FEATURE FLEET MANAGEMENT
E lectric vehicles (EVs) have evolved significantly over the years – both in their aesthetics and performance. Soon, UK builders can get their hands around the steering wheel of a fully electric pick-up truck. The electric Isuzu D-Max pick-up truck – or the D-Max BEV as it will be called – is coming to the UK market in 2025, says Mark Hayes, Fleet Sales Manager of Isuzu UK, an official partner of the FMB and main sponsor of the Master Builder Awards. “Motivated by growing demand for eco-friendly solutions and shifting market legislation, this electric variant promises to deliver the same rugged capability,” Hayes says, noting the vehicle’s: full-time 4WD 1-tonne payload 3.5-tonne towing capacity reduced emissions While Hayes says the electric Isuzu D-Max pick- up truck is a pioneer in the UK market, he stresses “the trajectory towards electrification is undeniable”. Navigating ULEZ Driving vehicles that comply with Euro 6 standards and ULEZ regulations is going to save money and cut emissions. So it’s important to pick the right vehicle, Hayes says, advising London- based FMB members to take advantage of Transport for London’s (TfL) ULEZ scrappage scheme, available for those living within the 32 boroughs or the City of London. Sole traders, and businesses with 10 or fewer employees registered in London can apply to scrap an ICE (internal combustion
Expanding ultra low emission zones (ULEZ) across the UK,
high fuel costs, and ongoing scrutiny of sustainability practices makes it a good time to focus on your vehicles FLEET SMART
engine) vehicle, receiving a £5,000 grant for a van, £7,000 for a minivan. They can apply to retrofit certain vans or minibuses (£5,000 grant) or scrap and replace a van or minibus with a fully electric vehicle (£7,500 or £9,500 grant respectively), Hayes explains. Retrofitting your vehicle from Euro 5 to Euro 6 standards is an option. Mark Cooper, Head of Sales & Business Development at vehicle retrofitters HJS UK,
Applying for support is simple to do, Cooper says, requiring the completion of an online form from TfL. “Vehicle owners will need to upload evidence to prove their identity and eligibility.” How to retrofit your vehicle pay a desposit and provide details of your vehicle; the system is manufactured to order or, as with most popular models, provided from stock in the UK;
also notes the TfL scrappage and retrofit scheme. “This scheme provides a contribution of £6,000 (subject to eligibility) towards the cost of the retrofit, which starts from £6,750 (plus VAT) depending on the complexity of individual vehicles,” Cooper says. “The scheme supports small businesses and sole traders registered in London with under 50 employees, and will contribute toward the cost of retrofitting up to three vehicles.”
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