By Tom Rowlands, MD, global EV solutions at Allstar parent firm Corpay

Tom Rowlands, MD, global EV solutions at Corpay

It is clear that fleets are driving growth in the UK’s new electric vehicle market. According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders’ data, 64,000 more EVs were registered by businesses and fleets in 2024 than the previous year. Conversely just one in 10 private buyers chose an EV in 2024.

This month, UK government ministers have started talks with the car finance sector on how to make more low-interest or interest-free loans available to help more EV purchases. This momentum is hugely encouraging and reflects the hard work from many corners of the market to incentivise the UK’s mobility transition.

We recognise this in the way we’re able to support fleets in their payment of fuel, electric charging on the road and at home. However, from an infrastructure and charging perspective, we collectively must be doing more to reward fleets that are driving our electric future. Fleets are one of the largest consumers of on-the-road charging and will become price sensitive as networks increase in numbers and reliability. Therefore, charge point operators (CPOs) should continue to support and encourage this adoption by offering enhanced networks, ultra-rapid charging, and cost-effective pricing as we move towards 2030, the deadline for banning new petrol- and diesel-only vehicle sales.

We’re already seeing more price promotions, as with our partner Be.EV, along with other entrants to the market that are leading with this model. Allstar looks forward to welcoming similar partnerships with CPOs to provide charging discounts, as they represent significant savings for fleets.

This quickly follows the UK’s unprecedented 38% growth in EV infrastructure in 2024. EV charging hubs play a crucial role in fleets’ recharging and, again, there is positive momentum here in the last few weeks. Councillors in North Kessock have green lit a £6m site on the Black Isle, while North Tyneside Council has approved plans put forward by one of our partners, InstaVolt, for Newcastle-upon-Tyne’s largest rapid EV charging hub.

Incentivisation is the key and we’re seeing huge progress made in how fleets are able to purchase, recharge and pay for their charging sessions. By working together through the transition, we can keep our nation’s businesses on the road.