A new white paper now out from Allstar could help fleets transition to electric cars more smoothly while reaping the cost and eco benefits.
The UK continues to hit new milestones on EV model choice, technology, take-up and charging deployment, but challenges remain on the path to the 2030 ICE phase-out.
Allstar’s How to Manage Electric Vehicles in a Company Car Fleet white paper is designed to help fleets navigate the transition, providing clear guidance on policies and systems for EV charging, while optimising costs and productivity.
The UK is making significant progress toward a greener future, supported by a robust commitment to electrification. Allstar’s paper reveals that by the end of 2024, over 125 different battery electric vehicle (BEV) models were available, a 38% increase from the previous year, reflecting the growing consumer and corporate demand for cleaner alternatives.
Additionally, public charging infrastructure has seen remarkable growth, with almost 75,000 charge points now installed nationwide, including a significant proportion of rapid and ultra-rapid chargers. As a result, EV adoption and integration is increasingly accessible and convenient. Similarly, batteries in modern EVs often exceed their warranty lifespans, while charging networks and renewable energy capacity are growing in tandem with demand, ensuring the UK’s grid can support widespread electrification.
While such milestones demonstrate “goliath” advancements, according to Allstar, challenges remain with perceptions around charging capacity, battery longevity and electricity grid reliability Despite this, businesses must start to make critical decisions about how to manage the transition effectively as the 2030 petrol and diesel phase-out deadline is now just five years away.
Areas under focus in the report include:
- Taxation Benefits – including attractive company car tax incentives for EV adoption.
- Charging Cost Management: Charging an EV can cost as little as 1p per kWh during off-peak hours at home, compared to up to £1.10 per kWh at ultra-rapid public chargers.
- Maintenance Savings: EVs typically require 50% less in service, maintenance, and repair (SMR) costs compared to internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. EV powertrains have fewer moving parts, reducing the risk of breakdowns.
- Revised Management Processes: New payment systems are required to track charging costs and manage reimbursements efficiently. Fleet management systems must adapt to provide actionable data for public and home charging.
- Vehicle Leasing and Residual Values: Leasing can offset unpredictable residual values in the evolving EV market. Long-term planning for resale values is critical for outright purchases.
The white paper also provides actionable insights for fleet managers and decision-makers to transition successfully to EVs, including:
Assess Fleet Operations: Businesses should evaluate their current fleet usage, operational costs and potential savings through EV adoption. Identifying suitable vehicle types and drivers is critical to ensuring a smooth transition.
Enhance Driver Education: Training employees on EV-specific practices, such as maximising range through regenerative braking and using preconditioning features, ensures a positive user experience and optimal performance.
Optimise Charging Strategies: Develop policies for home and public charging reimbursement, emphasising cost-effective solutions such as smart tariffs and overnight charging. Ensuring drivers can utilise downtime effectively while charging can also enhance productivity.
Leverage Tax Advantages: Salary sacrifice schemes, 100% first-year allowances for qualifying vehicles, and reduced Class 1 National Insurance contributions offer businesses substantial cost savings.
Paul Holland, managing director for UK/ ANZ fleet at Allstar parent firm Corpay, said: “The 2030 phase-out of petrol and diesel-only vehicles is a critical turning point for UK fleets. Businesses must act now to position themselves for success in a new era of transportation, and the starting point is equipping themselves with insights and information on how to do this effectively and with minimal disruption.”
He added: “Our goal is to ensure that businesses not only manage this transformation but also see it as a strategic advantage. With the right plans and support, electrification is no longer a challenge, but an opportunity to lead the way in smarter, more sustainable operations.”
Allstar’s full white paper to help businesses manage EVs in their company car fleets is online here.
