Charging infrastructure and cost key barriers to fleet electrification

Fleet concerns around charging infrastructure for electric vehicles (EVs) are increasing, according to new analysis from Europcar Mobility Group UK.

Its latest EV barometer reveals that despite the progress being made in improving the UK charging infrastructure, charging is still the key reason for businesses holding back from making the switch. 

Across the past year, charging has increased as a major concern, rising from 33.8% in Q1 to 37.4% in Q4.

The cost of purchasing and maintaining an EV is also seen as a major barrier but is slightly less of a concern for businesses today than 12 months ago. 

Costs were a barrier for 37.5% of businesses in Q4 2024, compared to 40.5% in Q1 2024.

Resistance to making the change from employees or employers, meanwhile, has grown from 12.1% to 15.2% across the year.

Encouragingly, knowledge about EV ownership as well as vehicle model choice and availability have each become slightly less of a barrier in the past 12 months, falling from 23.2% to 20.2% and 17.8% to 16.9%, respectively. 

“With charging increasing as a barrier to making the switch to EV for businesses and their drivers it’s clear that more work needs to be done to improve confidence,” said Tom Middleditch, head of electric mobility and sustainability at Europcar. 

“2024 saw charging infrastructure improve across the UK, however, it appears that motorists still need more confidence in speed of charging. 

“Indeed, we are hearing anecdotally that drivers don’t always appreciate that the vehicle they are driving may not be able to charge at the full speed of the chosen charger.”  
 
He added: “The Government’s EV consultation launched just before Christmas provides a great opportunity to highlight the importance of improving consumer education about electric motoring. 

“This will be critical to ensure that motorists have the confidence they need to make the switch.”