Episode 17 with Ian Dennis : Fleets Are Switching To EVs Fast - Don't Let Your Business Fall Behind

For fleet operators, logistics managers, and business leaders, the transition to electric vehicles (EVs) represents a profound shift. It's a complex undertaking, but one that offers huge rewards. In a recent discussion on the Auto Futurecast podcast, Chris and Co-Host Natalie Sauber at Arcadis met with Ian Dennis, Head of EV Fleet at Zenobe, who shared critical insights on how businesses can navigate this change and secure a competitive advantage.

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Key Takeaways from the Discussion

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1. Depot Charging: The Core of Fleet Electrification

For commercial fleets, depot charging stands out as the most economical strategy. It provides electricity at rates as low as 15p per kWh, a significant saving compared to the 89p per kWh often seen at public chargers. However, grid connection issues at depots present a major obstacle. In response, Zenobe is pioneering innovative solutions like shared charging hubs, a model already being tested in Australia, where multiple operators can share charging infrastructure.

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2. A New Operational Mindset

Switching to EVs requires more than just new hardware, it demands a fundamental change in operational behaviour. The old "fill up and go" model is being replaced by a more strategic approach. Operators must now use drivers' mandatory rest periods for opportunity charging. Success in this new landscape will depend on a data-driven strategy for managing routes and energy consumption effectively.

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3. The Circular Economy of EV Batteries

The lifecycle of an EV battery extends far beyond its use in a vehicle. Even after years on the road, batteries retain significant capacity and can be repurposed for second-life applications, such as powering construction equipment or shuttle buses. Zenobe is at the forefront of building a circular economy for batteries, aiming to recycle 98-99% of all materials and minimise waste.

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4. Reaching the Tipping Point

The commercial EV market is accelerating rapidly. Major players like Amazon are already expanding their electric fleets, driven by significant savings on fuel and maintenance. As consumer and regulatory pressure for zero-emission transport intensifies, businesses that fail to adapt will be at a serious disadvantage. The message from Zenobe is clear: start small, but think big and scale fast.

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5. Don’t Delay, Electrify Today

While future technologies like megawatt charging and hydrogen fuel cells are on the horizon, fleet operators should not wait. The time to act is now, focusing on electrifying the most practical parts of the fleet first. Vans and rigid trucks up to 18 tonnes that operate on a return-to-depot basis are the perfect place to start. The period leading up to the 2035/2040 deadlines is not a waiting game, it’s a critical window for gaining experience and refining business models.

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The Strategic Imperative of Fleet Electrification

Electrifying a commercial fleet is about more than just replacing diesel with electric, it is a strategic reinvention of the entire logistics model. The advantages are compelling: reduced operating costs, a smaller carbon footprint, and a stronger position in a market that is rapidly evolving.

The transition has started, and forward-thinking businesses are already demonstrating what is achievable. The question is no longer if your business should electrify, but how quickly you can make it happen.

To hear the full conversation with Ian Dennis and gain a deeper understanding of the future of fleet electrification, listen to the episode on Spotify, Apple, or YouTube.

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