Fleet sector at crossroads on journey to net zero, warns Etrux CEO

The path to net zero emissions for fleets requires greater collaboration between industry and government, Etrux has warned.

Etrux said fleet and transport managers need much more support as the sector continues to grapple with the costs of switching to electric vehicles

In a speech after last month’s CV Show, Gerard Galvin, managing director of the vehicle conversion specialist, said fleet and transport managers need much more support as the sector continues to grapple with the costs of switching to electric vehicles and concerns about charging infrastructure and lack of support from the government.

Etrux showcased the Ford E-Transit Welfare conversion and E-Transit Trizone van at the show, and Galvin said there was strong industry interest in switching to an electric vehicle fleet, but major obstacles remained.

“This year, our stand at the CV Show was visited by many companies and thanks to various discussions it became clear that as an industry we are at a crossroads. Many fleet operators and transport managers want to transition to electric vehicle fleets, but to achieve this there is a greater need for industry innovation, cooperation and government support in terms of financing and investment in the necessary infrastructure.

“As an industry we are under no illusions that the net zero target is imminent and is no longer a distant goal but an immediate necessity, and yet it is clear from our conversations that fleet managers, OEMs and leasing companies are still struggling with the issue themselves the investment cost of switching from a diesel fleet to an electric fleet.”

Despite overhead costs, Etrux says organizations are becoming increasingly better informed about their needs and energy requirements for transformation, prompting many to re-evaluate their business models, operational practices, investment and ESG strategies.

“All this, coupled with concerns from leasing and financial institutions about financing electric vehicles, highlights the need for more collaborative solutions across the industry, especially from government officials. “Achieving and exceeding a robust zero emissions target will require concerted efforts from both industry and government at local and national levels across the country.”

Gerard Galvin, managing director of Etrux

Etrux also said that discussions at the NEC with OEMs and leasing companies looking for conversion partners highlighted the lack of vehicle conversion options that still exists in the UK and Ireland.

“At Etrux we operate across a myriad of sectors including construction, utilities, film and television, medical services and perishable goods delivery, and our Ford E-Transit Welfare and Ford E-Transit Trizone vehicles offer solutions tailored to our customers’ needs requirements.”

Galvin added: “Navigating the journey to net zero will certainly not be easy. There will be challenges along the way, but this will be an opportune moment for the sector if industry and government can fully cooperate.

“The road to net zero can only be considered a success if fleet operators and transport managers receive full support – not just from companies like Etrux – but from all levels of industry and government in infrastructure financing and investment. This partnership is essential to ensuring a more sustainable future for our industry and our planet.”