Image: Eurelectric
Corporate fleet electrification could unlock nearly US$250 billion in operating-cost savings by 2030, according to a new report from consulting firm EY and European electricity industry group Eurelectric.
The report, Fleet Forward: Powering the Transition to Electric Mobility, finds that switching corporate fleets to battery electric vehicles could also cut up to one billion tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions during the same period.
For automakers and dealers, fleets represent a critical part of the vehicle market. In Europe, about six out of 10 new vehicles are sold to fleet owners, meaning corporate buying decisions can strongly influence vehicle demand and technology adoption.
That dynamic could have implications for Canadian dealerships as well, particularly those with commercial sales operations. Businesses such as delivery companies, contractors and service fleets often replace vehicles frequently and log high mileage, making them more sensitive to operating costs than typical retail buyers.
The EY-Eurelectric report said electric vehicles already offer lower operating costs per kilometre than internal combustion models, particularly when fleets charge vehicles at depots or employee homes rather than relying heavily on public charging networks.
However, the study warns that several structural barriers are slowing fleet electrification. Higher upfront vehicle prices, uncertainty around residual values and inconsistent policy incentives continue to complicate fleet purchasing decisions.
Infrastructure is another challenge. Delays connecting charging infrastructure to electrical grids and limited charging availability in some regions can discourage companies from transitioning their fleets.
As businesses evaluate operating costs and emissions targets, dealers may see increased interest in electric vans, trucks and commercial vehicles — particularly from companies looking to lower long-term operating expenses.
