Vodafone UK said on Wednesday it will complete the electrification of its 1,000-strong company car fleet by 2026, a year ahead of the original schedule, as part of its broader plan to achieve net zero emissions across operations by 2030.
The fleet electrification programme, launched in 2019, initially targeted a full switch to electric vehicles (EVs) by 2027. The accelerated timeline was achieved through a structured transition plan developed in partnership with leasing firm Arval UK.
Craig Login, property contract manager at Vodafone UK, highlighted the progress, saying: “In 2020 just 16 per cent of the fleet was battery-electric (BEV) and 29 per cent plug-in hybrid (PHEV), but by next year the mix will be 100 per cent BEV and zero PHEV – a shift we consider a major achievement.”
The transition included the removal of petrol and diesel vehicles from employee choice lists in 2021, followed by plug-in hybrids in 2023. Vodafone also introduced its first BEVs in 2019, supported by ride-and-drive events and webinars to familiarise staff with electric mobility.
The UK electrification drive has been guided by Arval UK, which provided whole-life cost modelling, regular consultations with vehicle manufacturers, and driver education on charging, taxation, and range. The leasing company also launched a BEV salary sacrifice scheme in 2023, delivering its 300th vehicle under the programme last month.
Vodafone is also working to electrify its German fleet of 3,000 vehicles. Employees there have been required to select BEVs as company cars since the start of 2025, although the operator has not confirmed a full electrification date for Germany.