Hilti drives to sustainability
7 June 2022
Hilti is continuing its latest rollout of electric fleet vehicles (EVs), replacing more than 200 cars across the UK with electric models.
As part of this move the Kia e-Niro ‘4+’ was selected as the power tool manufacturer’s EV of choice to replace its current diesel estate car offering. The Kia vehicles are zero emissions (76% less CO2 when factoring in current energy supply emissions, says Hilti) and represents an important step towards the company’s broader targets of becoming carbon neutral by 2023, as outlined earlier on the blog.
The change to EVs across the business is expected to reduce Hilti’s total global emissions by some 48%.
With Hilti employees in the UK driving an average of 111 miles per day, and with some journeys of up to 250 miles, extensive internal research was undertaken to ensure the new vehicle would be fit for purpose.
As well as extensive internal polling, Hilti looked at other factors including reliability, safety and available financial benefits for staff.
The company says that the chosen Kia model will require less than one charge per day for the average employee, and as part of the rollout all Hilti EV users are to be supplied with a charging station at their home, free of charge.
Those unable to connect at home are to be provided with a Toyota Corolla ST 1.8 Icon Tech self-charging hybrid, which emits 23% less CO2 than Hilti’s current diesel fleet cars.
Hilti replaced 35 per cent of its current fleet with eco-friendly models by the end of 2021 and is targeting 50 per cent by the end of this year, and the entirety of the fleet by 2024.
As well as cars, the company operates a fleet of 300 vans and there are plans to replace these with electric alternatives.
Hilti’s head of finance and head of sustainability, Annette Borén, says that the focus on the broader benefits of EVs is indicative of how Hilti approaches sustainability efforts in general.
“All of our sustainability efforts are ultimately to benefit the wider environment rather than us as a business. Our target of carbon neutrality is to ensure we are in line with global efforts to tackle climate change, but we have long focused on sustainability efforts in all areas of our business, with initiatives like our tool recycling scheme.
“Choosing Kia was a strategic choice as we are confident their EV pipeline is strong enough to support us through further rollouts in the future,” Annette added.
● Read my earlier interview with Annette Borén on the blog here.
