Demand for EVs is surging, but small and medium fleets are struggling to seize the opportunity, Alphabet GB has revealed.

58% of fleet managers reported less than 20% of cars in their fleet were currently electrified, rising to 66% for vans

Businesses operating SME-sized fleets account for the vast majority of the UK’s total fleet population – and therefore have a central role in meeting the 2030 ICE ban.

Alphabet’s research found nearly eight in 10 (79%) of such managers say their fleet plays a key role in meeting company net zero targets. Employee perception and motivation has also become more of a driving factor, with three out of four respondents (76%) noticing an increase in the number of staff wanting to reduce emissions and drive EVs over the last two years.

EVs are also becoming more accessible for small and medium fleets. In fact, 79% of fleet decision-makers agreed that there are more EVs on the market to suit their needs now.

But despite such a positive outlook, nearly half (45%) of these smaller fleet managers lack the time and expertise needed to take the necessary first steps.

Many are still in the early stages – more than half (58%) of fleet managers reported that less than 20% of cars in their fleet were currently electrified. Progress is slower for vans, with 66% of these mangers reporting that less than 20% of their van fleets have been electrified.

Mark Sturgess, SME sales manager, Alphabet GB, said: “Businesses with smaller fleets rarely have the benefit of a full-time fleet manager and instead, fleet management is typically part of a much bigger HR, finance or general management role. As a result, the time available to dedicate to reviewing and addressing evolving external factors and fleet requirements is often limited and can be a stretch on existing roles within the business.”

Multiple barriers to adoption

The biggest barrier to EV adoption for smaller fleets is not reluctance, but time and knowledge, according to Alphabet’s research.

Of those businesses that are yet to introduce EVs into their fleet, 28% said that whilst it is something they’re looking to do, they haven’t had the time. Meanwhile, 17% revealed it is a lack of expertise that is holding them back.

Alphabet – whose new guide to SME fleet management includes EV tips – says fleets embracing EVs will need to consider new factors such as revised policies, funding and infrastructure. Managers lacking the necessary expertise or resource may need further support, especially as timescales shorten and the 2030 approaches.

It also advises fleets to start the rollout of electrification with ‘early adopters’ before then looking at drivers who will be more difficult to transition to EVs.

Mark Sturgess commented: “Electrification does not have to be a big, instantaneous change. In fact, taking smaller, more manageable steps towards this will make the progression easier. A great place to start with targeting those yet to embrace EVs can be grouping employees into levels of difficulty to transition, by identifying those who can charge at home and those who can’t, and working from there. Additional fleet management assistance can come from fleet providers to ease the burden that managing these responsibilities adds to their day-to-day operations.

“Support from suppliers, as well as industry bodies, will be vital in helping these managers seize the EV opportunity and ensuring their fleet continues to evolve to meet future requirements.”

Alphabet’s free eBook with top tips to help make managing small and medium fleets easier is available here.