About Author
Andrew Leech
I’ve been helping teams go green for over a decade! Ready to green your fleet?
Fresh from attending Employee Benefits Live and Fleet and Mobility Live, I’ve been reflecting on what these events reveal about the evolving landscape of employee benefits, especially in relation to electric vehicles (EVs) and salary sacrifice schemes. Over the next few weeks, I’ll be sharing a series of takeaways from these shows, focusing on what’s working, what isn’t, and how we can better communicate the value of schemes like ours.
When HR Managers Lead the Charge… Without the Charge
At Employee Benefits Live, I attended several talks on employee benefits and EV salary sacrifice schemes, many led by HR professionals. While their enthusiasm was commendable, the insights often lacked the lived experience that comes from actually driving electric. I’d estimate that only around 20% of HR managers currently drive an EV, meaning that many are attempting to educate others on a technology they’ve never used themselves.
As someone who has been driving electric since 2014, is certified climate literate, and regularly speaks at universities and conferences on EV adoption, it’s hard not to feel a twinge of frustration when myths that should have been retired years ago still resurface.
Debunking the Myths
Myth 1: Charging Infrastructure Is Non-Existent
The argument that there is “no infrastructure” may seem convincing, but it is rarely accurate. How many of our households have access to electricity? Nearly all of them. For individuals who can charge at home, owning an electric vehicle is straightforward and effortless.
For the 40% who are unable to do so, indeed, there is still work ahead, but advancement is swift. At Fleet Evolution, we provide solutions such as a complimentary workplace charging station when five employees switch to electric vehicles. This initiative assists businesses in accommodating hybrid staff who come into the office just once or twice a week.
Myth 2: Electric Vehicles Are Not Ideal for Extended Travel
This is yet another common misconception. Let’s be real, how many of our most significant life choices are influenced by infrequent events? You don’t purchase a five-bedroom home simply because friends may come over twice a year. Similarly, you wouldn’t forgo owning an electric vehicle just because you may travel 300 miles once a month. Most contemporary electric vehicles can cover over 200 miles on a single charge, and the majority of drivers surpass that range less than five times annually. When they make this choice, a bit of preparation, such as a 25-minute coffee break every few hours, is all that’s required.
In my experience, I frequently travel from the Midlands to the Scottish Highlands and even make trips to France, and I’ve never encountered any problems. I accomplish this at a significantly lower expense: approximately £5 for a range of 200 miles when I charge at home.
Myth 3: Electric Cars are Overpriced
Thanks to our salary sacrifice scheme, many individuals now find that electric vehicles are the most cost-effective option for acquiring a new car. When you factor in the savings from fuel and maintenance, the overall ownership cost frequently surpasses that of petrol or diesel by a significant margin. It is no longer about indulgence; rather, it focuses on intelligent financial management and sustainability.
Why Education Matters More Than Ever
Currently, employee benefits are changing at an unprecedented pace in the modern workplace. Employees expect valuable benefits, but also want transparent and trustworthy details regarding them. Electric vehicles have transitioned from a futuristic idea to a common employee perk that can improve well-being, lessen carbon emissions, and provide genuine savings. However, misinformation continues to be a barrier. That’s why learning is essential.
This is not about sales pitches or speculation; it’s true expertise provided by individuals who comprehend both the vehicles and the financial principles that govern them. When employees receive the right information, they don’t merely participate; they champion the cause. They serve as advocates for sustainability throughout the organisation, and this ripple effect has the potential to change the culture of the workplace.
Employers Introducing the Scheme
Employees Going Green
The Importance of Presentations
It’s widely recognised that the adoption of benefits differs significantly among organisations. Demographics are a factor, but the manner in which the benefit is showcased also matters. When HR managers, who may not be electric vehicle drivers themselves, communicate messages that emphasise fear or spread misinformation, the consequences can be severe.
Legends propagate. Adoption comes to a halt. Assurance declines. That’s why it’s essential to allow professionals to manage the education.
In summer, I regularly take my EV to France, it’s a 25-minute stop every 3 hours; in exchange, the rest of the year I never need to visit a petrol station. Best of all, and looking at affordability in addition to the savings via salary sacrifice, you can charge at home for £5 or less for a 200-mile range!
Our team doesn’t merely have a passion for it; we embody electric mobility in everything we do. We tackle misunderstandings from all perspectives: we openly acknowledge that manufacturers often overstate the range of their vehicles (for example, my Audi states a range of 280 miles, but I typically achieve about 200 miles), and we leverage these candid discussions to establish trust with drivers.
Leading by Example at Fleet Evolution
At Fleet Evolution, we aren’t merely discussing sustainability; we actively practice it. Our fleet consists of electric vehicles, our offices utilise renewable energy sources, and most of our team members operate in electric vehicles. Every discussion we engage in with a client or driver is grounded in practical insights rather than theoretical concepts.
We have personally experienced the advantages of transitioning to electric for employees, employers, and the environment all at once. We set an example by assisting small businesses in launching their initial charging stations and aiding large organisations in converting their entire fleets. Our efforts show that adopting electric vehicles (EVs) is not only feasible but also practical and beneficial.
Final Reflection
Trust the specialists. Employers and HR leaders, you already have a lot to manage. Allow EV experts to take charge of education, dispel misconceptions, and engage with drivers. We will handle the explanation of the facts, alleviate any concerns, and assist employees throughout each phase of their electric journey. Ultimately, that’s our greatest strength, and when education is conducted effectively, it’s beneficial for everyone involved.
Get in Touch
Fleet Evolution offers innovative salary sacrifice schemes, helping employers and employees save on costs while promoting eco-friendly electric cars. Enjoy easy setup, free maintenance, and swift activation for any company size.