With the pressure on to find sustainable solutions in the automotive industry, Motor Assist is leading the way with a revolutionary new initiative called Evaluate that will transform the world of accident aftercare services.
This initiative is not just a leap towards electrification; it's a revolution on the roads, offering drivers a firsthand glimpse into the world of electric vehicles (EVs).
In the UK, drivers are entitled to an equivalent replacement vehicle if they are involved in an accident that is not their fault. By offering an electric vehicle as a replacement while their car is under repair, the EValuate initiative gives access to an EV for 28 days on average[1]. It responds to the rising need for sustainable mobility solutions and is a testament to Motor Assist’s commitment to innovation, trustworthiness, and support for its customers.
Bridging the Gap for ICE Drivers
With EValuate, Motor Assist is tackling one of the most significant barriers to EV adoption: experience. A staggering 44% of motorists expressed that having an EV as a replacement vehicle is an effective way to test out EV ownership, according to an AX survey[2]. With the survey's findings also highlighting that over 18% of motorists are considering an EV for their next purchase, the evidence indicates an appetite for electric vehicles.
By providing an extended, real-world test drive, EValuate not only demystifies electric vehicles but also showcases the practicality and benefits of making the switch. A recent study suggests that 91%[3] of EV drivers would not consider returning to a vehicle with a combustion engine.
Scott Hamilton-Cooper, Chief Commercial Officer at AX, said: “Introducing EValuate could have a positive impact on the UK’s transition from fossil fuel powered cars to zero emission vehicles. Our industry is uniquely placed to provide consumers a real-world experience of an EV for a prolonged period, which is significantly longer than traditional test drive schemes.
“It will bring down average CO2 emissions for our business while helping the fleets, insurers, and dealers we work with to minimise their environmental impact, too. Even if drivers do not go on to purchase an EV, for the duration of the hire period there is a significantly lower environmental impact.”
From Hesitation to Acceleration: The Impact on EV Adoption
The EValuate scheme arrives at a crucial time when the EV market share has seen fluctuations. Despite a rise to 17.6% in the BEV market share in May[4], the demand from private retail continues to wane. EValuate aims to reverse this trend by increasing private buyer demand through first-hand experience.
Dan Cripps, Director of Fleet & Logistics at AX says: “Our fleet is evolving as the nation embraces alternatively fuelled vehicles. By offering motorists the opportunity to test an EV for an extended period in their real-world environment, we can help boost private buyer demand and encourage more people to embrace electric vehicles. Having transitioned to an EV twelve months ago, I know there are adjustments to make but these will be understood and overcome quite quickly.”
Charting the Future of Mobility: What Lies Ahead for EValuate
Motor Assist’s strategy involves collaboration with insurers, fleet operators, and dealerships to expand the reach of the EValuate scheme. This collaborative approach ensures that the benefits of EV adoption are widely understood and embraced. With a fleet of 5,000 vehicles, including electric options, and unique partnerships with vehicle manufacturers, Motor Assist is well-positioned to lead the charge towards sustainable mobility.
As the EValuate initiative progresses, the potential for transforming the UK's vehicle landscape is immense. With each driver who experiences an EV first-hand, the scheme plants the seeds for a greener, more sustainable future. Motor Assist is not just facilitating a transition; it's redefining the journey towards electrification, offering a roadmap for others to follow.
A Refreshing Approach
Motor Assist provides end-to-end and bespoke, modular accident management services to the manufacturing, insurance, fleet, broker, and dealership sectors. It was launched by AX, the industry-leading accident aftercare provider, with over 20 years of knowledge and experience in the replacement vehicle industry. With experience and innovation, these two brands are set to shake up the automotive sector with forward-thinking initiatives that will transform the landscape of accident management and promote a greener future for motorists.
