With the impending ban the sale of new internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles just a few years away, the rise of alternative fuels is poised to revolutionise the learner driver experience.

As all electric vehicles (EVs) use automatic transmissions, older members of ‘Gen Alpha’ are likely to be the last cohort to learn how to drive a manual transmission vehicle.

Demisting

Research conducted by Right Fuel Card suggests that the transition to EVs for driving schools and independent instructors remains fraught with challenges.

Their 2024 customer insight report identifies the primary barrier to adopting alternative fuels as cost, closely followed by limited access to charging infrastructure.

But are these concerns justified, or do they stem from a lack of information on the latest landscape of EVs?

Food for thought

2024 has already seen a significant 41% increase in the number of public charging points across the UK.

BP claims that up to 70% of the UK population is now no more than five miles away from a rapid or ultra-rapid charger, which can provide a full charge in as little as 30 minutes.

While this is still longer than the five minutes it takes to fill up a diesel tank, it may be quick enough for driving instructors to recharge their vehicles while grabbing a bite to eat between lessons.

Electric vehicles also offer the advantage of free entry into low emission and clean air zones.

As more cities introduce Clean Air Zones (CAZ) to combat air pollution, EVs are exempt from these charges, potentially saving driving schools a significant amount of money.

The benefits are even more pronounced in London, where EV drivers are currently also exempt from the Congestion Charge.

Evolution

Although the purchase costs of EVs remain higher than those of diesel or petrol vehicles, prices are gradually falling.

Additionally, from April 2024, businesses that purchase an electric company vehicle can claim a Capital Allowance.

With 100% first-year allowances, businesses can deduct the full cost of the vehicle from their taxable profit, providing a substantial financial incentive.

For the most up-to-date information on this, you can refer to the HMRC website.

Despite these potential benefits, the initial cost of EVs and concerns over charging infrastructure continue to deter many driving schools from making the switch.

However, as more public charging points are installed and the technology behind EVs continues to improve, these barriers are likely to diminish.

Filling up

The increasing availability of rapid and ultra-rapid chargers means that the inconvenience of longer charging times is becoming less of an issue.

Moreover, the long-term cost savings associated with EVs can be substantial.

Lower running costs, reduced maintenance expenses, and exemptions from various charges can make EVs a more economical choice over time.

For driving schools, which often cover significant distances and operate in urban environments, these savings can add up quickly.

For those considering the transition to alternative fuels, Right Fuel Card offers ‘fuel and charge’ cards that can be used for both traditional fuel purchases and EV charging.

This convenient solution simplifies the administrative process, making it easier for driving schools to manage the switch to electric vehicles.

 

Contributed by Right Fuel Card, the fuel card for driver trainers