Concerns over charging are becoming a bigger issue for businesses looking to switch to sustainable fleets, according to Europcar Mobility Group UK.

Charging has increased as a major concern, according to the Europcar EV Barometer 2024

Analysis of its monthly electric vehicle barometer research across 2024 reveals charging has increased as a major concern, rising from 33.8% in Q1 to 37.4% in Q4. That’s despite the progress being made in improving the UK charging infrastructure.

The cost of purchasing and maintaining an EV is slightly less of a concern for businesses today than 12 months ago but was still cited by 37.5% of respondents in Q4 2024, compared to 40.5% in Q1.

But resistance to making the change, either from employees or employers, grew from 12.1% to 15.2% across the year.

Encouragingly, knowledge about EV ownership as well as vehicle model choice and availability have each become slightly less of a barrier in the past 12 months, falling from 23.2% to 20.2% and 17.8% to 16.9%, respectively.

The 2024 analysis highlights UK fleets’ evolving attitudes towards EVs – and shows that more work needs to be done to improve EV confidence, according to Tom Middleditch, head of electric mobility and sustainability spokesperson at Europcar.

“2024 saw charging infrastructure improve across the UK, however, it appears that motorists still need more confidence in speed of charging. Indeed, we are hearing anecdotally that drivers don’t always appreciate that the vehicle they are driving may not be able to charge at the full speed of the chosen charger.”

Middleditch added that the Government’s EV consultation launched just before Christmas provides a great opportunity to highlight the importance of improving consumer education about electric motoring.

“This will be critical to ensure that motorists have the confidence they need to make the switch and Europcar is contributing to the BVRLA’s response to the consultation.”

Tom Middleditch, head of electric mobility and sustainability spokesperson at Europcar

Middleditch said Europcar remains committed to helping businesses run more sustainable fleets as soon as possible including by enabling employers and their drivers to experience EVs in real-world scenarios through flexible rentals and a diverse selection of vehicles.

“With comprehensive handovers and free resources to address common questions and misconceptions about EV motoring, businesses and their drivers can start their EV journey with confidence and ease.”

Europcar also regularly updates its free digital EV Guide and Knowledge Hub to help businesses and drivers gain a better understanding of EV life.

The beginner’s guide to EVs answers the most common questions and helps drivers make sense of all the buzzwords and acronyms. It also explains how switching to an EV will help save money and reduce emissions. Importantly, the guide covers EV incentives available and details how to charge an EV, including explaining the different types of chargers.

Europcar customers hiring an EV also gain access to Zapmap through the EV Guide to ensure finding a suitable charger is quick, easy and convenient.