Fleet managers are planning to reach full electrification earlier in spite of the ICE ban delay to 2035.

The majority (86%) of fleets have increased or maintained the number of EVs in their fleet in the last 12 months, up from 66% in the previous biannual survey

Latest research by Lex Autolease of major operators has found they expect to have purely electric fleets within an average of four years, down from seven years in the last survey, published in July 2023.

The bi-annual research, which surveys 100 UK fleet managers operating more than 100 vehicles, reveals the majority (86%) of fleets increased or maintained the number of EVs in their fleet over the previous 12 months, up from 66%.

The Future of Transport report, which is designed to provide an in-depth insight into the experiences, opinions and intentions of UK drivers and fleet managers to understand how the way we travel is changing, found that the delay to the ICE ban and the accompanying ZEV mandate has increased the likelihood of businesses to consider EVs.

Almost two-thirds (64%) of the respondents said they are now more likely to consider EVs or increase the number in their fleets following the delay, compared to 23% who are now less likely.

More than half (57%) now believe policymakers are doing enough to convince businesses to switch to EVs – that’s up 11 percentage points from 46% in the previous research.

But barriers to adoption endure and fleet managers feel that additional government support would allow them to invest in EVs with greater confidence.

Top five barriers preventing businesses from switching or investing further include the availability of second-hand vehicles (21%), charging times (21%), charging point availability (20%), the logistics of installing charging points at home (20%) and poor engagement from staff (20%).

The research also revealed the policy changes fleets would like to see, lead first by additional investment for installing on-site charging infrastructure (24%) and followed by funding for on-road infrastructure for home charging (23%) and further tax reductions for businesses based on EV adoption (22%).

Nick Williams, managing director at Lex Autolease, said: “Businesses continue to lead the way in the UK’s electrification journey, remaining dedicated to the adoption of cleaner and greener vehicles despite significant changes to government policy.

“This is largely because they are unwavering on their own commitments. Switching to electric is helping them to make progress towards their sustainability targets, boost their green credentials for competitive tenders and enhance their propositions for current and prospective employees.

“But barriers remain, and further action is still needed to help fleet managers make long-term purchasing decisions and generate universal confidence in making the switch. A rapid and fair charging infrastructure rollout, an enduring commitment to the ZEV mandate, clarity on Benefit-in-Kind rates beyond 2028, better information for would-be EV drivers and a new national battery strategy must be the top priorities.”

To access the report in full, click here.