U.K. Fleets Operated More Hybrids & EVs in 2020

Approximately 14% of cars and vans operated by fleets in the United Kingdom are now either hybrid or battery electric vehicles, according to data from U.K-based fleet vehicle management technology company Epyx.

The figure was derived from the company’s 1link Service Network platform, which is used by fleets totalling four million vehicles to buy and manage service, maintenance and repair from nearly 9,000 franchise dealers, independent garages and fast-fits, Epyx said. The 14% figure covers a six month period from April 2020 to September 2020 and compared to 5% between April 2019 to September 2019.

“It shows that roughly one in seven cars and vans now operated by U.K. companies is either a hybrid or full electric vehicle, which illustrates how they are becoming an everyday part of transport for businesses,” said Debbie Fox, commercial director, Epyx. “We plan to run the same reports every six months and it’ll be fascinating to see where we are in March 2021.”

Debbie added that Epyx was, in common with much of the rest of the fleet sector, developing its understanding about service, maintenance and repair for hybrid and battery electric vehicles.

“The government’s recent announcement regarding banning the sale of petrol and diesel cars from 2030 has created an immoveable target date for all fleets to get up to speed in this important area, and one that is rapidly approaching,” she said. “What this means is that everyone is learning about the real world operation of these vehicles in real time, which is both exciting and challenging. We are increasing our knowledge quite quickly but very few fleet EVs have yet gone through a single replacement cycle, so there remains quite a lot to learn.”