Top electric vehicle consideration for fleets is ‘speed of charging’

When choosing an electric vehicles (EV), speed of charging is the top factor for fleets, according to research from the new Arval Mobility Observatory Barometer.

It found that more than two-thirds (69%) name this consideration compared to efficiency (measured in miles per kilowatt hour) at 66% and range at 60%.

John Peters, head of Arval Mobility Observatory in the UK, said that the results reflected an increased understanding of EVs among fleet operators.

“Speed of charging was our top response to this question last year and has maintained a similar level of importance in 2025, falling only 1% to 69%,” he said.

“The ability to charge quickly remains useful, especially for drivers without their own charging and those who are covering higher miles.” 

Surprisingly, there has been a reduction in interest in fleet efficiency, falling from almost three-quarters (72%) last year.

“We might have expected a rise here,” continued Peters. “The price of electricity has increased in recent years and there is now awareness that the efficiency of apparently similar EVs can differ widely and have a very real impact on fuel costs. 

“Lastly, it’s perhaps less notable that range is now less of an issue, falling from 69% in our 2024 research.

“It is now common for EVs to have a range of 250-300 miles, effectively providing a full day of driving. As a result, for fleet drivers, there is much less emphasis on managing range as they travel.”

Overall, the Arval Mobility Observatory Barometer data shows fleet managers becoming more experienced in choosing the EVs and assessing which factors are most important for their charging needs.

“To some extent, the notable point in this research is not that necessarily the order of these charging considerations but the fact they all are lower than when we asked the same question last year, even if sometimes only by a small amount,” said Peters.

“Arguably, the main takeaway here is a decreased level of concern about all three metrics and this is simply because, we believe, operating EVs is becoming normal for businesses.

“Fleet managers are less stressed about the technology thanks to operational experience that shows it works in most applications.”

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