Features
16 May 19

Webinar IFMI Digital Masterclass: it’s time to switch to electric LCVs for the Last Mile

Powertrains, telematics, emissions regulations, ... LCV management is evolving rapidly. But how do you adapt your LCV fleet management, in particular in the last mile context? That’s what the IFMI Digital Masterclass set out to discuss.

This webinar was presented by Nicolas Michel, Senior Consultant, Arval, Mark Lovett, Head of Commercial Vehicles, LeasePlan, Jean Mateos, LCV Expert, Arval and Mark Cartwright, Head of Vans and Light Commercial Vehicles, Freight Transport Association.

Zero-emission

Mr Michel started with an introduction on LCVs and last mile challenges, like diesel city bans that are being introduced in more and more cities. After passenger vehicles, WLTP will also be applied to LCVs. Regardless, OEMs are introducing electric and hybrid electric delivery vans.

As a logical consequence, the diesel share in LCV fleets is going down as petrol and EV/HEV go up.

Mark Lovett, Head of Commercial Vehicles, LeasePlan, explained to by 2030, at least 50% of new car sales and up to 40% of new van sales are to be ultra-low emission. By 2040, all new cars and vans will be zero-emission, and that’s only five vehicle lifecycles away...

When, not if

E-LCVs are still thousands of euros more expensive than their non-electric variants, but cost parity is expected to arrive in the next few years. Importantly, maintenance costs are lower and there are also government policies and grants that benefit electric LCVs.

“It’s not about if, it’s about when to start electric,” concluded Mr Lovett.

Jean Mateos, LCV Expert, Arval, gave an overview of vehicle innovations for last-mile deliveries. No longer is choice limited to vans in various sizes, there are also e-bikes, cargo bikes, tricycles, tiny e-vans or even drones.

Downtime

An important part of LCV management is maximising efficiency. To a large extent, that requires a reduction of downtime. This can be done by introducing vehicle checks to look at brakes, lights, windscreen wipers, tyres and many other essential parts.

Crucially, drivers need to have the time to perform these checks and there need to be processes in places so drivers can report problems or defects. Options like mobile servicing or servicing outside business hours can help reduce downtime costs.

Watch the recorded version of this webinar:

The IFMI (International Fleet Managers Institute) is a collaboration of Fleet Europe with a select number of industry leaders.

Authored by: Benjamin Uyttebroeck