ESG benefits of EVs for your fleet
What the LEXperts say
Fleet managers are increasingly realising how EVs are a simple and effective way to fast track their corporate social responsibility policies. For our part, Lex Autolease considers the whole life impact of an EV’s emissions, providing a more accurate comparison with petrol vehicles.
Figure 1.
Data sourced from the IEA EV Life Cycle Assessment Calculator. Assumptions include an average daily driving distance of 69 miles and a vehicle lifespan of 13 years, with emissions calculated for production, fuel cycle, use stages. Figures are estimates and may vary based on actual usage and regional factors.
EVs have far fewer components so need less maintenance than petrol vehicles. Plus, regular advances in battery technology have made EVs safer, more robust, and more affordable to produce.
This could make EVs a better choice for your sustainability aims. Figure 1 shows the whole lifecycle carbon cost comparison of an EV versus a petrol vehicle. From sourcing the raw materials, through manufacture, use, and finally disposal, it highlights the overall environmental benefits of EVs.
Using renewable energy sources to charge EVs has a considerable impact on reducing lifecycle emissions. This approach not only minimises the carbon footprint of a fleet, but supports the broader adoption of clean energy technologies, further enhancing their environmental benefits.
EVs are improving ESG compliance
Organisations are under increasing pressure to make their business operations more sustainable and reduce their carbon footprint. Starting in 2024, the UK’s ZEV mandate requires a percentage of all new vehicles sold by each manufacturer to produce zero tailpipe emissions. For cars, this started in 2024 with a percentage of 22% which ramps up year on year, rising to 80% by 2030. Electric vans are also covered and started in 2024 at 10% and must reach 70% by 2030.
Choosing EVs as part of a sustainably managed fleet aligns with the ZEV mandate and contributes to cleaner air, fostering a healthier community. Indeed, we have seen how London’s ultra-low-emission zone has supported reductions in long-term health problems.
EV’s progressive technology is a highly effective way for organisations to improve their ESG compliance through fleet management and meet the UK government’s 2035 zero-emission target.
Article published February 2025