The company's data shows that 21% of businesses believe electric vehicles are not yet practical for the distance of travel required for business mileage and 14% of businesses are concerned that employees will be unsure of how or where to charge them. Of those businesses more open to potential change, 42% claimed they would only allow employees to use electric vehicles for local journeys.

"Range anxiety" appears to be one of the strongest reasons why UK businesses remain hesitant about embracing the potential for electric vehicles. However, companies should not dismiss the use of EVs without giving consideration to the profile of their business journeys, says Enterprise. According to its own data, a large proportion of business journeys are actually far less than the anticipated 120-mile charge of electric vehicles suggesting that, in some cases, they may be appropriate to use as part of a broader integrated transport solution.

Rob Ingram, director of business rental, UK and Ireland at Enterprise Rent-A-Car, commented: 'This research suggests that, while alternative technology may be advancing, businesses adaptation to change is being hindered by a lack of clarity and understanding surrounding the potential for electric vehicles and business use.

'The challenge, therefore, is one of changing perceptions and it is important that manufacturers and organisations help businesses understand the opportunities for electric vehicles within their own travel policies.

'Most businesses require a selection of travel solutions and once they take the time to consider their requirements some may see that, as part of a broader transport policy, electric vehicles could have a role to play alongside other, more traditional, forms of transport.'