Running electric vehicles (EV) requires a significant trial period to understand their capabilities. However, their increased use is inevitable as the government struggles to reach its targets to cut CO2.
Steve Davis, national engineering manager at TNT, which is currently operating the largest EV fleet in the country (51 Smith Electric
Newton 7.5-tonners), says: "I've heard of operators taking on these vehicles to tick the environmental box, but not the operational one.
"They are specialists in their fields, therefore, you really have to understand their limitations.
"For example, in terms of a vehicle's range, we've had to incorporate a buffer zone and take into consideration such variables as route diversions due to roadworks or the need for an urgent collection off-route. These add to the existing range limitations built into the route.
"We're constantly reassessing whether we've got the vehicle working to its range maximum, and this isn't something we've had to do with a diesel."
By getting an early start in studying the vehicles' performance, Davis says TNT will be in a strong position as the government switches its policy to favour electric vehicles.
"This country appears not to be hitting its CO2 reduction targets, so the government is likely to focus
on vehicle usage and consumption to get results.
"How they achieve this is their call, but I wouldn't be surprised if we started seeing more and more charging points at work; this will allow users to double the range of their EVs, and, in turn, this will help move the infrastructure and culture forward."
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