EV Handovers are vital

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Handover is becoming an increasingly vital part of the vehicle delivery process as more fleets adopt electric vehicles (EVs), according to DMN Logistics.

The Birmingham-based national vehicle movement and inspection firm says handover is the driver’s best chance to find out as much information about their new vehicle.

With the increase in online vehicle transactions, many drivers may be less familiar with the actual functionality of vehicles with some only seeing their new car or van for the first time on delivery.

With operational differences and different driving and charging experiences, DMN says vehicle delivery operatives are best placed to inform, educate and offer quick and practical demonstrations during the vehicle handover.

Nick Chadaway, managing director at DMN Logistics said, “When taking delivery of your new EV you should take the time to become accustomed to the new vehicle and use the time with the delivery driver wisely. Our vehicle delivery operatives have had to adapt to new learning systems and therefore are best equipped to advise new car owners on how to drive an EV most efficiently.

“They are in the best position to ask for advice, and we suggest customers utilise their knowledge to gain familiarity and a better understanding of their new vehicle so that they feel more confident making the switch.

“It is vital to gain as much insight into the vehicle before getting on the road.”

DMN Logistics has outlined some key tips for drivers taking delivery of a new vehicle:

  • Before the delivery of your new vehicle, think about questions you have about the car to ask the delivery operatives – they will be able to answer your questions as they drive these vehicles every day.
  • Ask about the basic differences in driving an ICE to an EV, especially slowing down / braking. The answer should help you feel more confident in driving it for the first time.
  • Ask about charging. Delivery operatives can explain the ‘handshake’ between the plug and the car so that you are aware of the correct technique to use to ensure efficient charging and no delays.
  • Ask about any features included in the car to help with driving efficiency. Ask for a demonstration of the technology to gain a better understanding and real-time experience on the software.
  • To help deter range anxiety, ask questions about expected mileage in relation to battery charge levels. The operative will be able to give you a ‘typical’ mileage on a certain percentage of charge. It is also a good idea to ask about eco-mode and how this improves range.

‘Prolonged’ car rental issues increase vehicle delivery times and costs

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05 January 2022 – The shortage of new cars has resulted in a 40 per cent rise in the cost of hiring a vehicle and this is impacting the collection and delivery of new and used cars, according to Birmingham-based national vehicle movement and inspection firm DMN Logistics.

The lack of rental vehicles is resulting in extremely limited availability of one-way rental vehicles, which logistics firms like DMN Logistics rely heavily on when transporting vehicles.

The logistical headache caused by an unprecedented shortage of new vehicles is also leading to an increase in costs, which to date are being absorbed by delivery firms but at some point, will have to be passed on to companies and retailers.

Europe’s largest listed rental firm Europcar warned earlier this year that the squeeze on the industry was likely to be ‘prolonged.’

Nick Chadaway, managing director at DMN Logistics, said: “With carmakers prioritising selling to dealerships rather than into the rental sector, which typically buys in bulk, rental firms are left scrambling to find stock to meet the demand to replace older cars.

“Rental companies update their fleets every six months, so they are now struggling to find new cars to replace older stock. They are having to hold onto vehicles longer, which makes them more costly to run and also limits their use, and that is directly affecting the logistics sector.

“One-day hires, even on return-to-originating branch, are becoming harder to source which leads to longer lead times on new car delivery. We are also seeing many rental companies exit the one-way rental business altogether or increase their charge structure, typically by adding anything up to £50 per transaction on top of the daily rental pre-covid charge.

“As a result, we are having to find other ways to transport delivery drivers, like sourcing larger vehicles to carry more drivers and also support social distancing or taking on longer-term hire cars, which is not very cost-effective or environmentally friendly.”

The situation shows no signs of improvement in the short term. Rising costs of vehicle collection and delivery continue as operators work hard to meet demand.

Nick concluded: “Whilst customers are seemingly accepting of the pressures currently within the sector and despite the challenges we are facing and for long term viability, it’s vital that businesses focus on managing their vehicle collection and delivery service and continue to prepare services for a sudden demand once the chip shortage eases.”

About DMN Logistics

DMN Logistics is a provider of UK-wide Vehicle Inspection and Logistics services. DMN’s core market is the Fleet and Remarketing sector and through utilising the latest technology and processes they deliver a digital-led service giving clients total visibility and control of vehicle inspections and time-sensitive movement data. Every aspect of their process can be managed online and through use and integration of data they also offer a white-label solution