Survey: how France 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 France 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 France

Here’s a look at how surveyed organizations in France (65) reported navigating the transition to mixed-energy fleets. 

• It’s clear that cost savings are motivating French fleet operators’ move towards EVs (79%). But it’s not just about the bottom line. Protecting their brand image (77%) and staying compliant with regulations (76%) are also key drivers.
• The French are serious about decarbonization. A remarkable 79% of fleets have set a clear target date for reducing their carbon footprint – that’s well above the global average of 59%. And the larger the fleet, the more ambitious their electrification plans tend to be.
• French fleet operators seem to be quite satisfied with the public charging infrastructure. They find it reliable and easy to manage, even though they use it significantly less than some other European countries (only 55% use public charging).
• One challenge that stands out is route planning for mixed-energy fleets. Over half of fleetoperators in France (68%) find it challenging to optimize routes when they have both ICE and EVs, mainly because fueling and charging stations aren’t always conveniently located together.
• Corporate fuel cards are a popular payment method, with nearly half of French fleet operators preferring them. However, they’re not particularly discerning when it comes to choosing a provider. Factors like tax reporting, real-time account management, and transaction security seem to be less of a priority compared to other regions.

Read the press release announcing the report’s launch.

Dig into insights from other markets: 

• Australia
• Belgium
• Germany
• Italy
• Luxembourg
• Netherlands
• New Zealand
• United Kingdom
• United States

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