There's a significant opportunity for the U.K. to spearhead the electrification of commercial and public sector fleets—a crucial step in tackling climate change and reaching net-zero goals. Although overlooked, with passenger cars dominating much of the conversation around electrification, approximately 40% of all road emissions are generated by commercial fleets (i.e., shipping and road freight vehicles). This is where the opportunity lies in getting to the sustainable future we’ve been promised. 

However, today, there are significant barriers to progress that sit within the scope of local government entities. This includes disparate access to public sector funding for charging infrastructure and financial support for private businesses seeking to electrify their fleets. Such disparities in the way funding is allocated and the level of support available between regions is putting the U.K. at risk of a new “digital divide.” 

Already, the change in government could put existing funding at risk. The manifestos presented in the buildup to the election provided no clear guidance, support or indication of funding for electric vehicle (EV) schemes, despite the reiteration of aggressive net-zero deadlines. Now, the government should lead with action. 

The good news is we’re not at a standing start. For example, "no other European country registered as many electric buses in 2023 as the UK, with zero emission buses accounting for almost half of all new large buses introduced last year." And Warrington Borough Council was able to introduce 105 new electric buses this year—a testament to the success of the Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas (ZEBRA) initiative and evidence that government schemes help speed up EV adoption. 

However, broader action is needed to achieve the ambitious transport sector emission targets set by the previous government and overcome barriers to adoption. Without reliable long-term funding, the risk of an “electric divide” between small and large businesses only becomes greater. All businesses, whether they have cash flow or are just starting up, are required to meet net-zero targets and electrify, so they need government support to make electrification possible. 

What's Needed From The Tech Sector 

Of course, the onus isn’t solely on government initiatives. The development of commercial and public sector fleet electrification relies on the tech industry coming forward with new solutions that will work hand in hand with the public sector to overcome and respond to adoption challenges. This applies not only to the U.K. but to all countries striving to meet their net-zero goals. 

For example, for many commercial fleets, public charging isn’t adequate to support the ongoing operations of EV vehicles, and they can often prove unreliable due to technical malfunctions and inconsistent maintenance. As a result, many fleets are opting for private charging infrastructure and ensuring total control over their EV charging capabilities. However, the affordability and reliability of private charging infrastructure is still a challenge for fleet owners and creates a digital divide between businesses, leaving those who can’t afford the investment lagging. 

Solutions that remove the financial barrier to entry and provide ongoing charge assurance are required for the long-term success of electric fleets. Charge assurance models go beyond the initial investment barrier by providing fleet managers with ongoing support including repair assistance, performance monitoring and flexible charging packages that adapt as needs evolve—creating successful and maintained EV transitions. It means the support doesn’t stop at funding, helping fleet managers get the specialist support they need throughout their journey. 

Additionally, there's a growing commitment within the EV sector to learn from big tech and develop an open ecosystem. This refers to a way of collaborating and innovating where standardized protocols ensure better accessibility, interoperability and collaboration between manufacturers, policymakers, utilities and technology vendors. 

With this work from the tech sector and growing examples of where the public sector has made electrification possible, there's a real opportunity for the U.K. and other countries working toward net-zero emissions, such as the U.S., to accelerate their adoption of EVs, with those net-zero goals firmly in sight.