News Item: CPD Group Launch Key4E, a New and Easy Way to Transition from ICE to EV
New service brings electric vehicle advice, specification, supply and diesel part-exchange together in a single transaction.
Stockton-on-Tees-based commercial vehicle group CPD is launching Key4E, a new service that allows businesses to specify and purchase electric commercial vehicles while part-exchanging their existing diesel vehicles in a single transaction.
Launching at the end of September this year, Key4E covers electric panel vans and chassis-based conversions, including tippers, traffic management vehicles, dropsides, Lutons with tail lifts and welfare vehicles.
The service combines vehicle selection and specification with part-exchange through CPD’s Key4Key offering, alongside funding support where required.
Commenting on the launch, CPD Executive Director Gareth Jones said, “For many years, CPD has supplied diesel and electric chassis-based vehicles to fleet customers across the UK. With the launch of our Farizon dealership and the introduction of our Good2Go diesel and Good2Go Zero electric vehicle ranges, Key4E is the next step in bringing our services together.
“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.
“It means customers can replace their existing vehicles without having to manage the purchase and disposal separately.”
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.
“Given the generous government grants on new EVs and the tax benefits available to businesses operating electric vehicles, 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.”