EV Magazine May 2023 | Page 92

In response to these questions about FaaS , Rob Wright , Executive Director at SCALA , comments :

“ FaaS is an interesting concept , with the single platform integrated fleet optimisation system using in-vehicle telemetry and tracking systems . Many also include maintenance technologies and tools to find the best vehicle charging points .

“ The concept has developed out of a desire to move away from traditional fuels . For car and van fleets , the alternatives of electric or hybrid vehicles are readily available . However , for HGV fleets , there are much fewer options due to electric vehicles having a limited range . Despite this , numerous operators are using alternative fuel options in the interim until a longer term electric or hydrogen solution is developed .

“ In the next 10 years , we will see a range of new technology and alternative fuel options develop . As greater investment is given to the supporting infrastructure and technologies , longer term electric and hydrogen vehicle solutions will become available . These technologies can sit alongside FaaS platforms to provide greater efficiencies and reduce carbon emissions .”

As EVs make their way into this space , new avenues within fleet-as-a-service must be explored , like implementing the correct infrastructure needed to successfully run an electric fleet . If a fleet becomes completely electric , issues of charging proximity vs distances travelled become an issue . The theory of an electric fleet is sound , but the infrastructure needed is lacking .

At the end of the day , EVs are expensive and government contributions towards them are beginning to dry up . The added expense of developing the infrastructure makes it more challenging to implement ; it ’ s a larger issue that must be addressed at a governmental and local authority level , as well as a business level .

92 [ May 2023 ] EVMAGAZINE . COM