Best types of electric car for your business

As we drive towards a greener future, businesses are exploring ways to reduce their carbon footprint and become more sustainable. Making the switch to electric vehicles (EVs) can boost your company’s green credentials, provide tax benefits and lower fuel costs across the organisation.

There’s never been a better time to switch to EV, with the government offering a number of electric car grants which can save your business thousands of pounds on commercial EV chargers and installation costs.

Exploring different EV options and deciding which type of electric vehicle your business should invest in can be a challenge, so we have put together this guide to make your business’ journey to EV as smooth as possible.

An electric car or electric vehicle (EV) runs on electricity instead of a petrol or diesel engine. EVs have electric motors that are powered by the car’s battery or fuel cell and compared to petrol or diesel, EVs create little to no exhaust emissions, making them far better for the environment.

As well as domestic electric vehicles, there are many electric vans on the market from big panel vans to small vans. Furthermore, electric hackney cabs¹ are increasingly being rolled out across the roads of towns and cities across the UK too.

Whether you run a commercial fleet or are looking to roll EVs out as your company car solution, this guide will help you.

Where a petrol or diesel car has a traditional combustion engine; in an electric car this is replaced by a battery or fuel cell which provides power. The battery must be charged with electricity by connecting to an EV charger. Think of this as being like the way your mobile phone or other electrical appliances are charged up using a plug, an electric vehicle is essentially the same.

Like mobile phones, lithium-ion batteries are also used in electric cars. Lithium-ion batteries are safe, light and have a high energy density which mean they last longer and provide more energy than other battery types. 

• Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) can alternate between electric power and conventional fuel, offering the convenience of traditional petrol or diesel cars with the added advantage of a smaller carbon footprint during short commutes.
  
  
• Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) run entirely on electricity, leaving behind zero exhaust emissions. They can be charged at home or public charging stations, giving you the flexibility to fuel up wherever power is available.
  
  
• Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) combine a traditional internal combustion engine with an electric motor. While they can't be plugged in to charge, they generate electric power by capturing energy usually lost during coasting or braking.
  
  
• Fuel-Cell Electric Vehicles (FEVs) generate their own electricity using a fuel cell powered by hydrogen, producing only water as a by-product. While infrastructure for hydrogen refuelling is limited, this could be a promising option for forward-thinking businesses of the future as technology evolves.
  
  
• Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicles (MHEVs) are closest to traditional combustion engines, with manufacturers adding small batteries to vehicles which offer improved efficiency and emissions, but these vehicles cannot be driven on electricity alone.
  
  
• Range Extended Electric Vehicles (RE-EV) or Range Extenders (REX) is a battery powered electric car with an extra power unit installed which is activated when the battery charge is low, the unit only powers the battery itself and is designed to reduce range anxiety.

Each type of electric vehicle brings its own benefits and considerations, meaning there's an option to suit every business model. By understanding the characteristics of each EV type, you're well on your way to making an informed and sustainable choice for your business.

Hybrid Vehicles (HEVs) are a popular EV solution for taxi drivers; the prevalence of them on UK roads a testament to that fact. HEVS offer a smooth transition between electric power and conventional fuel, meaning they are incredibly efficient for short trips around town. During longer journeys, the combustion engine takes over, ensuring your taxi can go on long range trips without needing a charge. This versatility make HEVs a popular choice amongst taxi services as it provides the sustainability of an electric vehicle without compromising on range.

While offering a completely emission-free and smooth experience, Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) are heavily reliant on charging infrastructure and for taxis operating round-the-clock, investing solely in these types of EV could pose challenges, particularly during peak hours or in locations where there are fewer charging stations.

With journey predictability and defined delivery routes, Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) can really come into their own. Again, it’s not uncommon to see fully electric fleets of delivery vehicles from well-known courier brands on roads across the UK.

Not only do BEVs offer a green delivery solution with zero-emission operations, the low running costs of BEVs can help firms offset the initial investment over time. Also pairing your EV infrastructure with other sustainable solutions such as solar panels and batteries, can make your business money, by selling extra power generated back to the grid.

While BEVs offer many benefits, some models may compromise cargo space due to the size of their batteries, so it's important to ensure the vehicle's cargo capacity fits your requirements. Delivering goods efficiently without having to compromise on your cargo load is key to maintaining productivity, so it’s important to choose your type of EV wisely. 

Businesses with fleets that operate primarily within a confined space, such as university campuses, airports, industrial estates, or large warehouse complexes, could reap the benefits of emission free Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs). With on-site operations, you can install dedicated charging stations wherever you need them and rotate vehicles in and out of service whenever charging is required, without having to worry about them running out of battery.

If your vehicle leaves the private site and is used on public roads, the usual considerations about availability of charging infrastructure, driving range and the type of journeys your vehicles will typically be making would need to be considered, particularly if your fleet encompasses a company car scheme where drivers use their vehicle for leisure and commercial use. 

Incorporating electric vehicles into your business model not only saves you money but also contributes to reducing your carbon footprint. Every mile travelled in an electric vehicle is a step towards a cleaner, greener planet. Sustainability is a strategic decision that requires careful consideration of costs and benefits aligned with your business objectives.

Electric vehicles offer a compelling combination of long-term savings, environmental benefits, and a positive reputation as an eco-conscious business. Embracing them is a step towards a more sustainable and cost-efficient future. Let's embrace the future of electric vehicles and drive towards a more environmentally friendly horizon.

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^{1 Transport Nottingham: Nottingham trials UK’s first wireless electric taxis}