Chris Lindsay of First-EVC – Why now is the right time for businesses to change to EV

Is it now time to have a greener and more cost-effective approach to transport within your organisation? We spoke to Chris Lindsay – co-founder of First-EVC to explain why he believes there’s never been a better time than now to consider switching.

Business Responsibility

“Global warming will be a major challenge over the next 20 years.” Chris explains. “As a responsible business we can help reduce the impact of global warming by changing to EV and realising some commercial benefits.”

As many of you will know, the change to EV is inevitable – and unavoidable. Production of combustion engine vehicles will cease by 2030 – but already many manufacturers are concentrating their production efforts on EV.

This evolution has been sped up because of the realisation the impact of combustion engines have on the environment is stark.

The benefits of being a responsible business to the environment aren’t the only reason to switch though… 

Other Commercial Benefits of Switching to EV.

Many businesses have used their switch to EV as a huge positive PR angle. Being seen to be green has great kudos at the moment – particularly if a business is seen to be “ahead of the curve”.

But switching to EV goes beyond being a PR opportunity or being the right thing to do. Switching to EV has other commercial benefits.

“A business can set the full cost of an electric vehicle asset against profits in the year of the purchase of the car, if it satisfies certain criteria of emitting 0 g/km.”  Chris explains, before continuing “This can help reduce the Corporation Tax bill whilst reducing the businesses overall CO2 emissions, realising corporate goals.”

And what of the running costs. Are there benefits there too?

“Absolutely. The running cost of electric cars is significantly less than the equivalent petrol / diesel vehicle which ultimately reduces the businesses operation costs. With the average UK electricity price sitting at around 17.2p per kWh. If you assume an electric car will travel 3.5 miles per kWh on average, to travel 100 miles would cost around £5 or 4.91p per mile.”

And how does that compare?

“A petrol car would cost around £12 or 12p per mile if fuel cost £1.34 per litre and we assume the UK’s average new car fuel consumption was 49.2 miles-per-gallon. This is a significant saving over the life of the car.”

Whilst this is only an indication and those amounts may vary slightly – fuel costs are currently spiralling – and so it does give an invaluable insight as to why this is also an excellent time to switch to EV vehicles.

Once you have made the change, how can you charge your Electric Vehicle?

So making the switch to electric vehicles does seem somewhat of a no-brainer. But it doesn’t end there. The next consideration for a business needs to be vehicle charging.

Many EV users will look to have charging solutions at home. But this isn’t always possible. Having a Charging Scheme at the workplace is something businesses should also be considering – as Chris explains.

“Business Owners can apply for a Workplace Charging Scheme grant up to a maximum of 40 sockets (£350 per socket) equating to a total saving of £14,000.”

And it’s with thanks to companies like Chris’ that the prospect of applying for grants or installing EV charge points needs to be as daunting as it may seem right now.

“Here at First EVC, we can help reduce the headache of installing EV charging points within your organisation.”

“We offer a turn-key solution to help our customers realise their environmental and green goals. This means we can offer a complete service from initial funding to on-going support. Our services include :-

• • Help securing the government grant
  • Survey your site/s
  • Complete any Ground Works
  • Conduct the EV changing Installation
  • Commission the charging points
  • Maintenance
  • Software management and any billing requirements.”

With many financial incentives still available starting to get your ducks in a row on this now makes complete sense.

It is probably equally important as switching to EV is in working with a company who can take away the stress and complexity of making the switch seem less daunting.

Undoubtedly one of the biggest hurdles stopping businesses at the moment is uncertainty. That is why working with companies like First-EVC makes sense. Having support and advice tailored to your business needs will help ensure you get the biggest benefits, and ensuring you don’t miss out. 

That in itself has to be at least worth a conversation to discuss your options?

If you require any help or advice then Chris at First-EVC can be contacted on 0161 519 7998 or you can request more information by emailing [email protected]. Alternatively have a look at their website by clicking the button below.