transport computer hardware short distances around Plymouth and the surrounding areas. Being based at Plymouth Science Park (PSP), we have access to EV charge points, where we can charge our vans overnight. Admittedly, we were fortunate that we didn’t have to invest in the charging infrastructure ourselves and it now costs us approximately £12.00 to fully charge a van from PSP. This will give each vehicle approximately 120 miles of range.

Whilst not the primary motivation, as a business, we’re also becoming more conscious of the impact we’re having on the environment, most notably because many of our employees have young families. Changing our vehicles was therefore a relatively easy, yet significant step, in reducing our carbon footprint.

Since having the electric vehicles, we’ve learnt that EVs are just vehicles. It sounds like a very obvious thing to say but they’re not all that different from petrol or diesel vans at all. Initially we had ‘range-anxiety’ but with the right preparation, this concern quickly disappears. You quickly adapt and change your habits to make sure your vehicle is being charged when not in use. This change in behaviour happens very quickly and is a small sacrifice to pay for the benefits you receive instead.

You will also find that there are far more electric charging points around than you might expect, and new ones are being built and opening all the time. Whilst the cost for a full charge and the length of time it takes to charge can vary, this again comes back to ensuring you’re prepared for a journey. We find that charging your vehicle in advance is the best way to remove this worry.

Our next step with the electric vehicles is to replace our final diesel van, with a bigger vehicle that that has a longer range. We’re also currently waiting for the delivery of a replacement company car, which will also be electric. This means that by the middle of 2023, all vehicles in the organisation will be fully electric.

Despite some finding the change to electric vehicles daunting, we’d recommend it. It’s been beneficial financially, as well as being a positive more for the environment. We won’t suggest small businesses rush out and replace existing vehicles immediately if they don’t need to, but when a vehicle comes to the end of its life span, we’d certainly recommend making the change to electric.

About Acronyms

Acronyms provides businesses across the South West and beyond with IT support services. Headquartered in Plymouth, and with offices in Cornwall and Bristol, Acronyms manages the IT networks of many recognisable brands across the city, including the National Marine Aquarium, Drake Circus and Murray Volkswagen.