The most popular reason given by fleets for adopting EVs is to lower their environmental impact, according to new research by Arval.
The leasing company said that 32% of fleets surveyed named the environment as a reason for electrification.
Reducing fuel expenses was the second most common reason named, at 31%, ahead of improving company image and fulfilling employee requests, both on 30%.
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Other reasons given for fleet electrification were tax benefits (cited by 28% of fleets surveyed), low emission zones (24%), company CSR policy (20%) and total cost of ownership (17%).
The findings come from Arval’s 2026 Mobility Observatory Barometer research, which surveyed more than 300 UK fleet decision-makers.
John Peters, head of the Arval Mobility Observatory in the UK, said: “Environmental impact was also the top response when this question was asked last year. The key reason for electrification is obviously for transport to play its part in carbon dioxide emissions reduction and our results show fleets remain keenly mindful of that fact.
“It’s also notable that fuel costs are so prominent in the research. This has clearly become a much more urgent issue in recent months and fleets are increasingly aware of the day-to-day savings possible through EV adoption compared to petrol and diesel.”
Employee demand for EVs rising
Compared with last year’s Mobility Observatory Barometer research, the reason for electrification with the biggest increase in citation was fulfilling employee requests, up by 10%. Improving company image was up by 6%, and reducing tax was up by 5%.
Peters said that all the reasons given were reflective of growing awareness among fleets and drivers of the advantages of electrification.
He said: “These vehicles offer lower tax, can be used in a wider range of urban areas, and project a positive image of your organisation to customers.
“It’s especially interesting that there has been such a sharp rise in employee interest. There is quite a lot of both formal research and informal feedback that few drivers who switch to EVs would want to go back to petrol or diesel, and this is perhaps evidence that message is spreading.”
