Cost remains the biggest blocker for employers switching to EVs, according to new Europcar Mobility Group research.

Business drivers believe the cost of EVs is still holding back 41% of businesses from switching to electric

Its EV Barometer for Quarter 2 has found that 41% of business drivers believe the cost of EVs is still holding back their businesses from switching to electric – almost mirroring the 40% who said this in Q1.

Lack of charging infrastructure has actually become a greater concern for the EV switch. In Q2 2024, 36% of business drivers said lack of charging options were holding back their employer from making the switch; up from 34% in Q1.

Lack of choice and vehicle availability has also risen slightly, with 20% in Q2 citing this as a barrier to greener fleet decisions, compared with 18% in Q1.

But on the positive side, businesses appear to be more confident in their electric car knowledge, with only 21% of drivers saying their employer is hampered by a lack of EV awareness, down from 23% the previous quarter.

Tom Middleditch, head of electric mobility at Europcar, said: “It seems that the lack of charging infrastructure is still holding back a significant proportion of businesses, perhaps concerned about downtime and inefficiency during business hours. However, the UK’s public charge point network has grown by 47% in the past 12 months and  is set to grow even quicker over the next year.

“With budgets being squeezed and businesses looking to streamline costs, it is unsurprising that the cost of purchasing and maintaining an EV is perceived to be an issue for so many fleets.”

Europcar is helping businesses to switch to a greener fleet

Europcar is also continuing its work to tackle EV awareness by helping businesses experience EV driving in the real world, with flexible durations and a variety of makes and models available to rent.

Tom Middleditch continued: “As EVs become more common, drivers find more of their friends and family are EV drivers. This helps boost confidence and understanding for drivers and those responsible for fleet decision-making. With a detailed handover and free resources to address queries and misconceptions around EV motoring, drivers can take to the road happy and confident. As such, we are empowering businesses to switch to a greener fleet today.”

Europcar’s Knowledge Hub also provides EV resources that include its free – and regularly updated – digital EV Guide. The beginner’s guide to EVs answers common questions, discusses the benefits of the EV switch and covers EV incentives and charging.