Lack of EV charging facilities an issue for fleets, says new BP research

A new report from BP, polling fleet decision makers across the UK, reveals that only half have electric vehicles in their fleet currently (52%).

However, 56% would be persuaded to switch if they could have greater confidence in the accessibility of the UK’s charging infrastructure, proving that range anxiety is still an obstacle within the industry.

The research - 250 UK fleet managers were polled in 2020 - goes on to reveal that more than a quarter (27%) haven’t adopted EVs because they believe they cannot afford the up-front cost of switching all vehicles to EV. A further 25% stated concern that EV models do not do enough miles in one charge, while 24% said they don’t have time to charge while on the road.

The new research marks the publication of BP’s ’Future of Fleet’ report, in partnership with the Electric Vehicle Centre of Excellence at Cardiff University, which explores the challenges currently being faced when it comes to the adoption of EVs, and what decision makers feel will be the biggest challenges for their fleet in the coming months and years.

Despite the research suggesting hesitations within the industry, BP’s report also looks closely at the advances being made to help fleets evolve and embrace the changes that come with a net-zero ambition.

BP pulse is developing the largest UK charging network of ultra-fast chargers, with an aim of installing 700 by 2025, and 1,400 by 2030. It currently operates more than 500 rapid chargers nationwide.

Matteo de Renzi, CEO of BP pulse says: “We want to ensure that our fleet customers are able to transition to net-zero emissions, which means having the confidence to drive to wherever they need to, whenever they need to.”

Adrian Brabrazon, UK Fleet sales manager, comments: “It is clear from our research that fleet managers are keen to make the transition to electric vehicles for all the right reasons. However, it also reveals that many of them are held back by a lack of confidence in the suitability of current EV models, the upfront investment required and limited information around electric vehicles and charging infrastructure.”

“Following the global pandemic, we know that behaviours change, consumers adapt, and businesses evolve faster than we had ever anticipated,” said Brabazon. “Now is the time to embrace a change for the better – specifically with a switch to electric vehicles. The launch of our innovative Fuel and Charge card and app offers a one-card solution for fleet vehicles, helping to support fleet managers and drivers through the impending changes.”