Flexible Power Systems

The recent report from WEF on Transforming Urban Logistics states: “Without action, emissions caused by deliveries in urban areas could rise by 60% by 2030.” * The report identifies electrification of commercial fleets as an important part of the solution to reduce emissions in urban logistics. This part of the supply chain is very suited to LCV electric vehicles, where journeys can be precisely managed, optimised, and monitored. However, many fleets are struggling to make the business case for electrification when considering capital investment, range constraints, and power availability. FPS Operate can help. It’s a software platform that integrates into existing ecosystems to collect and analyse data to optimally manage the complexities of running an electric fleet. By understanding energy use across the estate, it can automate the management of charging schedules and journeys to keep fleets moving while: ⬇️ Reducing emissions ⬇️ Reducing running costs ⬆️ Increasing efficiencies. Drop us a line at info@flexiblepowersystems.com to discuss how we can help your business be part of the solution towards #NetZero. #WithYouAllTheWay #eLCVs #CommercialFleet #ElectricFleet #FleetElectrification #SustainableFleet *Transforming Urban Logistics in Cities | World Economic Forum

Historic month for UK’s new van market Today, Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) published the November registration figures for lLCV’s, with 30,300 new vans, pick-ups and 4x4s registered. It was the second biggest November in history for the market and its fourth consecutive month of growth as registrations rose by 10.5% in November. Year to date, 324,613 LCVs have been registered, up 4.1% on last year. While this is good news, the announcement from government that double-cab pick-ups are set to be taxed as cars for benefit in kind and capital allowances purposes after April 2025, is a concern for businesses that rely on these vehicles, in construction, farming, utilities and the self-employed. Electric van uptake grew for the second consecutive month after four months of decline, rising by more than a third (36.7%) to 2,322 units but the overall electric van market is still only at 7.7%, below the 10% sales quota targets set under the Vehicle Emission Trading Scheme (VETS), otherwise known as the ZEV mandate. Whilst the Plug-in Van Grant is helping, VETS is creating significant challenges for the industry as OEMs seek to maintain compliance with targets that are well above the level of natural business demand for zero emission vans. Last week at SMMT’s Annual Dinner, Department for Business and Trade Secretary of State, Jonathan Reynolds MP acknowledged the industry challenges and set out government’s commitment to consult and work in partnership with industry to ease the regulatory burden as a matter of urgency. Last week SMMT also published industry’s latest market outlook which expects the LCV market in 2024 to total 352,000 units, representing growth of just over 3% compared to 2023’s 341,455 units. The market is expected to improve modestly in 2025 to 355,000 units before returning to pre-Covid 2019 levels in 2026, at 366,000 units. The outlook for BEVs up to 3.5T, meanwhile, is a flat market this year at 20,000 units and a 5.7% market share. However, significant growth is anticipated with the introduction of more new models in 2025 and 2026, rising to 38,000 units and a 10.6% share next year next year, against a mandated target of 16%. It is expected to further increase to 62,000 units and a 16.9% share in 2026, when there is a VETS a target of 24%. Massive industry investment means that half of all van models are now available as zero-emission, providing operators with a huge choice. We now need to see government’s commitment to “fast track” the required consultation process on VETS as soon as possible, and a clear plan for a national network of van-specific chargepoints, to provide confidence to van operators big and small to switch in greater volumes.   Ford UK Vauxhall Motors Ltd Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles UK Renault Group Mercedes-Benz Vans UK Citroën UK Toyota Motor Corporation Nissan Motor Corporation IVECO Fiat Harris Group Isuzu Truck UK Isuzu UK Renault Trucks UK MAN Truck & Bus UK KGM INEOS Automotive

Ray Doyle’s Steam Cleaning goes electric with HTC Group: a greener step forward "Once spent £100 weekly on fuel, the electric van now costs just £20 on average!" Ray Doyle, owner of Doyle’s Steam Cleaning, has been a reliable name in steam cleaning for over 40 years. Recently, he took a bold step toward sustainability by adding an electric van to his fleet, transitioning from diesel to electric with the help of HTC Group. Why go electric? When one of Ray’s diesel vans broke down, he saw a chance to make a change. Already an electric car owner, Ray found switching his business to electric a natural next step. "It was a natural progression," he says, acknowledging the rising need to cut emissions. Impressive performance and cost savings Ray’s electric Ducato van performs just as well as his previous diesel vans, even at full capacity. Where he once spent £100 weekly on fuel, the electric van now costs just £20 on average, thanks to home solar panels and a lower overnight tariff. Charging at home has also proven convenient, with the van’s 145-mile range easily covering his 50-mile radius service area. Beyond the business: sustainability at home Ray’s commitment extends to his home, now fully insulated with a heat pump and solar panels, bringing down his energy bills significantly. "These savings make going electric even more worthwhile," he says, valuing this green approach for both his business and family. HTC Group: reliable support HTC Group, especially salesperson David Barlow has been instrumental in Ray’s electric journey, providing an excellent buying experience and prompt service. For businesses with home charging, Ray strongly recommends going electric for its comfort, low maintenance, and cost savings. Ready to go electric? If you’re ready to make the switch to electric and save on costs while benefiting the environment, HTC Van Centre has you covered. Justin Seal can help you explore our range of electric vans, with demos and purchase options available. For trucks, David Price is available to support you through every step of the transition. And for both trucks and vans, HTC Group, in partnership with Flexible Power Systems, can help answer your questions and guide you through planning a smooth transition to electric. Ray Doyle’s shift to an electric van is more than a new business move—it’s a pledge to a greener future. With HTC Group’s support, Doyle’s Steam Cleaning is setting a new standard in sustainability for local businesses.