Cost of EVs ‘holding back’ fleet switch to electric

The cost of electric vehicles (EVs) is holding back two-in-five businesses (40.9%) from switching to electric, according to the latest Europcar Mobility Group UK EV barometer.  

The lack of charging infrastructure has also become a greater concern for people who drive for work.

In Q2 2024, 35.7% of business drivers said lack of charging options were holding back their employer from making the switch, compared to 33.8% in Q1.

Lack of choice and vehicle availability has also risen slightly, with 19.3% in Q2 citing this as a barrier to greener fleet decisions, compared with 17.8% in Q1.

“It is encouraging to see that business drivers believe knowledge of EV motoring is growing amongst employers,” said Tom Middleditch, head of electric mobility at Europcar.

“It seems that the lack of charging infrastructure is still holding back a significant proportion of businesses, perhaps concerned about downtime and inefficiency during business hours. However, the UK’s public charge point network has grown by 49% in the past 12 months and is set to grow even quicker over the next year.”

He added: “With budgets being squeezed and businesses looking to streamline costs, it is unsurprising that the cost of purchasing and maintaining an EV is perceived to be an issue for so many fleets.”

With electric motoring being unfamiliar, Europcar says that a lack of knowledge around what it is really like to drive and charge an electric vehicle, and manage an electric fleet, has been a significant challenge for fleets hoping to switch to electric from the outset.

Europcar explained that it is helping businesses experience EV driving in the real world, with flexible durations and a variety of makes and models available to rent.

Middleditch continued: “As EVs become more common, drivers find more of their friends and family are EV drivers. This helps boost confidence and understanding for drivers and those responsible for fleet decision-making.

“With a detailed handover and free resources to address queries and misconceptions around EV motoring, drivers can take to the road happy and confident. As such, we are empowering businesses to switch to a greener fleet today.”