Companies shift from ambition to action in fleet strategies, Arval Barometer finds

Businesses worldwide are moving decisively from planning to execution across electrification, cost control and workforce mobility, according to the latest Global Fleet and Mobility Barometer 2026 published by Arval.

The study, conducted by the Arval Mobility Observatory and based on more than 10,000 interviews with fleet decision-makers across 33 countries, highlights a turning point for the sector as organisations adopt a more pragmatic and operationally focused approach to mobility.

Electrification moves into delivery phase

Electrification remains central to corporate fleet strategies, but the report shows a clear shift from ambition to implementation. Two-thirds (66%) of companies now view alternative energy as a strategic priority, while nearly half (46%) already operate electrified vehicles.

Europe continues to lead adoption, with 57% of organisations already using electric vehicles, and globally 66% of companies either use or plan to deploy EVs within the next three years. Businesses expect electrified fleets to grow steadily, targeting a mix of battery electric, plug-in hybrid and hybrid vehicles over the medium term.

However, practical challenges are becoming more prominent. A lack of charging infrastructure remains the biggest barrier, cited by around two-thirds of respondents, alongside higher upfront costs and limited vehicle availability.

In response, companies are developing more structured charging strategies. Over half are investing in on-site charging, while many are leveraging public networks or introducing home-charging options, signalling a more mature and multi-layered approach to electrification.

Cost control and data take priority

As fleets become more complex, managing Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) has emerged as a top concern. Nearly one-third of companies rank it among their biggest challenges, with even higher concern levels in North America and Asia-Pacific.

To address this, organisations are increasingly adopting advanced digital tools, including predictive maintenance systems, automated monitoring and real-time data platforms. These technologies provide greater visibility over vehicles, drivers and routes, helping businesses optimise performance and control costs.

The report suggests companies are moving beyond standalone tools toward integrated digital ecosystems that combine cost analysis, sustainability tracking and operational insights – marking a significant evolution in fleet management capabilities.

Employee mobility becomes strategic

The Barometer also points to a rapid expansion in employee mobility solutions, with 94% of organisations now offering or planning at least one initiative.

Companies are increasingly linking mobility to HR and sustainability goals, with 43% citing talent attraction, employee wellbeing and hybrid working as key drivers. Popular options include car-sharing and car-pooling schemes, mobility budgets, salary-sacrifice programmes and reimbursement for personal or public transport use.

This diversification reflects a broader shift, with mobility now viewed as a strategic tool to balance operational efficiency, environmental targets and workforce expectations.

A more pragmatic industry phase

Compared with 2025, when companies focused heavily on setting ambitious targets, the 2026 findings reveal a more grounded phase for the industry. Organisations are now balancing environmental commitments with cost pressures, infrastructure limitations and regulatory requirements.

“Companies have moved beyond defining ambitions. We observe a marked shift toward pragmatism, with organisations carefully balancing environmental goals with cost discipline, infrastructure constraints and the need for smarter digital tools.”

“Its fast‑advancing electrification and strong digital uptake enrich the established maturity of Europe and North America. Together, these perspectives reveal a universal shift from ambition to execution – though the pace and conditions vary widely across markets.”