More than half of UK fleet operators think the government will not go ahead with their planned ban on fossil fuels, according to Teletrac Navman’s annual industry survey.

The poll also found that two-thirds of global fleets are now operating battery-electric vehicles, fuel-cell electric vehicles or plug-in hybrid electric vehicles; however, transitioning to zero or low-emission variants was still presenting challenges with emerging technologies, high vehicle costs and limited charging points.

The businesses surveyed, which Teletrac said ran a mix of vehicle types and operated in transport, construction, service and government sectors and had fleets of at least 25 vehicles, added that driver wellbeing and safety tech would be their top investments in 2024.

More than half of fleets (65%) are now feeling environmental pressure to transition to alternative energy, although they were also experiencing a lack of awareness and access to readily available, trustworthy guidance.

“Fleets of all sizes and scales are already planning and navigating their transition, but we know there simply isn’t enough credible information out there to help simplify what is a complex move for any business,” said Alain Samaha, global president and chief executive of Teletrac Navman.

“Alternative energy is still such a new concept for many fleet operators and the process of switching can feel overwhelming.”

Ongoing cost pressures was cited by 72% of respondents as a reason for delaying their transition and 56% said the government would back down on its planned zero emission mandates.

“The last 12 months have come with their own set of challenges for fleets, and rising insurance and fuel costs have been a leading concern for operators globally,” added Samaha. “This in turn has led to an even higher emphasis on safety, prompting operators to prioritise safe processes and behaviour to manage costs effectively as well as look after staff wellbeing.”

The survey results can be found here

Topics