Understanding EV infrastructure developments is key to a smooth transition to electric vehicles. We recognise the complexities involved in adapting to new charging infrastructure, so we've compiled the latest trends in EV charging technology and infrastructure. Our comprehensive guide provides insights to support your fleet's electrification strategy.
The Labour government's commitment to the 2030 ban on new petrol and diesel vehicles marks a decisive moment for UK fleet managers. This policy clarity has already gained significant industry support, with more than two-thirds of car manufacturers in the UK committing to fully electric production by 2030. For an industry that employs over 152,000 people and contributes £19 billion to our economy, this transition represents both a challenge and an unprecedented opportunity for growth.
Under the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate, organisations must navigate ambitious targets while maintaining operational efficiency. With manufacturers facing potential penalties of £15,000 per non-compliant car, fleet managers need to balance immediate operational needs with long-term compliance strategies. This transition is particularly crucial for the van sector, where electric vehicle adoption currently stands at around 5%, highlighting the scale of change required.
While the government has made significant strides in infrastructure development, with over 74,611 public charging points now available across the UK, fleet managers still face crucial questions that research alone cannot answer:
- How will electric vehicles perform under specific operational conditions?
- What are the real-world charging infrastructure requirements for different fleet profiles?
- How will this transition impact operational costs and efficiency across various business models?
These practical considerations are compounded by the expanding network of Clean Air Zones and the need for strategic infrastructure investment.
Fleet managers currently face a significant information gap when it comes to real-world EV performance in their specific operations.
Questions about range capabilities in winter conditions, payload impact on battery life, and actual charging patterns can only be answered through practical experience - creating a challenging environment for long-term investment decisions.
Government Support
The government's ongoing commitment to accelerating EV adoption has been further strengthened by a January 2025 announcement of a £65 million investment in electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure.
This funding, focused on enhancing on-street charging access through provider Connected Kerb, will address a key challenge for EV adoption—charging availability.
Coupled with the expanding charging network and growing commitments from manufacturers, the landscape is becoming more conducive to fleet transition.
Industry consultation continues to shape future policies, with the government actively seeking feedback on implementation strategies and support measures.
This collaborative approach will help ensure the transition works for all stakeholders while maintaining the UK's leadership in automotive innovation.
Practical Considerations
As fleet managers prepare for electrification, several practical considerations must be considered:
- The need for updated training for electric van drivers, focusing on energy-efficient driving techniques
- Calculating Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), including charging costs, VAT implications, and government incentives
- Enabling simple integration with existing fleet management systems
- Assessing the impact on operational efficiency, service delivery, and business model changes
These considerations highlight the necessity of a strategic, data-driven approach to fleet electrification. Simply adopting EVs without a clear plan can lead to inefficiencies, unexpected costs, and disruptions.
A Flexible Approach to Fleet Electrification
While industry data from January 2025 shows EVs hold a 21.3% market share of all new cars registered this year, the transition poses unique challenges for each organisation. Fleet managers are increasingly choosing flexible approaches that combine traditional solutions with risk-free testing strategies.
Fleetondemand’s EV Plus service offers a complementary solution that enables businesses to trial electric vehicles alongside their existing fleet operations. This allows organisations to experience the benefits of EVs without locking themselves into long-term contracts.
The service is designed to address the key challenges of vehicle performance, charging infrastructure, and operational impact, by providing the data needed to make informed decisions.
Trial Periods
The complexity of EV adoption is reflected in current market dynamics, where traditional manufacturers show varying levels of readiness for the transition.
Recent analysis from Rho Motion indicates that while most major manufacturers should attain the 2024 minimum compliance level of 6% EV sales, only three traditional car manufacturers are expected to meet the full 22% target.
This demonstrates the importance of gathering practical operational data before making significant fleet investments.
Through extended trial periods, organisations can:
- Evaluate vehicle performance across different operational scenarios
- Assess charging infrastructure requirements based on actual usage
- Monitor driver adaptation and operational impacts
- Calculate accurate costs based on real-world conditions
This trial approach provides fleet managers with the insights necessary to develop an electrification strategy that aligns with their business needs and operational requirements.
Data-Driven Decisions
A standout benefit of EV Plus is its ability to support data-driven decision making. By trialling EVs in real-world operational scenarios, businesses can gather critical data on key factors such as range performance, charging times, and total cost of operation. This data empowers fleet managers to make more informed decisions about their electrification strategies, helping to optimise both cost-effectiveness and operational efficiency.
Through EV Plus, organisations can:
- Collect real-world data on vehicle range under different driving conditions
- Monitor charging patterns to assess infrastructure needs
- Accurately calculate total cost of ownership, factoring in charging costs and maintenance
- Use insights to refine fleet strategy and align with long-term business goals
This ability to make data-backed decisions ensures that businesses can plan their EV adoption with confidence, knowing their strategy is grounded in real-world performance data.
Scale Your Fleet
Another key benefit of EV Plus is its inherent flexibility, which allows businesses to adapt their fleet as their needs fluctuate. As fleet requirements can change over time—whether due to seasonality, shifts in business priorities, or changes in operational strategy—EV Plus offers the ability to scale and adjust without the long-term commitment or financial burden of traditional fleet ownership.
This flexibility is particularly valuable in a time of such rapid industry change, where new technologies and new market entrants are growing at a fast rate.
Through EV Plus, organisations can:
- Easily adjust the size of their electric fleet based on business requirements and budget
- Test various makes and models to determine the best fit for their operations
- Switch vehicles with minimal notice, ensuring operational needs are always met
- Take advantage of a broad selection of vehicles, ensuring compatibility with diverse operational demands
This scalability ensures that businesses can remain agile as they transition to electric vehicles, making EV Plus an ideal solution for companies looking to stay ahead of the curve in an increasingly electrified market.
Take the Next Step with EV Plus
EV Plus from Fleetondemand offers a practical starting point for organisations beginning their electrification journey. The service combines competitive rates with unmatched flexibility, featuring:
- 90+ day rental periods with no long-term commitment
- Specific make and model selection to match operational needs
- No upfront costs with monthly payments in arrears
- One week's notice for vehicle changes after the initial period
- Free nationwide delivery and collection
- Comprehensive maintenance and breakdown coverage
- Generous 25,000-mile annual allowance
This flexible approach allows organisations to build confidence in EV technology while gathering the data needed for strategic planning. By providing a low-risk pathway to EV adoption, EV Plus helps fleet managers navigate the challenges of electrification whilst maintaining operational efficiency and controlling costs.
