Green Fleet Magazine (UK)

There has been a sharp increase in used electric vehicle sales following the escalation of conflict in the Middle East at the end of February, according to automotive data company Marketcheck. In February 2026, an average of around 787 used EVs were sold per day - this rose significantly to an average of 1,074 per day in March. Sales volumes increased steadily throughout March, with multiple days exceeding 1,000 units for the first time.

Leasing providers and their fleet customers are playing a central role in the UK’s shift toward battery electric vehicles, which now make up 48% of the business contract hire (BCH) car fleet, according to the latest Leasing Outlook report. This shift, however, is placing strain on financial performance. Leasing firms report a 36% drop in confidence around future margins, largely due to ongoing losses tied to electric vehicle residual values.

New research by Vauxhall has found that 42% of councils will have cross-pavement charging available by the end of 2026. The research found that 56 tier one councils across England, Scotland and Wales either currently offer or will be making cross-pavement charging available by the end of this year.

The government has recently announced a £1 billion funding package to expand its van and truck grant schemes and continue its depot charging scheme until 2030. We explore the recent changes The UK government has confirmed a major £1 billion investment to expand its grants for electric commercial vehicles, as well as continue its depot charging scheme for longer. A central element of the package is the grants for electric trucks which offer substantial financial support depending on vehicle weight.

Over the air (OTA) software updates that reduce the capabilities of company cars and vans are being labeled as "concerning" by the Association of Fleet Professionals (AFP). During the AFP's Megafleets Committee, which consists of some of the UK’s largest car and van operators, the legality and ethics of downgrading vehicles already in operation was discussed.

Zero emission HGV demand fell by -16.5% year-on-year in the first three months of the year - from 97 to 81 units, new SMMT data has shown. They now represent less than one percent (0.9%) of the overall market. The SMMT warns that volumes must accelerate substantially if the sector is to decarbonise by the deadlines sought, and that fast-tracking grid connections for road transport depots is an essential next step.

As pressure mounts on commercial fleet operators to decarbonise, GREENFLEET will be hosting a webinar focused on helping organisations transition to cleaner vans and trucks without compromising on operational performance. The online event, Decarbonising Commercial Vehicles, will take place on 16 April and brings together industry experts to explore practical strategies for reducing van and truck fleet emissions.

One-third (33%) of fleet decision-makers are foreseeing a rise in vehicle numbers during the next three years – up from 28% in 2025, according to the Arval Fleet and Mobility Observatory. However, there has also been an increase in the percentage who believe their fleet size will change – from 6% to 9% – while those who expect numbers to remain stable is down from 65% to 55%.

Europcar Mobility Group UK has reported that battery electric vehicles accounted for nearly half a million rental days in 2025, an increase of 93% on the previous year. Europcar’s EV fleet grew by 70% in 2025, now making up 15% of the total. The company also reported that 86% of all EV rentals were for business drivers.

A new independent research body has been established to prepare the UK for the impact of autonomous vehicles - called The Institute for Driverless Transport. The organisation believes the road safety case for autonomous vehicles is well-evidenced and well-understood, but that the wider consequences – for jobs, productivity, city planning, and security – are under-discussed and under-researched.