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Survey: how Benelux is navigating the transition to commercial mixed-energy fleets
We can expect more mixed-energy fleets on the roads as they’re projected to increase over the next few years. A recent study by Frost & Sullivan, commissioned by WEX, indicates a significant rise in mixed-energy fleets as commercial EV adoption accelerates. In fact, according to the survey, 80% of fleet operators who already have a mix of internal combustion engine (ICE) and electric vehicles (EVs) plan to have at least 25% of their fleet be electric by 2030. Nearly 50% anticipate that EVs will make up half or more of their fleet by then.
The shift is driven by a growing emphasis on sustainability. As Carlos Carriedo, Chief Operating Officer, Americas Payments & Mobility at WEX said: “Decarbonization has become a top priority for organizations of all sizes and transitioning towards mixed-energy fleets is one effective way to achieve that. Fleet managers aren’t debating if they should go electric, they’re figuring out the best way to integrate EVs and internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles.”
The benefits of incorporating EVs into commercial fleets are clear – but the transition takes time. EV adoption can align with environmental goals, meet public and policy demands for zero-emission transportation, and appeal to eco-conscious customers. However, the path to electrification isn’t without its challenges. High upfront costs, infrastructure concerns, and varying adoption rates across companies and governments all play a role.
To better understand the commercial EV adoption landscape, the researchers surveyed over 500 commercial mixed-energy fleet operators (ranging in size from 2 to 500+, with at least 1 EV in the inventory) across Europe, North America, and Asia-Pacific. You can read more about what’s happening in the region of Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg (Benelux) further below.
The findings highlight several key trends driving the shift to mixed-energy fleets:
- Decarbonization is the key driver of the transition: 70% of respondents say it is an “important” or “cornerstone” component of their business strategy, and only 3% are not considering decarbonization at all. This underscores its importance to organizations’ strategies for cost savings, sustainability, and brand image.
- Operational efficiency is paramount during the transition: Despite electrification challenges like high upfront costs (64%), 50% of surveyed organizations have already invested in charging infrastructure.
- Streamlining charging and payments is crucial: Most organizations (78%) have on-site charging, but charging en route and at home are also common. The ability to use the same payment options for both ICE and EVs is a top priority.
- Smart digital solutions could help future-proof fleets: Over half of the respondents (58%) struggle with route planning, while 49% struggle to collect data and 40% face challenges integrating fleet management software for ICE vehicles and EVs.
The takeaway? The transition to mixed-energy fleets is well underway. While challenges to adopting EVs remain, the benefits are clear and organizations are actively seeking solutions to streamline the process.
Insights specific to the Benelux region
Considered one of the comparatively more mature EV markets, here’s a look at how surveyed organizations in Benelux (22) reported navigating the transition to mixed-energy fleets. These insights are also available in Dutch and French.
- It seems organizations in Benelux are going green for a few main reasons: they want to protect their brand image, meet growing market demand for sustainability, keep their customers happy, and of course, stay on the right side of the law (all at 73%). Cost savings? Not as big a deal here as compared to other markets, which was often the most important factor elsewhere. It suggests that companies are responding more to what their customers want than just trying to save money.
- Given the Benelux region is pretty advanced when it comes to EV adoption, here’s a surprise: only half of the organizations said they have set a date for when they want to be carbon neutral.
- Most Benelux fleets are using public charging stations (73%), with fewer installing their own depot hubs (55%). Very few utilize at-home charging (the lowest rate across all markets), with 100% saying reimbursement of home charging is “difficult to calculate & time consuming” and the “accuracy of charging expenses” are key pain points that deter them from use (compared to the global average of 58% and 44% respectively for each pain point).
- Sixty-four percent of Benelux fleet managers found it difficult to plan routes for mixed-energy fleets compared to an average 58% globally. That’s because fleet operators in Benelux need to find different places to fuel up and charge up.
- Benelux fleet operators cited corporate fuel cards as the most ideal way to pay for mixed-energy fleets (68%), higher than all other surveyed markets. The ability to use a card anywhere emerged as the topmost influential factor when selecting a card, highlighting the importance of flexibility and convenience in managing the diverse fueling needs of mixed fleets.
Read the press release announcing the report’s launch.
Dig into insights from other markets:
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