Light commercial rental companies will increasingly need to cater for customers who want to go electric. Northgate has been especially quick off the mark with the provision of zero-emission vehicles; one of the key reasons why it has won the What Van? Rental Company of the Year award for 2025 in what has been a busy 12 months for the firm.
With a 50,000-plus fleet and 68 branches, the van hire giant now has a dozen different battery-powered light commercials available for rent.
What’s more, it has introduced a range of electric micro vans and micro pickups under the Micromobility banner. They can be used for example in restricted areas that bigger vehicles would find difficult to access.
Northgate is aware that switching to electric models can be challenging for operators. As a consequence it has developed a Drive to Zero programme to make fleet electrification easier.
It has hosted nationwide electric vehicle roadshows, enabling more than 300 customers to explore and test drive a wide range of electric models in a low-pressure environment. Approaching 200 fleets have started the process of zero-emission adoption, it reports.
It has also expanded its electric vehicles consultancy team and is working with ChargedEV to help clients install the charging facilities they require, delivering expert advice. Northgate is offering a package which allows businesses to rent a battery-powered van and a charger under a single monthly payment.
In response to client feedback, the firm has launched Northgate Cars to aid van customers who need to rent passenger vehicles on a short-term basis. Over 1,000 cars are already out on hire.
The company has been busy rolling out telematics packages. It has them fitted to more than 10,000 light commercials, and they include driver behaviour monitoring as well as tracking. Driver training modules have been put together to improve on-highway safety.
Data from its telematics system can assist fleets planning to introduce electric models, helping them determine which routes they can be used on immediately, and which will be unviable until zero-emission technology improves. Electric vehicles can be provided on a trial basis before a greater commitment is needed.
Northgate is well-known for pioneering flexible long-term rental with a minimum rental term of 12 months as an alternative to contract hire. It offers a suite of fleet administration services which can be built into rental contracts covering everything from accident management to vehicle inspection apps.
The company has integrated telematics with its fuel card services enabling businesses to monitor fuel efficiency and minimise misuse, thereby keeping costs under control. Northgate reports that its fuel cards have saved users an average 9.7p/litre over the past 12 months.
Integration is in many respects its watchword and is being promoted under the One Road banner. “It’s an initiative that allows all our customers to access all our services through a single relationship,” explains managing director, UK and Ireland, Neil McCrossan.
“Previously a customer who wanted a refrigerated van would rent it from FridgeExpress,” he continues. “If a traffic management vehicle was required, then it would be rented through Blakedale.
“If an ordinary van was needed, however, then the customer had to open a separate Northgate account with a separate account director.”
Those days have gone, he says. Whatever the client requires is accessible through the same point of contact, eliminating any confusion that might otherwise arise, and saving time and money.
Highly Commended: Europcar Vans & Trucks
Europcar Vans & Trucks has collected our Highly Commended rental accolade thanks to the extent to which it has rolled out dashboard-mounted cameras in conjunction with SureCam for improved safety and reduced insurance costs and claims. Over 80 vans supplied to the Morgan Sindall construction group have been fitted with them to help the business determine which of its drivers would benefit from extra training.
The hire company has fixed its rates for 12 months to give its customers greater cost stability in challenging economic times. It has also improved its online Fair Wear and Tear guide to the return conditions that are deemed acceptable when it takes a rental vehicle back from a customer.
It has also strengthened its zero-emission van hire fleet, with models such as Mercedes-Benz’s eVito, Renault’s Kangoo E-Tech and Vauxhall’s Combo Electric
all available.
A dedicated vans and trucks customer service team was launched in 2024 with a UK-based phone line providing access to van specialists.
