Fleet operators will need to develop new skills in matching fuel types to specific business needs as the market moves away from a diesel-dominated ‘one size fits all’ approach.

Fleets will need to be able to distinguish the merits of different fuel types and even different models

So says Arval as it warns that fleet decision-makers are now facing a new world where they need to become proficient in matching fuel types to specific needs.

Head of consulting Shaun Sadlier explained: “The dominance of diesel is coming to an end. We are in a situation where the fleet of the very near future is likely to consist of a wide fuel mix to meet specific driver and business needs.

“This places the fleet decision-maker in a situation where they need to be able to look at established fuel types such as petrol and diesel alongside newer technologies like hybrids and electric vehicles, and be able to make a credible decision about which works for which driver in which application.

“Making these calls and constructing appropriate choice lists is not always easy and, for many, there will be quite a steep learning curve as they get to grips with a changing fleet fuels scenario. That is why we introduced our SMaRT methodology. The will is definitely there to move to greener vehicles but businesses need help with this transition.”

Sadlier said that with the choice of ultra-low emission vehicles growing all the time, fleets would need to be able to identify the advantages of specific models – including those on the  horizon as well as currently available vehicles – and said that Arval was spending more time working alongside fleet decision-makers to help them make the choices which meet their current needs, but which are also fit for the future.