Jessica Knappett hits the streets to discover how EVs are powering small businesses

Watch Jessica Knappett hits the streets to discover how EVs are powering small businesses - The Independent on Dailymotion

Transcript

00:00Are you good with change, Paul?

00:07I'm good with change, yeah. I'm definitely good with change, yeah.

00:10Right, I'm hitting the streets again in this lovely Astra electric.

00:15Why? Good question.

00:17Because Vauxhall's Electric Streets of Britain campaign is supporting the 40% of households

00:21without access to off-street parking to make the switch to electric.

00:26Nice work.

00:27So what's it actually like to own an electric vehicle and what if you use an EV for your

00:32business?

00:33Hi, Paul.

00:34Well, today I'm meeting business owner, Paul, to find out.

00:38So what are you doing today?

00:40Well, today I'm going to the local bathroom centre to pick up some fittings.

00:43Do you fancy coming for the ride?

00:44Sure.

00:45I mean, I'll be honest, I've got no experience in the industry, but I can do shopping.

00:50Okay, away we go.

00:52So how long ago did you go electric?

00:54Three years ago I went electric.

00:56And did you have any reservations?

00:58I did at first, but the savings outweighed the benefits.

01:02Cheap parking, no tax, still a lot cheaper to refuel compared to petrol and diesel.

01:07And also the subsidies, up to £5,000 per electric vehicle is brilliant for us.

01:11Everyone's a winner.

01:12I think so, yeah.

01:14So how do your customers feel about it?

01:17Customers appreciate how we champion sustainable transport.

01:21We're seeing them driving around in new sustainable battens.

01:23They're going to say, yes, we want to be part of that.

01:25And they'll do business with us.

01:27So do you guys use the on-street charging tool?

01:30Yes, we do use on-street charging, easily plug up, they walk away.

01:35But going forward, we do need more charging points.

01:38Thank you so much, Paul.

01:39Great chat.

01:40Have a lovely day.

01:41You too.

01:42Brilliant.

01:43See you.

01:44See you later.

01:45If you currently drive an electric vehicle, or you're considering making the switch in

01:48the future, just fill in the simple form and help to create a heat map of demand.

01:53Together, we can electrify more UK streets.