AA Business Services has responded to the latest AA EV Fleet Readiness Index to spotlight how fuel price volatility is strengthening the business case for fleet electrification, with cost certainty becoming a growing priority for operators.

Volatile pump prices and geopolitical conflicts are shifting UK fleet operator priorities from ‘range anxiety’ to ‘pump anxiety’, according to the new AA EV Fleet Readiness Index published today (18 June 2026).

The index reveals the widening gap between fossil fuel and electric vehicle running costs is strengthening the business case for EV adoption, prompting fleets to reassess their fleet strategies.

The AA’s EV Readiness Rating rose five points to 58.8 in Q2 from 53.8 in Q1, driven in part by rising petrol prices. For business drivers charging at home, EV running costs were approximately 67% lower per mile than equivalent ICE vehicles.

The index suggests businesses are likely to place greater emphasis on predictable operating costs and long-term budget planning, with interest strong among high-mileage fleets, for whom fuel is a significant operating expense.

The data also shows EVs compare favourably with ICE vehicles on upkeep and maintenance. In breakdown incidents, EVs are more likely to be fixed at the roadside, with 88.4% of EV call-outs fixed at the roadside, compared with 84.6% of petrol vehicles, according to Q2 data.

James Starling, director, AA Business Services, said: “Recent fuel price shocks have highlighted the importance of operating cost certainty for fleet operators. When petrol and diesel prices rise sharply, businesses feel the impact immediately. EVs can help reduce volatility exposure, particularly where organisations can control their charging strategy.

“We’re increasingly seeing fleet managers view EVs not just as a sustainability initiative, but as a practical running cost-control and risk-management tool, and when it comes to SMR costs too. For many businesses, electrification is as much about operational resilience and predictable running costs as it is about sustainability.”

Additionally, searches for used EVs on AA Cars increased by 78% between March and May compared with the previous three months. For fleet operators, this highlights the growing acceptance of EVs among buyers and could support confidence in residual values as more EVs enter the second-hand market.