Up to 90% of fleet vehicles could be replaced with EVs, research suggests

Up to 90% of fleet vehicles could be replaced by electric vehicles (EVs), given the average range of equivalent EV models, data analysis from Vimcar, has revealed.

From analysis of more than 67,000 company fleet vehicles, the findings consider the average distance fleet vehicles are travelling, compared to the mileage range on EVs.

The research found that for 87% of companies the mileage range of EVs is the main concern when considering whether they should make the switch to electric. 

However, 90% of fleet vehicles drive less than 186 miles a day and could be replaced by an EV, according to the reserach. 

The data suggests that mileage range is an “imagined obstacle” in fleet electrification and most companies are able to use EVs without impacting the level of fleet usage. Currently, only 3% of fleet vehicles are run on electric or hybrid engines, according to Vimcar.

Sami Eric, UK country manager at Vimcar, said: “Unfortunately, there is often negativity associated with EV usage and the efficiency they have for longer journeys.

"However, this data proves these fears wrong and that, in fact, most businesses could make the switch and continue to use their fleets in the same way as they are now. 

“Charging an EV is usually cheaper than filling up at the pump, with recent reports claiming they are also £131 a month cheaper to run. 

“As EVs have fewer moving parts, they break down less and are cheaper to maintain – and therefore come with lower insurance costs and a longer life span.

“On top of this, EVs have a 0% road tax and benefit in kind rate, therefore using EVs in a company fleet will incur fewer costs for both employers and employees and if businesses can make these changes with minimal disruption to current performance, there’s even less reason not to consider replacing their petrol and diesel vehicles with electric or hybrid vehicles instead.”

Separate research, published this week, suggests that three-quarters (74%) of fleets will be looking at how to manage EV business mileage in the next 12 months, new research suggests.

Vimcar said at a time when many businesses (96%) are beginning to increase their stock and delivery offerings in the run up to Christmas, there are calls for businesses to re-evaluate their current systems to ensure they are being as eco-friendly as possible in the process.

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