Fleet electrification across Europe could generate up to €246 billion in cumulative operating cost savings by 2030, according to a joint study by Eurelectric and EY.
The research found that battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) can reduce operating costs by between 20% and 50% compared with internal combustion engine vehicles across corporate cars, vans and trucks.
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Operating expenses represent a significant share of the total cost of ownership for commercial fleets. According to the report, these costs account for around 60–75% of total ownership costs for trucks, 45–65% for vans and 25–40% for passenger cars.
Kristian Ruby, secretary general of Eurelectric, said fleet markets represent a major opportunity for accelerating electric vehicle adoption.
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“In the EU, six out of ten new vehicles are sold to fleet owners, so the potential to save money and emissions is enormous,” Ruby said. “A well-designed fleet initiative can boost demand for BEVs to the benefit of European industry and energy independence.”
The study estimates that clear purchase targets for electric vehicles could stimulate demand for at least two million additional battery-electric vehicles across the European Union by 2030.
The report also noted that European automakers currently hold a relatively strong position in the zero-emission corporate fleet segment compared with manufacturers from outside the region.
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Eurelectric called for binding national purchase targets for zero-emission vehicles, targeted fiscal incentives and increased deployment of vehicles equipped with bidirectional charging technologies.
Constantin Gall said that several structural barriers continue to slow adoption.
These include higher upfront purchase costs, uncertainty around residual vehicle values and limitations in grid infrastructure needed to support wider electrification.