Low emission zones drive EV switch
The increase of low emission zones is driving more fleets to adopt electric vehicles, according to new research.
The 2025 Arval Mobility Observatory Barometer found that 32% of fleets said the need to drive in low emission zones was the main reason for going electric.
This is up from 23% last year.
John Peters, head of Arval Mobility Observatory in the UK, said: “This is a marked rise and suggests an increasing number of operators, especially those who work in urban areas, are concerned about future clean air legislation and their ability to access those locations with diesel vehicles.
“Simply, electric vans provide the means to go anywhere within the likely scope of any potential legislation. They futureproof your fleet in this respect.”
Other factors
Other factors mentioned included lowering environmental impact (30%), getting tax benefits (28%), total cost of ownership compared to ICE alternatives (27%), meeting employee requests (23%), reducing fuel expenses (20%), preparing for future public notices (18%), improving the company image (16%) and compliance with corporate social responsibility policies (16%).
Peters said: “This probably indicates a maturing of operator attitudes towards operating electric and other alternative energy vans. There is a greater understanding of their operational advantages and a general sense of stabilisation.
“The data does suggest that operators believe alternative energy van costs have risen overall in comparison to diesel, however.”
