Nearly a third of UK fleets languishing behind with EV adoption

Nearly a third of UK fleets have 25% or fewer electric vehicles (EVs) in operation, and 11% have yet to introduce any EVs at all, according to new data from Alphabet.

This is the third set of results from research commissioned by Alphabet, released in the run-up to Net Zero Week (July 5-11).

The data is based on the opinions of just over 200 fleet managers.

While delivery services and retailers are leading the charge when it comes to having 25-50% and 50-75%, respectively, of their fleet that is electric, many other sectors continue to fall behind in EV adoption.

Notably, almost a third (30%) of UK fleet managers believe it will take up to 10 years for mandatory fleet emissions reporting to lead to a reduction in carbon emissions in the automotive sector. 

Regional disparity with fleet EV adoption

The regional disparity is also clear; fleet managers across all sectors in London (72.9%) and the East Midlands (70%) are the most optimistic that tighter legislation will bring about the change(s) needed.

But those in the southwest and southeast of England are the least optimistic, at 25% and 23.8% respectively.

Caroline Sandall Mansergh, consultancy and channel development manager at Alphabet (GB), said: “Our latest findings highlight the real challenges facing fleet managers today, as they navigate the transition to electrification.

"While some sectors are leading the way, there is still a huge amount of work needed to support other companies, and their drivers, to reduce their vehicle emissions.

“The need for clear, actionable strategies to transition to greener fleets must take priority if we are to reduce UK vehicle carbon emissions in a timely and effective manner."