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Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, or PHEVs for short, could well be the future of the transport industry. Haulage companies are using these vehicles more and more frequently – and for good reason. They’re about as green as you can get and they can cut costs down. However, the decision to switch is an individual one; there is no inherently right or wrong answer. Read on to find out everything you need to know about this increasingly popular addition transport fleets, and decide for yourself if this is an option that could be right for your business. Incentive to Change Haulage companies everywhere wouldn’t be converting to PHEVs if there weren’t benefits. Here are what many find to be the positive incentives: • Environmental – PHEVs are definitely a green option. The driving is more efficient and they produce lower emissions. Business owners who care about the environment often find this to be a very persuading reason to switch. • Financial – Although this varies slightly for individual businesses, on the whole, fuel and vehicle costs will go down and, in many cases, the initial outlay for electric can be less expensive than diesel and petrol vehicles. • Employee – For drivers who use their vehicles for private use, PHEVs can be a great choice. Not only do they tend to improve personal safety due to more efficient driving, but contributions from their own pocket will be less, as these vehicles also attract a lower benefit in kind (BIK) tax. Before You Buy The question ‘Should I invest in PHEVs for my company?’ can be answered with more questions. Think long and hard about the following to help you decide if this is the right choice for you: • How will our green credentials be affected? • How will my employees be affected? • Will drivers and management be supportive and, if not, how can I gain their support? • What are the cost implications, specifically the benefits and outlays? In the end, deciding whether or not to switch your fleet over to PHEVs is up to you. However, you should take these questions into consideration before plunging headfirst into an investment that may not be right for you (or a decision not to change) – and if any red flags are raised, definitely have a good think on the matter before making irreversible changes. To Conclude The most important thing to keep in mind is that there’s no rush and, in the end, whatever decision you come to should be one you’re comfortable with. There’s no wrong answer, and you don’t need to feel any pressure from other haulage companies who may have already taken the leap. Take the time to consider the pros and cons and do your research so that you come to a conclusion you’ll be happy with in the long run (there’s no benefit in deciding you actually DON’T want PHEVs three months after you’ve made the switch). Whether you’re opting to plug in or plug out, it’s up to you – but if you decide you’re in, PHEVs are an electrifying option. Norman Dulwich is a Correspondent for Haulage Exchange, the leading online trade network for the road transport industry. Connecting professionals across the UK and Europe through their website, Haulage Exchange provides services for matching haulage companies or self-employed drivers with jobs in road transport and haulage work. Over 5,400 member companies are networked together through the Exchange to fill empty capacity, get new clients and form long-lasting business relationships.
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