Electric vehicles are expected to become dominant in 89% of fleets before the end of the next decade, according to a new study by Geotab.
Almost half of today’s surveyed fleets (46%) in the UK have no electric vehicles but nine out of 10 UK-based fleet managers expect them to play a dominant role in their company’s fleet before 2028.
According to the study, government incentives (48%), improvements in charging infrastructure (48%) and an improved selection of models by vehicle manufacturers (32%), are the leading motivators in the transition to a fully electric fleet.
The majority of fleet managers (88%) also anticipate the government to bring in regulations regarding the implementation of EV fleets – similar to the ‘Road to Zero’ initiative.
With sustainability top of mind, one in six respondents agree that the main benefit of electrification is the environmental impact.
Fleet managers are still facing major barriers, including high vehicle costs, long charging times and the low distance range of today’s vehicles, however.
Less than 2% of all fleet managers surveyed claimed there are no benefits to electrifying their fleets
“These survey results help to demonstrate that the government’s call for an EV future is not something businesses are taking lightly,” said Edward Kulperger, VP Europe at Geotab.
“With most fleet leaders looking to have a fully EV-dependent fleet over the next few years, it's no longer a question of if, but rather how soon a complete overhaul can take place.
“Based upon the outcome of this survey, it’s clear that businesses and fleets feel they now need additional government initiatives and smart updates to critical infrastructure across the UK. If this can be made a priority, as a nation, Geotab is confident that the UK can take a spot as one of the most innovative global leaders trying to help push the widespread adoption of green transportation in the coming years,” he added.
The research, conducted by Censuswide on behalf of Geotab, was a UK-wide study of 250 fleet managers. The majority of those surveyed are in charge of fleets of over 25 vehicles, which range from passenger cars, vans and also trucks.
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Matt has been an automotive journalist for eight years. As senior staff writer he is responsible for the automotive content on Fleet News and also contributes to Automotive Management. Prior to this, Matt worked in the automotive industry for 10 years.
N B - 27/11/2018 12:13
What do the 'experts' see as the replacement life cycle for EV fleets, to maximise their value? I wonder if the life of an EV will revert to similar terms of the 70's, i.e. 3 yrs replacement? This would likely give a financial return higher than at 5/6/7 years? Mr Jo Public buying these ex fleet vehicles would have 3 or more years life left in his purchase. He would likely be less keen to take on a 6 yr old vehicle with the knowledge that an expensive battery (or more) could need replacing soon after? Interesting if challenging times ahead.