Local authorities continue to champion green growth with rising investment in EV fleets and charging infrastructure at depots.

21% of councils increased the number of electric cars in their fleet in 2023 while 34% of councils increased the number of electric vans in their fleet year-on-year

More than half of UK councils (53%) have a standalone electrification strategy, or one that explicitly addresses their vehicle fleet as part of their wider climate strategy, according to new research by Churchill Expert.

A freedom of information request by the flexible fleet insurance provider found the number of electric vehicles in council fleets increased by 26% overall this year. Councils have also been prioritising investment in EV vans ahead of EV cars. The stock of EV vans increased by 30% in 2023 compared to a 21% increase in the stock of EV cars.

The study also found that local authorities have continued to invest in EV infrastructure in the past year, with 44% of councils increasing the number of charging points at their depots year-on-year.

The number of charge points increased by 1,117 last year, representing a 40% increase in the number of chargers year-on-year, as the total number of chargers has increased to 4,615 across the UK.

Councils are also planning to invest record levels into EV charging infrastructure at their depots this year, with £12.8m planned for 2023. This is up 41% from the £9.1m spent in 2022 and up 212% from the £4.1m invested in 2021.

The research also revealed regional differences in how different local authorities were shaping up in their goal to create a greener fleet. Scottish local authorities are leading the charge with electrifying their vehicles as 14.2% of their fleet was electrified. Conversely, Northern Ireland is lagging compared to the rest of the UK’s councils, as only 2.8% of their fleet is electrified, according to the research.

The figures were based on a FOIA request issued to local councils across the UK in September 2023. A total of 312 councils responded, of which 306 provided usable data.

Nicola Richmond, head of Churchill Expert Flexible Fleet Partnerships, said: “Our research shows that councils are continuing to invest in electric vehicles and charging infrastructure at their depots, and it is great to see that over half have a strategy in place, which provides for a structured long-term plan. Even with the recent government changes in policy, we expect councils to continue to replace their fleets and improve charging infrastructure.”

Number of local authority-run electric vehicles, by region

Source: Churchill Expert 2023