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Fleet managers today face a host of challenges, as the way businesses operate continues to evolve. Remote working, environmental targets, and the electrification of transport are reshaping fleet requirements for UK businesses.
Speaking on the Take Charge of Change podcast, Andy Barrell, Head of Outsourced Relationships at Lex Autolease explains. “There’s been a massive shift away from that one size-fits-all approach to a variety of different solutions, depending on what your Motability need is.” This diversity of solutions not only meets employees' needs but also helps cut costs, boost satisfaction, and align operations with long-term goals.
Responding to remote and hybrid working
The rise of remote and hybrid working has redefined fleet usage patterns. Fewer employees are commuting daily, and those who do often travel shorter distances. Commercial vehicle requirements have also shifted, with businesses now focusing on agility and efficiency to meet the demands of e-commerce and local deliveries.
For fleet managers, these changes call for flexible vehicle solutions. Pool cars, short-term leases, and part-time access options help adapt to the varying levels of travel employees now undertake.
For high-mileage drivers, traditional company cars may stay essential, while employees who rarely commute might benefit from car-sharing arrangements or unplanned vehicle access. Flexibility makes sure your fleet stays cost-efficient while meeting evolving employee needs.
ESG targets are changing the game
Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) targets are also heavily influencing fleet decisions. With the UK’s goal to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050*1 - and the ban on new petrol and diesel car sales coming in 2035 - fleet managers face growing pressure to reduce their environmental impact*2.
Offering employees multiple vehicle options, including low-emission and electric models, is a powerful way to meet ESG commitments. Providing access to electric vehicles (EVs) through salary sacrifice schemes, for example, not only shows your company’s green credentials but also makes EVs accessible to more employees.
These schemes allow employees to lease EVs at a reduced cost, thanks to savings on National Insurance and Income Tax, making sustainability both practical and affordable.
Multiple solutions to drive down costs
Cost management remains a priority for any business, and providing a range of vehicle solutions is an effective way to achieve savings.
Barrell comments: “The cheap deals are gone, and that's forcing a lot of people to look at their mobility in a different way.”
Salary sacrifice schemes can reduce upfront capital investment while giving employees a valuable benefit. For commercial fleets, pay-as-you-go leasing models allow businesses to scale their fleet up or down based on real-time demand, eliminating unnecessary costs during quieter periods.
For employees with less frequent travel requirements, allowances for personal vehicles - or access to flexible rental solutions—reduce the need for a permanent company car, making sure resources are allocated efficiently across the workforce.
The growing appeal of electric vehicles
Electric vehicles are becoming increasingly attractive for both employers and employees. For businesses, EVs can deliver cost savings through reduced maintenance and lower fuel costs*3, as well as supporting compliance with Clean Air Zones and emissions targets.
Employees benefit from quieter, smoother vehicles with significantly reduced running costs*4. Offering a variety of EV solutions, such as tailored leasing plans or salary sacrifice options, helps businesses stand out as forward-thinking, sustainable employers.
Partner with Lex Autolease
Lex Autolease, understand that no two businesses - or employees - are alike. The company offer a range of tailored solutions to meet the diverse needs of your workforce.
As Barrell says: “One of the benefits of the scale and fleet size of Lex Autolease is the data lake that we can pull from.”
From traditional company cars to flexible leasing options and support for EV adoption, Lex Autolease expertise helps you build a fleet strategy that meets today’s challenges while preparing for the future.
By embracing multiple solutions, UK businesses can achieve greater cost control, improve employee satisfaction, and drive progress towards environmental goals. With the right approach, your fleet can be an asset that drives value and sustainability in equal measure.
Visit our LEXperts media hub to find out more.
*1 https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/net-zero-strategy
*3 https://www.lexautolease.co.uk/lexperts-ev-hub/ev-for-business/smr-and-running-costs-of-evs.html
For the use of lease and fleet professionals only. Lex Autolease Limited. Registered office: 25 Gresham Street, London EC2V 7HN. Registered Number: 1090741 England and Wales. Lex Autolease Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority for credit related regulated and insurance distribution activities.
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