ESSEX-based SME fire protection firm Sharpfibre has switched from its hybrid car fleet to an all-electric one.
The company, which provides passive fire protection systems and life safety solutions in the UK and Europe, now runs 10 Tesla Model 3s in addition to its 10 panel vans.
Sharpfibre managing director, David Harper, said that operating an all-electric car fleet had proved to be a very positive experience with very few downsides.
David Harper: little range anxiety
“Journeys may take a little more planning, but there are now enough chargers around the country so that none of our drivers has run out of charge. There has been little range anxiety, either. Realistic range is 250 miles.”
The company has installed two electric chargers at its Basildon HQ.
The all-electric Teslas – nine long range models and one performance version – have been sourced through leasing provider Gofor Finance.
The cars are all on business contract hire over three years with a pooled mileage of 600,000 miles. Gofor Finance is also supplying fleet management services as part of the package.
The Sharpfibre company car drivers use Gofor Finance’s driver app to record all miles travelled. As there is no distinction between business and private miles for EVs (electricity is not considered a fuel by HMRC), the results are then automatically downloaded into the Gofor Finance online fleet management system. Harper adds:
“This way we are able to keep an accurate handle on the mileages we have driven in relation to our pooled mileage target.”
Graham Leslie, managing director at Edinburgh-based Gofor Finance, added:
“Naturally, we are delighted that Sharpfibre has had a very positive experience in running an all-electric car fleet. Given the government’s recent announcements, EVs will be the way that all companies will have to go in the not too distant future.”
What are the benefits of EVs for SME fleets?
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SME fleets that decide to run EVs will see their company car drivers benefit from 0% benefit in kind company car tax in 2020/21.
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This rises to 1% in 2021/22 and 2% from 2022/23-2024/25.
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There is no car fuel tax – HMRC does not recognise electricity as a fuel.
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Improves environmental integrity of your company.
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Improves local air quality around your business location.
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