VWFS Fleet expands its support for businesses as the EV transition continues at pace ahead of 2035.
Leasing company, Volkswagen Financial Services (VWFS) Fleet has launched a new, game-changing tool for drivers to assess first-hand what it would be like to integrate an electric vehicle into their daily lives. As a leasing industry first, it will help businesses to embrace EV driver adoption and navigate the road to EVs with the ZEV mandate and 2035 ban on the sale of new ICE cars and vans.
The new and improved EV4ME online tool is free and easy-to-use, helping drivers to better understand what living with an EV will be like and to identify the right type of EV for them. The updated tool will take into account various factors, including commuting distance, charging infrastructure availability and home life commitments. It means they can select a model which matches their individual needs perfectly.
EV4ME now simplifies what can be a complex decision, by recognising the importance of empowering drivers with the knowledge and understanding of living with an electric vehicle. Drivers answer straightforward questions about their driving habits and access to charging facilities, and the tool leverages its intuitive algorithm to respond with the right range category for their individual needs.
Once the optimal range category is identified, the EV4Me platform then links through to VWFS Fleet’s comprehensive and complementary EV Directory. Here, drivers can explore specific EV models that suit their individual driving needs. With a full range of vehicles listed – across all manufacturers – drivers can understand and compare key vehicle performance data, including ‘real world’ mileage range capabilities and expected charging timescales, alongside other technical data.
James Fields-Davis, Head of Fleet Development at VWFS Fleet, says: “With EV adoption gathering real pace now, it’s important that businesses looking to transition their fleet ensure drivers are on board with the switch. The new EV4ME helps with exactly that, ensuring drivers can easily identify the right vehicle for their individual driving patterns – both for work and non-work purposes.
“As a first in the car leasing sector, EV4ME now provides a straightforward and accessible way for potential EV drivers to understand how easy, or hard, living with an EV might be for them. It also helps to focus their thinking on the type of EV that would best suit their needs, by helping them to make informed comparisons across different EVs.
“With so many models now available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, but this tool helps drivers to identify the best EV solution for their individual needs, arming them with the essential facts and figures they need, all from a single source.
“The tool also helps fleet operators to better support their drivers who may be worried about where to start when it comes to making such an important decision.”
Ensuring a smooth transition – top tips for businesses
For companies looking ahead to the fleet implications of the 2035 deadline, VWFS Fleet shares its top tips to ensure the move to a more sustainable fleet is smooth and easily managed.
- Understand drivers’ individual challenges
Tools such as EV4ME and the EV Directory are part of the wider EV strategy businesses should be considering. These tools will enable fleet managers to better understand their drivers’ individual challenges, so they can focus their support to ensure a smooth transition.
- Create a plan to support drivers in overcoming challenges
When fleet managers understand the unique challenges their drivers are facing, they can start to develop an effective plan to support drivers in overcoming these challenges. This may include addressing charging concerns through home chargepoint partnerships or investing in workplace charging infrastructure, for example. VWFS Fleet’s EV Charging Guide can help with this.
- Have open conversations with drivers
To ensure driver buy in for EVs, it’s also important that businesses are engaging in open and informed discussions with drivers. Take the time to discuss the benefits of EVs such as the tax savings through reduced benefit-in-kind (BIK) costs.
Both the EV4ME and EV Directory tools are part of VWFS Fleet’s comprehensive portfolio of helpful guides and detailed information, designed to support businesses committed to transitioning their fleets, assisting their drivers and making the most of the many benefits EVs can offer. For more information, visit VWFS Fleet’s all-new EV4Me and EV Directory tools