Two thirds (67%) of fleet operators expect to add electric vehicles (EVs) to their fleets within five years, according to a study by The AA and Rivus Fleet Solutions.

The fifth Operational Fleet Insight Report, commissioned by the two organisations, highlights that only a quarter (26%) of fleets currently use EVs.

EVs appear to be increasingly on fleet managers’ day-to-day radars, however, with 78% believing that the number of electric vans on the road have increased in the last year, up significantly from 65% last year.

The research, involving more than 500 fleet managers, found that 82% feel the quality of EVs on offer has improved since last year and 84% believe the range from manufacturers has improved.

The positivity around EVs has also extended to the long-term cost benefits, with almost two thirds (65%) believing that EVs have better whole life costs than diesel or petrol.

There are still barriers when it comes to the practical elements of EV adoption. A third (32%) have identified the lack of charging points across the country and the workplace as the top barriers.

Gavin Franks, director of business services at the AA, commented: “It’s positive to see that there is a much greater awareness among fleets about the benefits of EVs, despite the concern over lack of charging points across the country and at work being the main barriers to take-up. With charging infrastructure improving on an almost daily basis, as investment in charging points is paying off, we expect fleets will see a change quicker than they anticipate and the pace of adoption will pick up further.”

The Operational Fleet Insight report also reviewed the impact of Covid-19 over the past 18 months. While the pandemic has had a mixed effect on businesses, 41% of fleet managers have reported a positive impact on their environmental and sustainability strategies. As well as this, 16% of commercial van users increased the lifespan of their older vehicles as a response to Covid-19, and 41% revealed that the pandemic had a positive impact on their mileage.

David Myers, CEO at Rivus Fleet Solutions, added: “We are delighted to announce the release of our joint Operational Fleet Insight report with the AA. We have worked alongside one another since 1990 and we are committed to shaping policy and making a difference in the fleet industry with our in-depth research. 

“It is clear that we are in an evolving landscape as the fleet industry navigates the post-Covid world and starts to prepare for the 2030 Government ban on the sale of petrol and diesel vehicles. Our research shows that achieving long-term efficiencies and the need to comply with new legislation is driving a shift in fleet operators needing to consider the benefits of incorporating electric into the fleet operations.”

Download the Operational Fleet Insight Report 2021, jointly commissioned by the AA and Rivus Fleet Solutions through research and strategy consultancy Yonder.   

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