The UK’s electric vehicle landscape is set for meaningful progress in 2026, with the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate pushing electric cars and vans firmly into the mainstream
While the ZEV mandate sits with manufacturers, fleets will see the practical impact as zero-emission options become the natural choice. The shift is no longer abstract – it’s a day-to-day operational reality.
For fleet teams, the focus is now on electrifying well. Clear internal ownership makes the transition far more manageable. When a dedicated individual or team takes the lead, decisions become quicker, data becomes more useful, and the whole organisation gains confidence. Early innovators like Royal Mail and Scottish Water show how starting early and learning continuously creates long-term advantages.
Charging remains the area where creativity pays off. Adjusting charge schedules, tapping into on-site renewables, exploring battery storage or using flexible financing can all make infrastructure rollout smoother and more cost-effective.
Looking ahead, electric HGVs represent the next big leap. While the larger-vehicle category’s electrification progress has been slow, its direction is clear. Fleet Managers that begin planning for HGV transition now will be best placed to benefit as the market develops.
