Mixed-Energy Fleets on the Rise: Survey Finds 80% of Global Commercial Fleet Leaders Aim for at Least 25% of Their Fleets to Be EVs by 2030

Rhea-AI Summary

A new study by Frost & Sullivan, commissioned by WEX, reveals that 80% of mixed-energy fleet operators aim for at least 25% of their fleets to be electric vehicles (EVs) by 2030. The global survey, 'The Commercial EV Transition: Global Insights on a Mixed-Energy Fleet Future,' offers insights for organizations managing mixed-energy fleets across Europe, North America, and Asia-Pacific.

Key findings include:

• Decarbonization is the primary driver of the transition
• Operational efficiency is important during the transition
• Streamlining charging and payments is essential
• Smart digital solutions could help future-proof fleets

The study highlights that the transition to mixed-energy fleets is gradual, with adoption rates varying by region, industry, and organization size. WEX, with over 600,000 commercial fleet customers worldwide, is integrating EV into its expertise to help organizations manage the mixed-energy fleet transition effectively.

Conducted by Frost & Sullivan and commissioned by WEX, the report offers insights for organizations managing mixed-energy fleets across markets in Europe, North America, and Asia-Pacific.

PORTLAND, Maine--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- A new study by Frost & Sullivan commissioned by WEX (NYSE: WEX), the global commerce platform simplifying the business of running a business, reveals that mixed-energy fleets are projected to increase given anticipated commercial EV adoption rates. According to the study, 80% of mixed-energy fleet operators intend for at least 25% of their fleets to be comprised of electric vehicles (EVs) by 2030 and 42% stated that half or more of their fleet would be composed of EVs by 2030.

“The Commercial EV Transition: Global Insights on a Mixed-Energy Fleet Future,” a 2024 global survey, offers comprehensive insights for organizations to navigate and capitalize on the shift to electrification in Europe, North America, and Asia-Pacific. The transition to a mixed-energy fleet – which integrates both EVs and internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles – is not a one-time switch but a gradual process. Adoption rates for EVs can vary significantly depending on factors such as the region, industry, and an organization’s scope and size. Understanding the underlying dynamics can be crucial for optimizing operations and achieving long-term benefits.

“Organizations know EVs can benefit commercial fleets, but electrification is a gradual process that involves more than just vehicle replacement,” said Carlos Carriedo, Chief Operating Officer, Americas Payments & Mobility at WEX. “This report’s findings indicate a fleet manager’s focus isn't on 'if' or 'when' to transition but on 'how best.' A key strategy is recognizing the value of mixed-energy fleets for a smooth and effective shift to electrification.”

"Operators will maintain a mix of traditional and electric vehicles for the foreseeable future, introducing complexities in operations, infrastructure, energy sourcing, and payments,” Carriedo continued. “A mixed-energy fleet approach mitigates risk, allowing businesses to adapt, learn, and, if they desire, transition fully to electric mobility when the infrastructure is ready."

Key findings include:

• Decarbonization is the key driver of the transition: 70% 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 such as high upfront costs (64%), 50% of surveyed organizations have already invested in charging infrastructure.
• Streamlining charging and payments is crucial: A substantial proportion (78%) of organizations have charging on-site, though charging en-route and at home were also widely used. Ninety percent of fleets have the same payment options for Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) and EVs. Dual ICE/EV payment card availability ranks as the top influencing factor when choosing a payment card.
• 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 findings indicate that while the transition to EVs is underway, it's not without challenges. With 78% of fleets charging onsite and 62% using public facilities, issues like identifying the best use cases, the best vehicles for those use cases, and the best charging strategies for those vehicles across a complex public and private infrastructure are significant," said Jay Collins, SVP & GM, EV & Mobility at WEX. "The mixed fleet adoption strategy enables businesses to acclimate to the nuances of EV integration gradually, ensuring operational efficiency throughout the transition period."

The report also highlights the broader industry implications, noting that the top three challenges for fleet operators are the cost of fuel (67%), operational costs (66%), and profit margins (59%). These challenges reflect fleet managers' pressures to manage expenses and maintain profitability while transitioning to new technologies and sustainable practices.

With over four decades of expertise and experience in managing how fleet data flows through an organization, WEX is now integrating EV into that experience to help organizations effectively adopt and manage the mixed-energy fleet transition lifecycle to drive their financial, operational, and sustainability goals, backed with WEX’s continued commitment to data security and privacy. WEX has over 600,000 commercial fleet customers worldwide, including more than 19.4 million vehicles serviced globally as of Q2 2024.

About the Fleet Study

These are the findings of a Frost & Sullivan study commissioned by WEX between February-March 2024. Frost & Sullivan interviewed mixed-energy fleet operators from over 500 organizations across seven markets in Europe (273 respondents), the United States (110 respondents), and two markets in Asia-Pacific (120 respondents) about their journey toward electrification. Each decision-maker surveyed had at least one EV in their fleet when surveyed.

A free copy of “The Commercial EV Transition: Global Insights on a Mixed-Energy Fleet Future”’ can be downloaded here. Market-level insights can be viewed for the United Kingdom, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, France, Germany, Italy, the United States, Australia, and New Zealand.

About WEX

WEX (NYSE: WEX) is the global commerce platform that simplifies the business of running a business. WEX has created a powerful ecosystem that offers seamlessly embedded, personalized solutions for its customers around the world. Through its rich data and specialized expertise in simplifying benefits, reimagining mobility, and paying and getting paid, WEX aims to make it easy for companies to overcome complexity and reach their full potential. For more information, please visit www.wexinc.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements including, but not limited to, statements about the transition to and adoption of mixed-energy commercial fleets. Any statements in this press release that are not statements of historical facts are forward-looking statements. When used in this press release, the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “project,” “will,” “positions,” “confidence,” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain such words. Forward-looking statements relate to our future expectations, and are not historical facts and accordingly involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results to be materially different from future results expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements, including whether the transition to and adoption of mixed-energy commercial fleets will continue as currently expected; as well as other risks and uncertainties identified in Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 23, 2024 and subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release and undue reliance should not be placed on these statements. The Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240918260333/en/

Media:

WEX

Julie Lydon, 415-816-9397

Julie.Lydon@wexinc.com



Investors:

WEX

Steve Elder, 207-523-7769

Steve.Elder@wexinc.com

Source: WEX

FAQ

What percentage of fleet operators plan to have EVs in their fleets by 2030 according to the WEX study?

According to the study commissioned by WEX, 80% of mixed-energy fleet operators intend for at least 25% of their fleets to be comprised of electric vehicles (EVs) by 2030.

What are the main challenges for fleet operators transitioning to EVs as per the WEX report?

The top three challenges for fleet operators are the cost of fuel (67%), operational costs (66%), and profit margins (59%), reflecting pressures to manage expenses and maintain profitability while transitioning to new technologies and sustainable practices.

How many commercial fleet customers does WEX (NYSE: WEX) have globally?

WEX has over 600,000 commercial fleet customers worldwide, including more than 19.4 million vehicles serviced globally as of Q2 2024.

What is the primary driver for the transition to electric vehicles in commercial fleets?

According to the study, decarbonization is the key driver of the transition, with 70% of respondents saying it is an 'important' or 'cornerstone' component of their business strategy.

What percentage of surveyed organizations have already invested in charging infrastructure for EVs?

Despite challenges such as high upfront costs, 50% of surveyed organizations have already invested in charging infrastructure for electric vehicles.