The coronavirus pandemic will not stop the move to electric vehicles for the majority of fleets, but more help is needed from suppliers.

One in 10 fleet leaders said they planned to accelerate  take-up of EVs as a result of the pandemic

Nearly two-thirds (66%) of operators questioned by Volkswagen Financial Services (VFWS) said the crisis would not stop the progress of electric vehicles – and one in 10 said they planned to accelerate their take-up.

But more than a third (34%) are after much more supplier support to support the transition to an electric fleet, with many asking for more information before buying.

The research also found one in five fleet leaders said they would have to shrink the size of their operation due to the pandemic, with 50% intending to review their arrangements in the next 12 months. And 41% said they would be looking at flexible rental options in lieu of longer-term leasing commitments.

Mileage is expected to decrease as a result of the move to homeworking. Nine in 10 (92%) fleet leaders questioned expect homeworking to increase and remain popular after restrictions are lifted, with even more (98%) saying that video conferencing will reduce business travel and face-to-face meetings.

But two-thirds (67%) of those asked believe employees will drive more as a result of the current guidance from health ministers on public transport.

Carl zu Dohna, CCO of VWFS, said: “No parts of the automotive sector are immune to change from the coronavirus pandemic. All have had to make changes or accelerate their drive towards the future.

“Despite all the change, there is a lot of positivity in the market with the majority of those questioned expecting no changes to their move to EV. It is clear to us that many are crying out for greater assistance and support in making the switch to electric.”