THE buzz around electric vehicles has been going for some time.

But now corporates are beginning to consider them seriously, reports Russell Adams, the new Commercial Vehicle Manager at Lex Autolease.

Talking at the CV Show (April 24-26) Russell said the change in sentiment had been significant.

“Customers are now showing real interest now. We’ve had some successes already with our fleet of Nissan e-NV200s at Portsmouth dock and at several universities.

“But these are specific applications where EVs definitely work. What has changed is the interest from corporates where greater consideration has to be given to the role of electric vans.”

At the CV Show Nissan was giving its UK debut to the new extended range e-NV200, Renault the new Master Z.E., Volkswagen its e-Crafter and on the Ford stand there was the Ford Transit Custom PHEV which is currently undergoing fleet trials in London.

Adams says that, despite the interest from customers, AFVs must do three things to make them a successful addition to fleet.

“They must reduce the fleet’s carbon footprint, reduce costs, and must not impact on operations. If an AFV cannot do any of these three things then it is not suitable. But we’re here to provide the consultancy to enable such considerations.”

Both Arval and LeasePlan, also present at the CV Show, confirmed that customer interest was beginning to grow in the EV sector.

Arval launched a day-to-day management of electric vans guide at the CV Show. Arval said it was designed to provide expert guidance for organisations that are considering adding electric commercial vehicles to their fleets.

Simon Cook, LCV Leader at Arval, explained:

“We feel this is the first year that electric vans have really made their presence felt at CV Show, with new and existing models on the stands of many major manufacturers.

“Fleets are starting to really think hard about introducing and operating these vehicles. Our thinking, in putting this new guide together, was that there is a gap in the information being provided to fleets when it comes to their everyday operation.”

Meanwhile fleet management company Gain Solutions believes dealers need to change their attitude towards EVs, too.

Marcus Blakemore, Managing Director at Gain Solutions said: “With the demand for electric vehicles increasing, it is crucial that dealers are trained, educated and geared up for the switch in vehicle sales that lies ahead. Just as important, is to ensure that customers do not know more than the dealership staff.”

Meanwhile, LeasePlan held a series of breakfast insight sessions for visitors to the CV Show. On the Wednesday there were two sessions entitled ‘What’s next for EV in LCV?’ to discuss the future applications of electric vans.