What do fleet managers say?
What the LEXperts say
Fleet managers are discovering that EVs work – for their business outcomes and for their drivers. Here's what real decision-makers have learned from making the switch.
Aligning with green policies
For many fleet managers, reducing the CO₂ profile of their vehicles is no longer a nice-to-have, it’s a strategic priority. Whether driven by internal sustainability goals or regulatory pressures, more organisations are actively rethinking how their fleets operate. At Energy provider E.ON (PDF, 290KB), electrifying the fleet aligned perfectly with the company’s sustainability values and gave employees a way to contribute directly.
“It’s only right that we continue to enable our employees to make a direct personal contribution to cleaner air,” said Chris Norbury, E.ON’s Chief People Officer. The company is on track to operate a fully electric fleet by the end of 2025.
For the University of Birmingham, (PDF, 332KB) data made the case. After finding that 90% of their vehicles travelled fewer than 5,000 miles a year – mostly on short, urban routes – they added 28 EVs to support the city’s Clean Air Zone.
Challenges like charging access or range planning can still arise, especially early on, but partnering with the right leasing company can help fill the information gap. Steve Openshaw, Group Fleet Manager with Eric Wright says: “It can be overwhelming, so you need to have trusted sources like a leasing company that help you work towards a clear vision. Tapping into the right expertise gives you the figures you need to prove that your approach is tried and tested.”
Will my drivers accept an EV?
Certainly, switching to EVs can feel like a leap for drivers used to petrol or diesel vehicles. The real turning point often comes when they get behind the wheel. EVs offer a quieter, smoother ride, instant acceleration, and far less hassle – no petrol stations, less downtime, and fewer mechanical issues. Combined with simple charging solutions at home, work, or via EV charge cards, and most drivers quickly discover they don’t want to go back.
It’s financially advantageous too. EVs will maintain a significant tax advantage over petrol and diesel alternatives through 2025 and beyond. Even with the planned increases, by 2029/30, EV Benefit-in-Kind rates will only reach 9%, still substantially lower than rates for most conventional vehicles.
There is value in informing your drivers of these benefits and equipping them with hands-on support. Training on efficient driving, charging know-how, and route planning goes a long way. Empowering your team helps eliminate range anxiety and puts drivers in control of their experience.