As we come to the end of another year, with a new virus ‘variant of concern’ causing headlines there still remains some optimism for an end to the worst consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic.
For now, we can reflect on how the repercussions of COVID still prevail across urban mobility, as mobility providers continue to pick up the pieces – recover and adapt to changes…
October saw London’s major expansion for the ULEZ now covering a radius of over 140 miles between the north and south circular roads and through 2022 we will see many more CAZ’s going live to add to those already implemented across the UK.
Faced with daily penalty charges for entering CAZ’s with non-compliant vehicles, and a looming ban on new fossil fuel car sales in 2030 – Many more cab operators will be deliberating about when to switch to EVs – especially as Q4 saw panic-buying-induced fuel shortages together with record pump prices.
Range Anxiety:
There was some irony in the fuel shortage as ICE vehicle owners desperate for fuel, experienced a form of ‘range anxiety’ – an experience normally associated with EV drivers experiencing limited battery range and a lack of available places to charge. ICE drivers looking for alternatives to fossil fuel – created a huge 1,500% spike in online searches for electric cars…
This is a trend that will continue, as more and more people become conscious of EV’s viability and total cost of ownership (TCO) benefits. Almost every major manufacturer has committed to electrifying their vehicle portfolio, with their electric car ranges and capabilities increasing exponentially as new more affordable models come to market.
EV Charging: Home / Work / Public
The suitability of electric vehicles for daily public transportation is only one part of the equation of course, with charging and infrastructure high on the list of challenges facing professional drivers who will need to top up their batteries before, and/or during each shift.
Some fleets and drivers will be more dependent on workplace or public chargers out of the home, and this creates an inequality in running costs… Let’s take some hypothetical examples:
Diesel Comparison:
To start with let’s briefly get the existing fossil-fuel costs covered to enable ballpark EV comparisons to follow.
Filling an existing diesel car capable of 50mpg to cover a similar mileage @£1.50 per litre for diesel would be c.£25..00. Averaging 220 miles a day 6 days a week over 48 weeks with fuel @ £150.00 per week or £7,200.00 per year
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