Fleets are being stalled in their work to switch to electric vehicles due to lack of confidence in the deadline for the ICE ban alongside other barriers to electrification.

One third (33%) of fleets have stopped preparing for the Government’s ban on ICE vehicles as they don’t have confidence in the deadline

Research by LeasePlan Uk has found that although the majority (82%) of UK fleet managers are interested in having an EV fleet, one third (33%) have stopped preparing for the Government’s ban on ICE vehicles as they don’t have confidence in the deadline.

The study of 502 fleet managers revealed additional perceived barriers to fleet electrification standing in their way.

Half (49%) think the process of switching to EVs is very time-intensive, over a third (34%) are concerned about a lack of charging points nearby, and three in 10 (30%) are put off by the high price of electric vehicles.

The study also revealed that a further key issue is the lack of flexibility that fleet managers have in their current ICE vehicle lease contracts, with more than a fifth (21%) citing their inability to switch as a barrier to adoption. Given the current ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and considering over half (53%) of fleet managers stated that their fleet would increase in the next 12 months, the majority (81%) think having a flexible fleet vehicle leasing option would help their organisation to handle unpredictable changes.

Chris Black, commercial director at LeasePlan UK, said: “Introducing flexibility to fleets is now more important than ever, given the impact of the pandemic over the past nine months. Fleet managers need increased support as they face sustainability demands and start their journey to electrification. That’s why we’re offering a range of flexible product propositions, that enable customers with varying fleet sizes and vehicle types the opportunity to benefit from a more flexible approach to fleet management.”

To tackle the flexibility issue and give fleet managers greater confidence and assurance in their decision making, LeasePlan UK is offering support through its existing LeasePlan Flexible product, as well as two new products: EV Switch and LeasePlan Confident.

LeasePlan Flexible allows customers to hire vehicles for an indefinite period (between three months and two years) to allow temporary management of fluctuations in fleet size without long-term commitments; EV Switch enables commercial vehicle customers to take a lease for three years or more, but with the opportunity to switch out after 24 months with no early termination penalty if replacement EVs are ordered for lease; and LeasePlan Confident, available to SME and Small Corporate customers, enables the ordering of lease vehicles with confidence of early termination due to life-changing events.

Black continued: “We understand that the pandemic has put an unprecedented strain on fleets of all sizes and that more flexible leasing options, with the ability to make changes when necessary, would give fleet managers peace of mind. Our new offerings provide a safety net for our clients, which will help to protect them from unexpected events while giving them the confidence they need to make bolder decisions for the future.”