We sat down with Alex Carruthers, our fleet manager, to discuss the current sustainability of our vehicle fleet and his plans for the future.

How sustainable is the vehicle fleet currently?

In 2023, we introduced fuel-efficient vans into our field engineer fleet. The majority of our vans now are 1.5-litre engine vans, which have replaced 2.0-litre vans to create a more fuel-efficient travel method for our field engineers. Our remaining 2.0-litre vans are among the oldest in our fleet and will be replaced over the next few years by 1.5-litre vans, making our fleet more streamlined and environmentally friendly.

How do fuel-efficient vans work? Do they really make a difference to the environment?

Our 1.5-litre vans emit 176g/km of CO2 compared to the 2.0-litre vans that emit 205g/km, producing around 10% less harmful emissions. While a single vehicle’s impact might seem small, with our large fleet across Marlowe Fire and Security Group, each step in the right direction helps us make a significant difference and do our part for the environment.

How is the company moving towards a more electric fleet?

Our fleet team constantly reviews the feasibility of introducing electric vans into our fleet, especially as electric van batteries continue to improve. Currently, the limited mile range of electric vans makes them unsuitable for our engineers who travel extended distances daily. However, electric vans are likely the future for businesses and the environment, and we aim to fully leverage this technology once it becomes practical.

Employees who can choose a company car can select from a range of electric cars at no extra cost to them. Currently, 43% of the fleet selection comprises pure electric vehicles, almost doubling from 23% in 2023. This number will continue to rise, with a goal of achieving 50% of the offering being EVs over the next year. We also offer a range of hybrid and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) vehicles in the fleet selection.

A key achievement for us is that our vehicles with our main lease provider have an average CO2 emission of 111g/km, compared to the lease company’s national average of 129g/km. We are proud to be ahead of the curve!

Have there been any significant challenges in implementing fuel-efficient vans, or electric vehicles into the fleet?

There has been hesitation from employees when choosing EVs, mainly due to the inability to charge at home for those living in flats or with street-only parking. The improving EV infrastructure around the country is making EV ownership more practical. Most of our offices have installed EV charge points, making it easy for staff to charge at work. Staff collaborate to ensure everyone can charge their vehicle, swapping over vehicles when necessary.

What are your plans for the future?

As a large business, we have a responsibility to address pollution and climate change concerns. We allow company car drivers a wide selection of fantastic electric cars they can contribute towards, enjoying tax benefits, a nicer car of their choosing, and the satisfaction of reducing their carbon footprint.

We have recently opened this policy to include the ever-improving range of PHEVs offered by manufacturers. Over the coming months, I trust our fleet mix will continue to become even more eco-friendly.

As technology improves, the range of electric vans will increase, hopefully making them fit for our business needs sooner rather than later. It will be an exciting yet challenging transition when we make the change.