Is an Electric Vehicle (EV) right for your business?
To understand better the opportunities and challenges EVs present for Irish businesses and organisations, SEAI organised a commercial EV fleet trial with almost 200 participants. The trial was supported by Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland (ZEVI).
Background
The Government of Ireland has set down ambitious targets in the transport sector including a 51% reduction in emissions by 2030 and a target of 30% of all vehicles on Irish roads to be electric by 2030.
When combined with policies that support increased active and multi-modal travel, EVs represent a viable pathway for the decarbonisation of the transport sector.
Transport is essential to many businesses, but transport costs can be very high and also contribute to its emissions. Switching to electric is an obvious solution to reducing transport costs and emissions.
The EV fleet trial engaged 187 businesses to test drive a car or a van for business purposes over a three-month period. They were offered a charging solution as part of the trial. Businesses took part from every county in the Republic of Ireland, with a wide range of business types, from retail to construction, consultants to manufacturing.
On average over 3,000km were driven every three months with vehicle charging required every three days.
How did it work?
Any business could apply to take part in the EV fleet trial. Florists, public bodies, hotels and bars, delivery company and consultancy firms were among the trial participants.
- Each participant was given the loan of an EV for three months with no capital cost to them, just insurance.
- They got a free charger and up to €1,000 towards the installation costs.
- We used telematics (a device in the vehicle) to track the distance travelled and the charging cycles.
- We surveyed the participants before and after the trial to understand their business needs and perceptions to EVs.
The rolling three-month placements started at the end of December 2022 with about 14 vehicles being allocated. The final vehicles were returned in September 2024.
The Results! - What the data showed
The data collected showed the following average details per participant.
| Average for both | M1 Car | N1 Van | |
| Distance travelled | 3,700km | 4,400km | 2,800km |
| AC Charging Sessions | 28 | 29 | 27 |
| DC Charging Sessions | 3 | 5 | 2 |
| Tailpipe emissions avoided | 512kg | 529kg | 484kg |
| Cost savings per 10,000 km | €359* | €320 | €407 |
| Efficiency Calculated M1 (Car) | 23kwh/100km | 20kwh/100km | 29kwh/100km |
*Electricity rate 29ckWh. Fuel (petrol and diesel combined) €1.65/litre
In the ‘before’ surveys, participants believed that they would need to charge the vehicle every day, the data has shown that this perception was incorrect, and charging was only needed, on average, every three days. Overall, 92% of charging was done on the charger provided with only 8% on fast charging.
What participants said
At the SEAI Energy Show in March 2024, three of the participants took part in a panel discussion on their experience of the EV Fleet Trial. The panellists were:
- Bernie Kinsella, Managing Director of Wheels We Deliver
- Declan Keogh, Regional Energy Manger – Wicklow County Council
- Deirdre Brady – Transport Manager – Obelisk
They shared 3 key tips to to any business or organisation starting on the EV transition.
- Know your data
Track your driving distances and needs. Understanding when and where you have vehicles, how long they are idol for and where they are parked overnight. This will also provide you with fuel cost data.
- Start small
Once you have identified a suitable route or vehicle to switch to electric, do so in consultation with the drivers and provide training. Bring the drivers on the journey with you.
- Review progress
Get feedback from drivers that will help to progress other drivers to an EV. Review costings and calculate how much your business has saved because of making the switch.
