The majority of petrol and diesel fleet cars on the roads in the UK and Europe could be switched to electric vehicles with minimal disruption to performance.

Vimcar’s study found that up to 90% of fleet vehicles could be replaced by equivalent fully electric models

A study by SME telematics specialist Vimcar of over 67,000 company fleet vehicles explored the average distance that fleet cars travel, compared to the mileage range on electric vehicles.

It found that up to 90% of fleet vehicles could be replaced by equivalent fully electric models.

While 87% of companies said that the range of electric vehicles is their main concern when switching, the data suggests that mileage range is only an obstacle in fleet minds and that most companies are in fact able to use electric vehicles without impacting the level of fleet usage.

Sami Eric, UK country manager at Vimcar, said: “With the recent discussions held at COP26, there is no hiding the fact that we all need to be doing more to reduce our carbon footprint.

“One of the biggest changes businesses can make is the switch from petrol or diesel vehicles, to electric or hybrid. Unfortunately, there is often negativity associated with electric vehicle usage, and the efficiency they have for longer journeys. However, this data proves these fears wrong and that, in fact, the majority of businesses could make the switch and continue to use their fleets in the same way as they are now.”

Vimcar also highlighted the financial savings from switching to EVs; ranging from lower costs on charging compared to fuel, through to reduced SMR needs, zero-rated road tax and significantly lower Benefit-in-Kind rates for fully electric company cars.

Sami Eric added: “If businesses can make these changes with minimal disruption to current performance, there’s even less reason not to consider replacing their petrol and diesel vehicles with electric vehicles instead.”