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​Businesses across the UK are preparing for some of the most significant legislation changes to impact the automotive sector for generations.

Until recently, uptake of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and other alternatively fuelled vehicles has been gradual, but between now and the 2030 ban on internal combustion engine vehicle sales, businesses must accelerate their adoption of zero emissions vehicles to meet the Government’s low emissions objectives – not to mention their own environmental commitments and business goals.

Business fleets in the UK account for approximately 55% of the market, and despite the increased uptake of EV growing to 6.9% market-share in January 2021 (up from 2.7% in 2020), there is a long way to go ahead of 2030. But while the sales statistics do not yet appear remarkable, the concept of electric vehicles being core to the future strategy of most fleets is almost universally accepted.

Examining the market as a whole, the latest SMMT results show a year-on-year increase of 185% in battery electric vehicle (BEV) registrations, alongside a rising number of alternatively fuelled cars across the board.

However, some service areas and infrastructure have been lagging compared to demand for electric vehicles – including the post-accident replacement vehicle sector. Until now.

AX is increasingly able to support and contribute towards the environmental goals of businesses – and therefore the government’s own low emission objectives – by leading the electric revolution within the UK’s accident aftercare sector with the introduction of AX Electric.

Like private buyers of EVs, once a business has migrated to a zero emissions fleet, it is almost unthinkable to take a backwards step into an ICE vehicle, even for a short period of time in a replacement car following an accident.

Commenting on the launch of AX Electric, Kit Wisdom, Tusker Operations Director, said: “Tusker is seeing a significant increase in demand for Battery Electric Vehicles with over half of all orders in 2020 being for a BEV. As members of the EV100, we have pledged to have a fully electric fleet by 2030 and we are always looking for initiatives to help support us meeting that target.

“We’re delighted about AX’s announcement to guarantee an EV replacement vehicle following a non-fault accident; this is such an important ‘value add’ for Tusker drivers and a bold step forward in non-fault replacement vehicles.”

The impacts of switching back to an ICE vehicle go beyond a fleet’s or driver’s own environmental vision. In 2020/21, EVs have a 0% Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) rating, rising to 1% in 2021/22 and 2% in 2022/23 – a substantially lower rating than an equivalent petrol, diesel or even hybrid car. Therefore, stepping back into an ICE car could have tax implications – even for short periods of time while a company car is being repaired.

AX Electric is a comprehensive and tailored accident aftercare solution for the automotive fleets. Dedicated to delivering on its EV-for-EV guarantee by investing in a new fleet of electric vehicles, the service is a first for businesses in the UK.

The launch of AX Electric will also see the firm investing in and developing innovative EV infrastructure that includes fast charging points at logistics hubs across the UK. This will help it deliver a seamless experience for its fleet partners and their customer’s drivers.

Forging a reputation for spearheading the adoption of EVs in the fleet and leasing sector, Clive Buhagiar, Head of Operational Services, at Alphabet (GB) commented: “Alphabet is recognised for its leading position in the market for provision of electric vehicles (EVs) and has established a reputation for being at the forefront of this technology.​

“AX is a valued partner, helping to support our customers who have opted for accident management within their contract, if they have been involved in a non-fault accident. With the growing number EV drivers on the roads, it is encouraging to know that a replacement EV is guaranteed, and further enhances the offering for our customers.

“Our approach to eMobility, coupled with the service that AX provides, means customers can rely on this partnership not only to minimise downtime, but also to keep their low emission principles in mind.”

As EV registrations continue to grow ahead of the 2030 petrol and diesel ban, Fleet Management Companies that are already offering an effective EV-for-EV accident aftercare service to their customers and drivers will be ahead of the game. They will be reducing the time and costs of mi%%xing and matching EVs with ICE vehicles, while ensuring their vision for a green fleet is fully intact, even in the unfortunate event of an accident.

To talk to AX about their AX Electric offering click here, or feel free to download their latest Whitepaper: What will finally start the electric vehicle revolution?