Van fleets are increasingly outsourcing their zero-emission strategies, turning to leasing companies and third-party consultants to solve deepening operational bottlenecks in their electric vehicle transitions. New data from
Van fleets are increasingly outsourcing their zero-emission strategies, turning to leasing companies and third-party consultants to solve deepening operational bottlenecks in their electric vehicle transitions.
New data from the 2026 Arval Mobility Observatory Barometer reveals that 88% of fleet operators now rely on external supplier expertise to manage their shift to electric light commercial vehicles (eLCVs) – up by 14 percentage points since last year.
John Peters, head of Arval Mobility Observatory in the UK, said van fleets are finding electrification a very real challenge.
“From our experience, the ease with which fleets transition varies widely. A business that carries light loads, delivers locally and has easy access to charging is likely to encounter few problems. One that relies on its vans to cover hundreds of miles every day, with a full payload, and uses mainly highway charging, will face more operational hurdles.
“External expertise can be invaluable in tackling these challenges and, like other suppliers, we have worked with many fleets on successful electrification projects, gathering a wealth of best practice ideas and transition processes. These can be applied whether you are dipping your toe into the water with your first few electric vans or want to completely electrify.”
The Arval Mobility Observatory Barometer also asked van fleets about the factors driving their decision to go electric in 2026.
The data reveals that electrification is being heavily accelerated by compliance demands.
Driving in Low Emission Zones remains the top priority, cited by 32%.
Peters continued: “Many operators in cities are concerned about future clean air restrictions. Electric vans are likely to offer unrestricted access, whatever regulations are introduced.”
Fuel costs are close behind though. Almost a third (29%) of fleets said they were turning to eLCVS to reduce fuel expenses – a big jump from 2025’s 20%.
“This suggests operators are using low-cost methods of charging, such as depot and home charging, to cut their day-to-day expenditure on fuel.
“Certainly, compared to diesel at the pumps, these charging options are decidedly cheap and represent a key operational benefit of electric vans,” Peters added.
Enhancing company image (25%) and meeting Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) policies (24%) have also risen sharply as key motivators for van electrification.
Peters said: “Especially among larger fleets, environmental policies are a driver of electric van adoption, and this is a trend that is probably going to increase in the future.”
| 2026 | 2026 | |
| Percentage declaring “Important” | 88% | 74% |
| To drive in low emissions zones | 32% |
| To reduce fuel expenses | 29% |
| To improve company image | 25% |
| Because of tax benefits | 24% |
| To be compliant with CSR policies | 24% |
| To fulfil employee requests | 23% |
| Lower environmental impact | 23% |
