Electric Vehicles Why should business be an early adopter?

Nina SkubalaInitiative Manager, Business West

Vice-Chair, Green Capital PartnershipDirector ,Go Green Business

Nina.Skubala@businesswest.co.uk @GoGreenBristol/@bw_initiative/@bgreencapital

Introduction

• Business West – Leading business support organisation in the South West – working with over 18,000 businesses

• West of England Initiative – Business leadership team who's remit is enabling businesses to play a role in how the area is shaped and developed ensuring it remains the best place to live

• Go Green – Run by Low Carbon South West and Business West – it’s the main business engagement program during Bristol 2015. Currently engaging 800+ businesses

• Bristol Green Capital Partnership – Civil leadership body seeking to create a low carbon city with a high quality of life for all

Bristol

An award winning city

European Green Capital

But…

• Second most city congested city in UK in 2013 according to Tom Tom

• Noise pollution along the M32, shows that the noise can reach 75+ decibels in many areas

• Air quality in 90 Bristol streets out of 123 measured by council had levels above the EU limit in 2010

Why does this matter?

• Traffic congestion costs UK economy £4.3bn a year• More than £426m is wasted on fuel alone a year• The cost in terms of lost time is £331 per commuter a year, or

£2.7bn, • Hold-ups to business or freight vehicles amounts to £1.1bn

annually being added to household costs• Noise and air pollution create stress and health problems and

make life very unpleasant for those affected

How is the business community making a difference?

Pushing for a long term transport strategy

•Produced a 2050 vision for the city: High in Hope

•Pushing for integrated transport and planning across the 4 local authorities that make up the West of England

Early adopters

Encouraging take up of EV

• Supported The Mall at Cribs to have a Sustainable Travel element to their motor show

• Run events through Go Green, Business West and Low Carbon South West to encourage further take up – over 100 delegates came to a recent Go Green Breakfast and had the opportunity to test drive EV!

• Support the #BigCommutingChallenge to help employers to engage staff – 3000 took part in 2014 – Aim to reach 5000 by 2015

What are the benefits to your business?

• Good PR

• Reduced running costs (tax, fuel, parking, maintenance)

• Access to subsides (Enhanced Capital Allowance; free charging points)

More information

• Business West www.businesswest.co.uk/• West of England Initiative http://initiativewest.co.uk/• Go Green Bristol www.gogreenbusiness.co.uk• Low Carbon South West www.lowcarbonsouthwest.co.uk • Bristol 2015 www.bristol2015.co.uk• Green Capital Partnership http://bristolgreencapital.org/