EV Charging
A key challenge identified in the TRL research was the lack of cost-effective and practical solutions for charging electric vans. Many organizations do not utilize a back-to-depot for overnight charging, relying instead on public or home charging, which can be problematic. Home charging may not be feasible for employees who cannot install a charging unit or prefer not to leave their personal vehicles on the street. Additionally, some participants found public charging to be expensive, which could offset any savings from the lower cost of electricity compared to petrol or diesel. There are also concerns about the availability and functionality of charging points for commercial vehicles. To address these challenges, Centrica has outlined a list of charging preferences that prioritize minimizing downtime over simply reducing costs. Options include home charging, virtual home charging through local partners, public rapid charging with added conveniences, and private rapid charging, which is gaining traction and providing mutual benefits for organizations and fleets. Recent research indicates that 58% of van fleets are open to sharing charging facilities to facilitate electrification. The AFP recently introduced a white-labeled platform for members to share charging capabilities, enhancing access for fleets through a mobile app. **Legislation and Government Policy** Legislation and government policy significantly impact the adoption of electric commercial vehicles by fleets. While clarifications regarding the end date for new internal combustion engine (ICE) vans have provided certainty, unresolved issues, such as the treatment of 4.25-tonne LCVs, continue to create uncertainty. A recent government consultation is examining various regulatory aspects for electric vans, and until the outcomes are published, many fleet operators may hesitate to transition fully to electric vehicles. The government confirmed that new petrol, diesel, and hybrid vans can be sold until 2035, leading to potential delays in fleet electrification. Despite these changes, many organizations remain committed to their environmental goals, with sustainability becoming a crucial factor in competitive tenders. As fleets navigate these evolving regulations and policies, the focus on sustainability continues to drive their strategies forward, regardless of the additional time provided for compliance.
PCP CLAIMS NEWS
Chancellor Rachel Reeves is contemplating the possibility of overruling the Supreme Court regarding a £44bn car loan commission scandal, following pressure from some of the UK's largest lenders, as reported by the Guardian. The Treasury is exploring contingency plans in case the justices uphold the October appeal court ruling, which may entitle customers to substantial compensation. Officials have been assessing the practicality of overriding the Supreme Court decision scheduled for delivery on August 1, in discussions with the Ministry of Justice and Department for Business and Trade. This potential intervention by the Treasury follows Reeves' earlier controversial attempt to influence the case in January.
URGENT MESSAGE FOR CITROEN C3 & D3 DRIVERS
Stellantis UK has issued an immediate ‘stop-drive’ order for all Citroën C3 (second generation) and DS 3 (first generation) vehicles manufactured between 2009 and 2019 equipped with Takata airbags.
Owners of such vehicles should “immediately cease using their vehicle when safe to do so”.
Vehicles included in this new stop-drive action in the UK were already part of an ongoing recall campaign that started over one year ago, first in southern Europe and then expanded northwards.
ADULT CARE SERVICES
Recruitment in adult care services has recently improved, primarily due to the influx of international recruits. The recent decision to eliminate the visa scheme without ensuring that organizations adequately replace the skills brought by our international colleagues seems shortsighted. Additionally, labelling social care roles as “low-skilled” undermines efforts to encourage young people to view it as a valuable career path rather than a fallback option.
Reflecting on the period before the care visa was introduced, we recall the widespread waiting times for care, with even the most reputable providers struggling to attract and retain staff. Without the support of our international workforce, we could quickly revert to this difficult situation.
In order to help, the FAMH team is ready to provide exceptional staff support services that organizations may normally overlook.
Prioritizing road safety can significantly mitigate the risks associated with driving for work, resulting fewer accidents and reduced costs, which in turn fosters a more satisfied workforce and improves recruitment/retention rates.
With our expertise in insurance, finance, logistics, engineering, and medical care, we ensure your staff’s vehicles operate safely and efficiently, and at no additional cost to yourselves.
Întârzieri la reparații care cauzează probleme de oprire a vehiculului pentru unul din patru șoferi
Get ready to revolutionize the way you manage vehicle claims with the AI-powered Fleet Accident Management Hub (FAMH) Incident Interaction System! We’re super excited to introduce a “smarter way to manage claims” that brings “AI-driven efficiency” to both service providers and clients!
At FAMH, we’re passionate about using cutting-edge technology to transform the vehicle claims process. Our Incident Interaction System is more than just a tool; it’s game-changer that streamlines communication and collaboration among FAMH staff, insurers, bodyshops, hire companies, recovery agents, inspection engineers, and customers.
With advanced AI and automation, we’re not just keeping up—we're leading the charge in a fast-paced industry! Today’s customers demand speed, transparency, and accuracy, and with our Incident Interaction System, that’s exactly what we deliver! Our AI-driven platform provides real-time updates, placing vital information right at your fingertips. Say goodbye to waiting for updates or chasing down details; everything you need is seamlessly integrated into intuitive interface! Bodyshops are the backbone of the vehicle repair process, and our Interaction System is here to support them every step of the way! From the moment of First Notice of Loss (FNOL), our system automates essential tasks like damage assessment, vehicle recovery, repair scheduling, and hire car deployment, cutting down workload and speeding up the process.
With AI taking care of the heavy lifting, everyone can focus on their strengths: getting vehicles back on the road faster than ever! Our state-of-the-art AI doesn’t just simplify the claims process; it makes it smarter! When a vehicle is involved in a claim, drivers can easily upload images or videos of the damage, and can even hop on an encrypted video call for instant, accurate details. Our system quickly assesses these images, identifying damage and generating precise, consistent reports—saving time and ensuring reliability!
The Incident Interaction System connects the entire supply chain like never before! From insurers to repairers to customers, our seamless data integration allows everyone to access real-time and collaborate effortlessly. With automated updates and predictive analytics, each participant in the claim is equipped with the insights needed to make informed decisions, driving down costs and enhancing the customer experience. Let’s make claims management smarter together!
Lex Autolease, part of Lloyds Banking Group, reported a £10.6 million loss, a sharp decline from over £500 million in pre-tax profits three years ago. The company, ranked second in last year’s Fleet News FN50, attributed this drop to higher depreciation charges, lower vehicle disposal profits—especially for electric vehicles (EVs)—and increased borrowing costs. Despite revenue rising to £2.4 billion from £2.2 billion, this indicates a significant downturn in profits, with pre-tax profits falling by over £400 million in 2023. The risk fleet decreased to over 278,000 vehicles from 281,, influenced by fewer deliveries. The funded fleet's value increased by 6%, and electric vehicles accounted for 45% of new orders, reflecting strong demand as companies pursue net zero emissions targets.