Northgate Vehicle Hire launches Drive to Zero, a fleet electrification programme
Northgate has launched its fleet electrification programme, Drive to Zero, to provide customers with a full suite of solutions designed to aid fleets’ transition to electric LCVs.
Over the past two years, Northgate has continued its transformation into a specialist B2B customer-centric LCV mobility provider and has been building the foundations for its own electrification journey, alongside those of its customers.
Neil McCrossan, Northgate Vehicle Hire’s sales and marketing director said: “In line with the Government’s deadline for internal combustion vehicle sales ending in 2030, Northgate has been committed to ensuring that our customers are fully supported by us in advance of this. We understand that for businesses, a lack of interruption is key while undergoing any fleet transition, and electrification is no different. We have launched Drive to Zero in order to make this transition as seamless and efficient as possible.”
Drive to Zero comprises five key elements which together make up the electrification programme designed to ensure a seamless transition of all businesses.
A thorough fleet analysis is the first step in any transition, assessing EV suitability for transition. Through the interrogation of telematics data, Northgate builds a complete understanding of vehicles, their movements, distances travelled and journey times, which gives accurate data on which vehicles can be immediately switched to electric power without issue, and which ones will come on-stream as higher range electric LCVs are launched over the coming years by OEMs. Northgate can then offer vehicles on a trial basis to fleets prior to a longer term commitment.
Vehicle choice is key for successful fleet management and Northgate works closely with OEMs to continually add to an industry leading range of electric LCVs. From final mile solutions such as the Renault Zoe commercial hatchback, through to mid-sized panel vans such as the latest Peugeot eExpert, Mercedes Benz e-Vito or even the larger Mercedes Benz e-Sprinter, Northgate offers a leading proposition within its 12months+ rental option. As servicing and maintenance remain a key consideration for EVs, Northgate has invested heavily in its workshops and 47-strong branch network, ensuring that trained EV technicians are employed across the country.
In order to aid driver training around best practice for EVs, Northgate has a full suite of EV training modules available to help address challenges and help drivers adopt new driving techniques to optimise EV range. Free to all its EV customers, this broad suite of learning modules helps drivers up-skill with ease on all manner of subjects from EV driving best practice to charging, and a host of other ‘how to’ topics in between.
Since the provision of suitable charging infrastructure is a crucial step to ensuring a smooth transition for any business, Northgate works with leading EV charging installation experts, ChargedEV, part of the Redde Northgate plc group, to ensure that whether a customer needs to consider workplace charging, home charging or even public charging facilities, the best possible solution can be found. It can also help and support with major infrastructure planning, which involves working with local energy suppliers to install and futureproof a company’s charging needs.
Finally, Northgate’s team of independent EV fleet specialists are available to help fleets develop and implement robust transition plans, bespoke for each customer. The proposition is designed to let fleets focus on their core business, whilst Northgate focuses on running their vehicles. With rental services and a flexible approach not found with more traditional fleet funding methods, with Northgate, the Drive to Zero is assured to be smooth.
