Fleet managers believe EVs will be “good enough” in 2-5 years

A new survey by Kia has found that 87% of fleet managers have seen an increased demand for electrified vehicles, but the majority feel that the cars won’t be suitable for another 2-5 years.

The manufacturer, which offers a range of electric, hybrid and plug-in hybrid cars, interviewed 150 fleet managers as part of its Fleet Green Perspectives Report.

It uncovered the current state of UK fleets, the changing perspective of Fleet Managers and how the UK infrastructure and public attitude has affected decision making.

According to Kia’s report, attitudes towards plug-ins are becoming more positive.

Sixty-two per cent of respondents feel that the charging infrastructure and battery life of the cars will be good enough in the next two-five years.

However, it points out that more than 80% of fleet managers felt that the current range of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles do not provide enough battery range for typical fleet use.

Of those surveyed, 65% already had plug-in vehicles on their fleets, an increase of 27% in the last year.

More than a third (39%) of fleet managers surveyed felt that EVs are too expensive and 31% believed they do not charge quickly enough.

Almost a quarter (23%) felt that the UK’s charging infrastructure is not good enough to support having a plug-in vehicle.

The report highlights that there is some way to go in terms of education surrounding mileage capabilities.

Only 26% of Fleet Managers knew what the average electric-only mileage was on an EV/PHEV vehicle.

Public perspectives are also having a huge impact on fleet decisions, with 71% of respondents saying that their organisation is nervous about purchasing a petrol or diesel car, up five percent from the previous report.

When asked if their organisation has seen an increased demand from employees for electrified vehicles, 37% said that they have seen a large increase.

John Hargreaves, head of Fleet and Remarketing at Kia Motors U, said: “It seems that even within just the last 12 months, a lot of progress has been made with regards to the EV/PHEV Fleet revolution; public perception has changed, there has been increased demand and local infrastructures are adapting to facilitate the change. There are some barriers that are delaying the complete switch but we’re confident that 2019 will bring even more positive changes. 2019 is a big year for Kia and our green fleet offering with the launch of the longest mileage electric vehicle, the e-Niro, as well as an increased offering of alternative fuel vehicles across the entire Kia range. Kia is committed to providing a diverse selection of EV/PHEVs and by 2020 will have a total of 14 models.”