Commercial vehicle specialist CPD Group is introducing a new all-in-one service to streamline the transition from internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles to electric vehicles.

Launching at the end of September this year, the new Key4E solution allows businesses to specify and purchase electric commercial vehicles while part-exchanging their existing diesel vehicles in a single transaction.

By pairing vehicle selection and specification with part-exchange and funding support where required, CPD enables customers to replace their existing vehicles without having to manage the purchase and disposal separately.

Key4E covers electric panel vans and chassis-based conversions, including tippers, traffic management vehicles, dropsides, Lutons with tail lifts and welfare vehicles.

CPD has many years of experience in supplying diesel and electric chassis-based vehicles to fleet customers across the UK. The arrival of Key4E follows the group’s launch of its Farizon dealership and the introduction of its Good2Go diesel and Good2Go Zero electric vehicle ranges, forming the next step in bringing its services together.

Gareth Jones, CPD executive director, said: “Customers can come to us for impartial advice on electrification, including whether an electric vehicle will work for their operation in the first place.

“If it is, we can help them choose the right make, model and specification, from panel vans with racking and specialist equipment to chassis-based vehicles with open or enclosed bodies. We can also take their existing diesel vehicle in part-exchange through Key4Key and arrange funding where required.”

Jones believes the service will be particularly relevant to businesses that have been reluctant to move away from diesel, as rising fuel costs prompt operators to reconsider the economics of electric vehicles.

“Electric van adoption in the UK has never been so relevant. Current fuel prices are making the case for in-life cost savings on EVs an easy equation to explain, and this is only going to become more compelling as diesel prices are now exceeding £2.00 per litre at some forecourts.

“The operational cost efficiencies of reduced maintenance are another benefit that has always been there but hasn’t really been considered. And now, with residual values on used EVs holding stronger than used ICE vehicles, it’s a good time to re-evaluate the business case.”

Jones added that the generous government grants on new EVs and the tax benefits available to businesses operating electric vehicles also mean that it’s never been easier or more affordable to get into a new electric vehicle.

“Our team can take all the guesswork out of the decision-making process in terms of make, model and specification,” he stated.