UK fleets lagging behind in EV adoption, Alphabet study reveals

A new study by business mobility provider Alphabet (GB) has revealed that the UK is facing a significant uphill battle in transitioning its vehicle fleets to electric. The findings, released ahead of Net Zero Week (5–11 July), show that nearly a third (30%) of UK fleets operate with 25% or fewer electric vehicles (EVs), and 11% have yet to integrate a single EV into their operations.

The research, conducted in April 2025, highlights sectoral and regional divides in EV adoption. While delivery services and retailers are leading the shift with between 25% and 75% of their fleets electrified, many other sectors remain stuck at the starting line.

Adding to concerns, 30% of fleet managers surveyed believe it could take up to a decade for mandatory fleet emissions reporting to result in meaningful carbon reductions in the automotive sector. Optimism also varies widely by region. Managers in London (72.9%) and the East Midlands (70%) are the most confident that tighter regulations will drive change, whereas those in the Southwest (25%) and Southeast (23.8%) are far less hopeful.

Caroline Sandall Mansergh, Consultancy and Channel Development Manager at Alphabet (GB), said: “Our latest findings highlight the real challenges facing fleet managers today, as they navigate the transition to electrification.

“While some sectors are leading the way, there is still a huge amount of work needed to support other companies, and their drivers, to reduce their vehicle emissions.

“The need for clear, actionable strategies to transition to greener fleets must take priority if we are to reduce UK vehicle carbon emissions in a timely and effective manner,” she added.

Alphabet (GB) has recently launched Carbon Manager, a web-based platform designed to support businesses in managing the sustainability of their vehicle fleets. The tool provides an end-to-end solution for tracking, planning, and executing net zero strategies across fleet operations.

The study serves as a call to action for policymakers and businesses alike, underscoring the complexity and urgency of transitioning UK transport to low-emission alternatives. Alphabet’s full research findings will be published in July in a white paper titled “Emissions Reporting: The Biggest Challenge Facing Fleet Decision-Makers in 2025.”

Key findings at a glance:

30% of UK fleets operate with 25% or fewer EVs
11% have no EVs at all
Delivery and retail sectors lead in EV integration
30% of fleet managers believe emissions reporting will take up to 10 years to drive reductions
Regional optimism for regulatory impact varies widely

The research surveyed 202 fleet decision-makers between 11–17 April 2025.