Nearly half of fleet managers (43%) and fleet drivers (41%) expect to begin the switch to EVs within the next two years, as the 2030 ICE phase-out looms large.

Over half of fleet managers (53%) and fleet drivers (52%) say that charging on the go is still a concern

That’s according to a new study by BP that found increasing optimism amongst fleet drivers and managers in making the switch, but ongoing concerns about infrastructure and costs.

The research revealed a sense of confidence among fleets and drivers towards the switch to EVs, with 25% of both groups admitting to feeling “excited and proud” about the prospect of an electric fleet. A total of 69% of fleet managers and 52% of fleet drivers say they feel this way because of the positive impact switching will have on the environment.

But while confidence in the EV switch is growing, over half of fleet managers (53%) and fleet drivers (52%) say that charging on the go is still a concern.

And when asked about whether the nation will be ready for the 2030 phase-out, both fleet managers (62%) and drivers (69%) think that the cost of EVs will stand in the way of wider adoption.

The research was conducted to mark the launch of BP’s new ‘Now’s the Time’ campaign to support fleets with electrification through its Fuel and Charge offer.

This combines the best of fuelling and charging into a single card that can both power and fuel your fleet.

The card enables drivers to connect to fuel stations and charging networks on their route – it gives access to one of the UK’s largest networks of more than 9,000 BP Pulse charging points and more than 3,400 fuel stations.

It also enables fleets to reduce their carbon footprint through the BP Target Neutral programme. This provides fleets with a single solution to accurately track their carbon emissions, take action on them through driver training, make decisions on electrification and then offset any remaining carbon emissions by buying carbon credits from a portfolio of projects around the world.

Adrian Brabazon, UK fleet sales manager at BP, said: “It’s encouraging to see that many fleets are feeling positive about the transition to electric vehicles, and that confidence is growing within the industry. The announcement of our own investment in public charging will hopefully only drive this further. We know, however, that there are still obstacles to overcome, and that charging concerns still exist for fleets making regular long journeys – despite a growing network of ultra-fast chargers in the UK.

“Our research has shown that over half (54%) of fleets will use the public charging network in addition to charging points at home or at their depots. Our Fuel and Charge cards offer cost effective electric charging and fuelling solutions to support fleets with their first electric vehicle right through to a fully electric fleet.”