IFC Group and electric vehicle (EV) consultancy AnnexusEV say they are being inundated with enquiries after launching a joint venture to help fleets make the switch to electric.

The joint venture aims to help businesses maximise the carbon and cost saving opportunities of running electric vehicles (EVs).

Paul Talbot, chairman of the IFC Group, says that there is a “rapid shift” in the fleet vehicle market as electric cars and vans become more affordable and their range improves.

“The challenges presented by the switch to electric vehicles has fleet managers and drivers scratching their heads, as they seek to encourage staff to relinquish internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles in exchange for electric,” he explained.

“With the traditional internal combustion engine, there is a source of fuel every few miles and now, to make the switch to a greener fleet, they need to install charge points, not only at the office but also at employees’ homes.

“That implies more cost and stress – the exact opposite of what we want to offer our clients. That was why we formed this JV with AnnexusEV, who really understand the EV charging market and green energy market and can guide the process of switching with ease.”

CEO of AnnexusEV, Jonny Duggan, says that the joint venture with IFC means it can offer fleet managers a complete ecosystem as they transition to a reduced CO2 fleet.

“We can support them to find the best vehicles, install charging points at the office and at employees’ homes and consult around electrical availability where needed,” continued Duggan.

“There is no point, however, in moving to a green fleet if the electricity supply powering these vehicles is coming from fossil fuels, so we also advise on the best green energy tariffs for both the company at all their premises and their staff members for their domestic supply.

“This further reduces the overall carbon footprint and also takes into account the change in usage EVs will present so possibly offers them savings.

“Through the JV we are able to give ongoing support for the fleet and even provide the greenhouse gas emissions reporting needed to demonstrate how the switch is making a difference.”