Month: September 2019

What you need to know about JCB’s first ever fully electric diggers

30th September 2019 / / Comments Off on What you need to know about JCB’s first ever fully electric diggers

The first of JCB’s fully electric diggers are rolling off the production line; here’s what you need to know about them.

JCB’s new 19C-1E electric digger can be used either indoors or outdoors but is expected to be particularly popular for indoor and inner-city projects where reducing noise and air pollution is especially important.

JCB Compact Products’ managing director Robert Winter said: “This is a historic moment for JCB and for JCB Compact Products.

“We are delighted to go into full production with the industry’s first fully electric mini excavator. The machine has a very promising future ahead of it.”

The first orders have already been delivered to customers across Europe and North America.

Here is the key information and standout stats about JCB’s first fully electric excavator:

  • They are five times quieter than JCB’s diesel diggers.
  • They can be fully charged for a day’s work in under 2 hours.
  • Charging costs are expected to be 50% cheaper than running a diesel model.
  • Servicing costs are expected to be up to 70% cheaper than a diesel model.

As evidence of the severe and rapid effects of climate change mount, businesses are coming under increasing pressure to become more sustainable and reduce their Co2 emissions. 

Switching to electric vehicles can massively reduce your business’ carbon footprint, helping you to meet your corporate social and environmental responsibilities.

If you require help or advice with financing electric diggers, excavators, or commercial vehicles, speak to our team here at Richmond Asset Finance. We provide a range of flexible vehicle finance and asset finance services to help you to grow your business. 

To discuss your requirements in more detail, give our team a call on 0113 288 3277.

To plough or not to plough?

20th September 2019 / / Comments Off on To plough or not to plough?

Humans have been ploughing the earth to grow food since the beginning of time, so why are some farmers now choosing to turn their back on this traditional technique? 

Some farmers are now embracing new ways of working as they believe ploughing to be bad for the environment. 

Ploughing and the environment

It is thought that dragging a plough through the earth several times a year disturbs the soil and the living organisms within it, which then has a negative effect on soil quality.

What’s the alternative to ploughing?

“No till” farming is a method of farming which eliminates ploughing and minimises soil disturbance. Instead, farmers ensure that soil is never left bare. As soon as one crop is removed, “cover crops” are planted to protect the soil and keep pumping nutrients into it.

This method also prevents earthworms and other important organisms from being disturbed, so that their numbers can grow, resulting in more nutrient-rich soil with improved structure and drainage.

Benefits of no-till farming

No-till farming can benefit both the environment and the farmer, here are just some of the benefits:

  • Reduces soil erosion.
  • Improves soil quality.
  • Builds soil organic matter.
  • Saves time on ploughing.
  • Reduces cost of labour and fuel.
  • Improves water absorption.
  • Reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Natural weed control.
  • Healthier crops due to nutrient-rich soil.

What machinery is required?

Farmers undertaking no-till farming use a piece of machinery called a cross slot drill which drills seeds directly into the unploughed ground. Although the initial cost of the equipment is similar to that of tillage machinery, the operating costs are far less.

For help financing the purchase of agricultural equipment, speak to our team at Richmond Asset Finance on 0113 288 3277. We provide a variety of asset finance and agricultural finance services to help your farm business to grow and develop. 

Financial incentives for switching to electric commercial vehicles

10th September 2019 / / Comments Off on Financial incentives for switching to electric commercial vehicles

Did you know that there are financial incentives available to help your business make the switch to cost-effective and environmentally friendly electric vehicles?

There is no time like the present to begin doing your part in looking after our planet and helping to tackle climate change.

There are many changes that businesses can make to become more socially and environmentally responsible. But for businesses that operate commercial vehicles, switching from petrol or diesel to electric vehicles is a good place to start.

Electric vehicles are virtually silent and emit zero emissions, so making the switch will go a long way in reducing your business’ carbon footprint.

Aside from the environmental benefits, there are also plenty of financial incentives out there to reward businesses that decide to make the switch, so what’s not to like?

Low running and maintenance costs

As well as looking after our environment, operating electric vehicles can help to look after your business’ finances too. Whilst electric vehicles can be more expensive to buy, this cost is offset by their comparatively low running and maintenance costs, making them a cost-effective option in the long term.

Tax incentives

Here are a few of the tax benefits that your business may be able to benefit from if it uses electric vehicles.

  • Enhanced capital allowance benefits– Claim the entire cost of the vehicle against taxable profits.
  • Exemptionsfrom the following:
  • fuel duty
  • vehicle excise duty
  • company car tax

Government grants

When purchasing an eligible electric vehicle for your business, you may be able to claim a discount using the government’s plug-in car grant.

Despite the grant’s name, it provides discounts for business’ purchasing electric cars, vans, motorcycles, mopeds, taxis and trucks, providing they are on the eligible vehicles list.

The grant is worth 35% of the vehicle price for electric cars (up to a maximum of £3,500) and 20% of the vehicle price for electric vans (up to a maximum of £8,000).

Finance

Need further help financing one or more commercial electric vehicles? Here at Richmond Asset Finance we provide a range of flexible vehicle finance and asset finance services to help you grow your business. 

For more information about our services, or to discuss your requirements in more detail, give our team a call on 0113 288 3277.

4 benefits of switching to electric commercial vehicles

4th September 2019 / / Comments Off on 4 benefits of switching to electric commercial vehicles

Switching from petrol or diesel commercial vehicles to electric vehicles is not only a practical change, but a cost-effective one too.

As concerns about climate change and the environment mount, businesses are under increasing pressure to make more environmentally conscious decisions.

Electric vehicle technology is rapidly evolving, and electric vehicles are now becoming a more practical, attractive and accessible option for businesses of all shapes and sizes.

Many businesses are put off making the change because the initial outlay for electric vehicles may seem high when compared to comparable petrol or diesel models. However, the low running cost of electric vehicles offsets the initial expense and makes it a cost-effective decision in the long-term.

It is also an extremely worthwhile investment when you consider the difference in will make to your business’ carbon footprint.

Here are the 4 top reasons your business should consider switching to electric commercial vehicles.

Low running costs– Generally, the cost of running an electric vehicle is cheaper than the cost of running a petrol or diesel vehicle because electricity is cheaper per mile than fuel.

Reduced maintenance costs – Electric vehicles are functionally simpler and have fewer moving parts than their non-electric counterparts, making them considerably cheaper to maintain.

Environmentally friendly – Investing in electric vehicles will help your business to meet its environmental and social responsibility. As well as producing no CO2 or harmful greenhouse gasses, electric vehicles reduce air and noise pollution. Making the switch will help your businesses to reduce its carbon footprint and become more sustainable.

Employee satisfaction – Electric vehicles, particularly when used primarily for short trips around the city, are convenient and comfortable to drive. As well as using state-of-the-art technology, electric vehicles are smooth-running, emit zero fumes, and are virtually silent, providing the driver with a relaxing and pleasurable ride.

Need some help financing one or more commercial electric vehicles? Here at Richmond Asset Finance we provide a range of flexible vehicle finance and asset finance services to help you to grow your business. 

For more information about our services, or to discuss your requirements in more detail, give our team a call on 0113 288 3277.

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