LCV fleets should take emissions reduction steps ahead of electrification, Northgate says

Date: Monday, July 10, 2023 | Author: Sean Keywood

LCV fleets should aim to reduce their CO2 emissions by improving their utilisation of vehicles and drivers even before adopting electric vans, according to Northgate.

The rental company said it had identified multiple fleets where, although the move from diesel to electric would take several years, it was still encouraging a move to more efficient working as part of an emissions reduction process.

It said it recommended installing telematics, in order to help fleets track their vehicle journeys and utilisation plus record individual driving styles to enable them to influence and improve driver behaviour.

Northgate also said it encouraged right-sizing vehicles, based on the capacity and weight of loads being carried, and said driver training and fuel cards could also have a part to play, as well as issuing a self-service vehicle inspection app to drivers, in order to enable regular monitoring of a vehicle’s condition while supporting safety and compliance.

Northgate sales and marketing director Neil McCrossan said: “By measuring and then improving the utilisation of vehicles and drivers, companies will immediately reduce their carbon footprint even before they move to electric vehicles.

“When a company is ready to switch to EVs these insights and data will be vital when helping decide which drivers and electric LCVs to put on individual delivery routes.

“None of this initial work to reduce carbon levels will go to waste prior to EVs being added to a fleet.”

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