It is becoming more important than ever for organisations to start working towards zero emissions. But while some organisations have the data to support the transition to EVs, others might still be hesitant about making the switch. That’s where other low-emission vehicles, like hybrids, can be used by organisations as a stepping stone strategy to reach zero emissions.
In 2021 Smartrak had the opportunity to survey several Victorian fleet managers about their thoughts on EVs. While some had already made the switch to EVs, others were still watching to see how the space evolves. One of the recurring topics raised had to do with range anxiety.
While we have touched on the topic of range anxiety frequently, it is still something that is a major sticking point for many when it comes to EV adoption. This is despite the fact that trip data highlights that the average daily driving distance is 36.4km in Australia and 29km in New Zealand. These distances illustrate that five days’ use could easily be covered with a single weekly charge for any modern EV.
While in many cases EV range is more than sufficient, we do understand that it is still a major concern preventing organisations from transitioning their fleets to zero emission vehicles. But rather than adopting a ‘wait and see’ approach, hybrid vehicles can provide a stepping stone that paves the way towards a zero-emission fleet.
Hybrid vehicles offer an alternative to organisations still hesitant on transitioning to EVs. While they are not zero emission vehicles, in nearly all circumstances they are a much greener alternative, as hybrids generally emit far fewer CO2 emissions than traditional vehicles.
This provides a unique opportunity for organisations. As vehicles reach the end of their tenure, organisations can—where appropriate— switch over to hybrids. This does several things.
First, it starts you on the path towards zero emissions. For every internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle replaced with a hybrid, your fleet emissions will reduce. This could be a real boon for fleet managers that have emissions targets to hit; you’ll achieve your emission reduction targets while gaining more time to decide how EVs fit into your fleet.
Second, it signals to employees and customers that you’re taking the issue of fleet emissions seriously. You’re taking concrete steps that will make an impact on overall fleet emissions today.
Third, it will have a positive impact on your fleet budget. Hybrids require less fuel than traditional ICE vehicles, and their electric motors mean they are well suited to short distance travel in major cities.
While it’s clear that making the switch to hybrids will make an impact on your fleet’s current emissions, you might be wondering why bother with EVs at all? The simple fact is that there will be increasing pressure for organisations to minimise emissions. New Zealand already has mandatory emission reduction targets for some organisations. It’s only a matter of time before those targets are raised.
And it’s important to remember that the end goal is to reach zero emissions. While hybrids will certainly be an important stepping stone for many organisations, zero emission fleets can only be achieved by transitioning to EVs.
Regardless of if you’re looking to switch your fleet to EVs or are considering using hybrids as a stepping stone, Smartrak can help. Our comprehensive emissions reporting solution helps New Zealand organisations accurately report emissions to the NZTA, while our dashboard emissions widget provides a snapshot of current fleet emissions.
If you’re serious about tackling fleet emissions, get in touch with us to start your journey towards zero emissions today.
