Navigating the Electric Vehicle Transition: Smarter Fleet Management for a Net Zero Future
04th Nov 2025
We recognise the current headwind businesses are currently going into when it comes to an unprecedented rise in costs across all operations, and that fleet management is often an area that comes under extensive scrutiny as one of the most expensive lines on a budget sheet.
Our role at Pendragon Vehicle Management is to support and answer those questions with informed decisions. The pressure is even more pronounced with many companies now entering their first EV renewal cycle. Vehicle prices are rising, interest rates are up and operational costs are mounting. For fleet decision makers, showing value for money is more challenging than ever before.
For us, we look to figure out how smart you can be about your fleet needs. Can you ensure that vehicles suit the circumstance rather than putting a one size fits all approach in. Recently, we took a number of underused vehicles back from a customer, it was just the right thing to do for them, and it brought instant savings.
Finding the Right Fit for Electrification
Moving into an electric fleet isn’t just about swapping a few vans out of diesel to electric. There are complex operations and considerations that we have to consider whether that be charging infrastructure, range, overnight logistics and ensuring vehicles are deployed where they truly add value.
A clear message from us has always been, if you force it, you can damage roll out and adoption because if a vehicle isn’t the right fit, drivers will notice. A fleet could have adopted 50/60% EVs only to go back on this due to bad experiences.
Manufacturers have a huge role in playing in this area, particularly with innovation. Improved battery range and smart vehicle designs is at the heart of this. What only a few years ago seemed impossible is now feasible for most use cases.
"The tech has moved forward. A few years ago, we’d say this works for 30 people; now 99.9% can make it work. Innovation is what drives adoption." - Phil Wilbraham, Managing Director, Pendragon Vehicle Management. (below)
Leveraging Alternative Solutions
EVs certainly get the headlines but for us, they are not the only route to Net Zero. Our clients are exploring all areas like bio fuels, hydrogen, and other alternative technologies which offer other solutions towards emissions reduction.
We’ve seen our customers adopt bio-fuels for example, which is a fantastic first step and it helps them manage output whilst staying mindful of wider business and planet needs. Net Zero isn’t just about electric for us, it’s about finding a solution that works for each use case.
Making Adoption Easier
Adoption of EVs and lower emission alternates is just as much about confidence as it is technology. Our world needs to be open-minded to solutions that work. We’ve run EV drive days for fleet managers to give them a hands on feel and experience of what is on offer to ensure an informed decision.
"There’s so much coming at fleet managers, it’s tough to keep up while handling their day-to-day jobs. Letting them see, touch, and experience EVs helps them make decisions with confidence."
We can push EVs all we like but without infrastructure it will fall by the wayside. The government and wider industry bodies need to be ensuring there are ample charging solutions, MOT readiness and support for the used EV market which will build trust and stimulate wider adoption.
For all the good work done with new EVs, we collectively have not done the same level of work on used vehicles. The way charging and infrastructure is going, we should see adoption increase across the board.
The Road Ahead
Transitioning to Net Zero and the electrification of fleets is not an easy road to go down. It will require smart choices, with innovation and flexibility. We’re looking at right-sizing fleets, exploring alternative fuels and supporting adoption where possible. Our team are supporting businesses through this turbulent time with an open approach that delivers on smart decisions that ensure efficiency and savings that prepare them for the long haul.
The transition to Net Zero and electrification of fleets isn’t straightforward. It requires smart choices, innovation, and flexibility. By right-sizing fleets, exploring alternative fuels, and supporting adoption with infrastructure and experience, businesses can navigate the cost pressures and operational complexities while staying on track for a sustainable future.
