Northgate supports TBL Fire Protection in EV transition with almost 25% of fleet now electric

Northgate Vehicle Hire has supported TBL Fire Protection Ltd, a specialist provider of passive fire protection services, in successfully transitioning part of its fleet to electric vehicles, with almost 25% now electrified.

The journey began with Northgate’s Drive to Zero Consultancy, which provided an independent, data-led assessment of TBL’s fleet of LCVs. Using telematics data, journey profiling and driver insights via the Drive to Zero Hub, Northgate identified which vehicles were best suited to electrification and developed a clear, tailored electrification roadmap.

Analysis from the consultancy indicated that switching to electric could reduce running costs by up to 30%, alongside a significant reduction in emissions.

Following this consultancy phase, TBL chose to introduce 10 electric vans into its 42-vehicle fleet. The new vehicles include eight medium-sized LCVs: four Vauxhall Vivaros, three Peugeot Experts and one Ford Transit Custom, as well as a Vauxhall Combo and Ford Explorer.

These vehicles have been deployed on local and regional routes aligned to their range capabilities, enabling a smooth transition without disruption to day-to-day operations.

Driver engagement played a key role, with surveys and vehicle trials helping to address common concerns around range, charging and usability, and build confidence in the new technology.

TBL is already beginning to realise these benefits, including lower fuel and maintenance costs, with fleet emissions expected to fall by an estimated 96 tonnes of CO2 per year. Feedback from drivers has also been positive, with many finding that the vehicles comfortably meet their day-to-day mileage requirements and quickly becoming confident in their use.

With a proven model in place, TBL is now well-positioned to expand its electric fleet further as part of a longer-term transition strategy, supported by Northgate’s ongoing fleet expertise.

Mel Creedy, EV Business Development Manager at Northgate Vehicle Hire, said: “This success of the project came from taking a data-led approach from the outset. By understanding how TBL’s vehicles were actually being used, we were able to identify where EVs would work best and support them with a clear, practical plan. Our Drive to Zero Consultancy is about giving customers the confidence to move forward with electrification in a bespoke way that suits individual businesses.”

Martin Logie, Operations, Quality & Systems Manager, TBL Fire Protection Ltd, said: “We wanted to understand how electric vehicles could work within our fleet, but it was important that we took a practical, informed approach. Northgate’s Drive to Zero Consultancy gave us a clear, data-led view of our operations, helping us identify where EVs would work best and where they would struggle. That insight was key in allowing us to move forward with confidence and start introducing electric vehicles in a way that works for the business.”