Fleets’ decarbonisation concerns are valid – but early movers will still prosper

Yet, despite this exciting momentum, valid concerns have so far held many fleet operators back from driving forward with the transition to cleaner fuels. Concerns around the up-front price of electric vehicles and the availability of suitable charging infrastructure have slowed progress, and understandably so. But these barriers are beginning to ease, and early movers in fleet electrification are already seeing the benefits, namely an increase in customer interest and market share.

Technological development and supplier growth have begun to make eLCVs and eHGVs price-competitive with ICE models - the 'tipping point' of price comparison is tantalisingly close. Charging infrastructure is arriving at a pace that would have felt unimaginable just a few years ago, with varied solutions that prioritise business efficiency and driver welfare landing on the UK's roads. The sector is reaching a point where the transition is ready to accelerate - and those who move now will reap its rewards.

 Weighing the costs A common concern that fleet owners and operators have when approaching the transition is that of up-front cost. Whilst exact figures will vary between markets and models, electric HGVs and vans can typically have a higher initial purchase price than ICE models.

With fleet owners responsible for prioritising their business interests in a competitive market, it is not surprising that such concerns will slow transition efforts. Yet recent research on lifetime vehicle cost puts such price comparisons into a very different perspective. Vans are furthest ahead, with a recent study demonstrating that the total costs of owning and running an electric van in the UK were between a fifth (19%) and a quarter less[1] than equivalent diesel vans.

Meanwhile, analysis suggests that battery-electric long-haul trucks across Europe are on track to reach total cost of ownership parity with diesel within the decade[2], and as early as 2026[3] in the UK. Currently, research shows that UK operators can save around EUR36 (GBP31) per 100km on energy costs[4] compared with diesel. Whilst exact figures and comparisons will vary with fuel and energy costs, there is a clear and compelling argument that the long-term economics are moving in favour of electrification.

It is less of a gamble and more of a financially prudent step for fleets planning ahead. Charging ahead Industry concerns about charging infrastructure have been heard and developers are hard at work to supply the UK's commercial transporters with the facilities they need to confidently transition.

Aegis Energy is one of these developers, on a mission to build 30 clean energy hubs by 2030, with plans to expand to more than 50 sites across the country thereafter. These hubs are tailor-made for commercial vehicles of all sizes, with charging speeds, bay sizes, site security, and booking services purpose-built for the needs of modern fleets. Going further than convenience, they are also being designed to reflect the evolving values of the industry.

An increased focus on driver welfare facilities, as well as increased measures around site safety and security, is being factored into site designs across the country - aiming to revolutionise the entire refuelling experience for drivers beyond the type of fuel used. Across the wider industry, investment in charging networks is growing, with incoming hubs popping-up at major ports and inland terminals, and at key motorway junctions in order to maximise their reach. The firms that are transitioning to cleaner fuels now enjoy a triple advantage: being able to secure access to prime refuelling locations, enjoying the next generation of driver-focused facilities, and influencing how the charging landscape develops.

As an example, the Aegis Trailblazers[5] initiative is not only providing early adopters with reduced charging rates, but also opportunities to feed into and shape the infrastructure that is being developed. In an industry that runs on partnerships, trust, and cooperation, relationships with infrastructure providers and the bodies that organise them are, and will continue to be, a valuable commodity. Fleets that move now will place themselves in pole position to acquire this.

Tactical transition It's clear that transitioning now offers several advantages, with early adopters securing key infrastructure provider partnerships and establishing relationships that will prove invaluable as demand grows. In a scenario where charging hubs become crowded and competition for access intensifies, those who have acted early will be at the front of the line.

Operators with electric vehicles already in service will not only be better placed to deliver reliable, low-carbon logistics but will also benefit from a reputational edge that helps them win contracts and build trust. Customers are increasingly placing more emphasis on sustainable supply chain solutions and assessing logistics and delivery partners on their carbon impact. We've heard from one of our customers, Wordsworth Excavations, that adding electric HGVs to its fleet has been a source of great customer interest and has led to conversations with construction businesses who are looking for more sustainable partnerships.

Wordsworth's decision to decarbonise isn't just about green credentials - it's a strategic response to a clear shift in customer expectations. This trend is only growing with businesses across logistics, retail and distribution under pressure to demonstrate credible decarbonisation strategies, and significantly reduce their Scope 3 emissions. In this climate, the ability to provide low-carbon logistics is increasingly becoming a prerequisite for securing new contracts and forming durable partnerships.

Those who invest now will be the best positioned to capture the growing demand for sustainable transport solutions, while those who delay risk losing out to competitors who can meet that demand more effectively. Moving together For fleet operators, hesitation is understandable.

Balancing tight margins with the need to plan for long-term change is no small challenge, and concerns about upfront cost and infrastructure access have been well-founded. But the reality is that these concerns are being acted upon at a rate that many do not realise. Costs are moving rapidly towards parity, charging networks are expanding faster than expected, and early movers are already benefitting from discounted rates, strong supplier partnerships, and enhanced credibility with customers.

The road ahead may not be without hurdles, but the balance of risk is shifting: the greater danger now lies in waiting too long and being forced into change on tougher terms, rather than seizing the opportunities that are already within reach.

Edmund Robins - founder & executive director of Aegis Energy

References

1. ^ between a fifth (19%) and a quarter less (www.transportenvironment.org)
2. ^ within the decade (theicct.org)
3. ^ as early as 2026 (trans.info)
4. ^ save around EUR36 (GBP31) per 100km on energy costs (transportandenergy.com)
5. ^ Aegis Trailblazers (www.aegisenergy.uk)