How Fraikin helps fleets decarbonise confidently

Fail to prepare, prepare to fail

One of the most significant hurdles is infrastructure. Given the early maturity of the technology and therefore the general lack of experience amongst early adopters, businesses often underestimate how difficult it can be to successfully implement an effective solution from the get-go. 

In conversations Fraikin has with its customers, one common misconception is the timeline in which fleets think they can select, install and bring new infrastructure online. Often, many valiant businesses will underestimate how long it takes to secure suitable power supplies, upgrade depots and prepare sites for the day-to-day charging or refuelling needs of non-diesel vehicles. It’s why we encourage customers to begin conversations around infrastructure far earlier than they may have planned to.

It is particularly pertinent to understand the available grid capacity which fleets can access currently. From here, we can then work together to identify where reinforcement may be needed and explore whether battery storage or phased installation can support initial adoption. Customers that begin this planning process early will reduce the likelihood of acquiring alternative fuel vehicles before they are ready to be optimally used.

Vehicle suitability is another important consideration. Most businesses will tend to automatically think of electric vehicles (EVs) when considering a transition from diesel, but not all operational requirements can be met by EVs today. 

Fraikin helps organisations navigate these scenarios by analysing their real-world usage patterns, recommending a combination of technologies where necessary. This blended approach helps fleets reduce their emissions without disrupting essential services or frustrating themselves and their customers with sub-optimal solutions.

Bring drivers on board

Once alternative fuelled vehicles are on the road, it is vital that they are used efficiently to maximise their decarbonisation potential. In this vein, driver behaviour plays a crucial role.

All professional drivers will be familiar with the characteristics of diesel vehicles, but alternative-fuelled vehicles operate differently, particularly in terms of acceleration and regenerative braking. Without guidance, for instance, EV drivers may inadvertently use more energy than needed, reducing driving range and affecting productivity.

Through our own experience, and by leveraging bespoke customer vehicle data, Fraikin supports fleets with designing and delivering training sessions to promote efficient driving techniques and encourage confidence in new technologies. This is especially important when staff may feel hesitant about change, or uncertain about how far an EV can travel between charges.

These concerns also bleed into another common issue – cultural acceptance. Some employees will embrace alternative fuel immediately, with many swearing that they’ll never return to a diesel vehicle again having made the switch. Others though will feel more anxious about adapting.

Identifying employees who wish to be early adopters can help create powerful advocates within teams who can help champion the benefits these technologies bring to the table.

A comprehensive solution

When selecting a decarbonisation partner, fleets can rest assured that Fraikin’s longstanding experience with emerging vehicle technologies means we can be the ideal collaborator in meeting their ambitions.

The move toward cleaner transport is a shared responsibility across our industry. Fraikin continues to stand alongside its customers in offering practical expertise, robust analysis, and clear strategies that help fleets reduce emissions while maintaining operational strength.

When planned correctly, the transition to sustainable fleet operations can be structured, achievable, and fully aligned with short- and long-term business needs.

John Cooper, Business Development Manager, Fraikin UK