A study commissioned by BMW among 655 leasing drivers and fleet customers in the Netherlands indicates that a driving range of at least 400 kilometres has become the baseline expectation for electric company cars, with many respondents seeking even greater capability.
“When asked how much range their next electric lease car should have, almost everyone in this group said at least 400 km. A third of them want more than 500 km,” BMW reported. The automaker said respondents cited the need to reduce charging frequency, maintain parity with conventional vehicles, and retain flexibility for work-related travel and vacations.
The Netherlands is widely regarded as a favorable environment for electric vehicles due to its compact geography, relatively flat terrain, and extensive charging network. Companies such as Fastned have helped establish dense fast-charging coverage, easing concerns about long-distance travel despite the country’s small size.
Employer policies also play a decisive role in adoption. According to the survey, more than one-third of company car drivers are required to use fully electric vehicles, contributing to the finding that four out of ten respondents already drive battery-electric models. Leasing costs, driving comfort, and suitability for family use ranked among the most important decision factors, while environmental considerations influenced fewer than 10% of respondents.
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Resistance remains among a significant minority. About 40% of drivers said they would not choose a fully electric vehicle as their next lease car, with concerns centered on range limitations, charging frequency, and dependence on public infrastructure. Around 15% of this group expressed a preference for retaining freedom to choose their powertrain.
Among those willing to select an electric vehicle, prior experience appears to be a strong motivator. BMW summarized the finding as “Once electric, always electric,” noting that 70% of drivers open to EVs already own one—suggesting firsthand familiarity helps overcome skepticism about usability and convenience.
