A third (34%) of fleet decision-makers want much more supplier support to transition to electric vehicles (EVs), according to a survey by Volkswagen Financial Services (VWFS).

Speaking to some 120 fleet decision-makers, VWFS found that almost a third (30%) are still making the switch to EV as planned, with 66% saying the current health crisis will not stop the progress of EV. In fact, one in 10 said they plan to accelerate their progression.

However, one in five fleet leaders said they will have to shrink the size of their operation due to the pandemic, with 50% intending to review their arrangements in the next 12 months. And in order to make their business more financially secure, 41% said they would be looking at flexible rental options in lieu of longer-term leasing commitments.

Carl zu Dohna, chief commercial officer at VWFS, said: “No parts of the automotive sector are immune to change from the coronavirus pandemic. All have had to make changes or accelerate their drive towards the future.

“From our survey, we can see that fleet is making strides towards that future and those one in 10 that are moving even faster towards it will be at an advantage in the coming years when they are ahead of the pack.”

VWFS’s survey found that fleets were anticipating huge change. Nine in 10 (92%) expect home working to increase and remain popular after restrictions are lifted, with 98% saying that video conferencing will reduce business travel and face-to-face meetings.

However, fleets believe that, while mileage will decrease, ownership will increase. Two thirds (67%) of those asked believe employees will drive more instead of using public transport as a result of the current guidance from health ministers.

Zu Dohna continued: “Despite all the change, there is a lot of positivity in the market with the majority of those questioned expecting no changes to their move to EV. It is clear to us that many are crying out for greater assistance and support in making the switch to electric.

“Our fleet leaders have spoken, and it is clear that information is key to overcoming the transition to electric and progress out of this pandemic for fleets. However, this is something we are confident we can overcome with our teams working hard to create tools and information to assist in the transition to electric.”

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