The conversation has certainly shifted over the past couple of years from an ‘ if ’ to a ‘ how ’, meaning that fleet operators are beyond considering that electric vehicles ( EVs ) are good for logistics . Instead they ’ re focusing on leveraging this transition to the greatest effect . The only difference here are the other matters at play , such as the impending climate issues that were not factored into the late industrial revolution .

Firstly , it ’ s worth noting that 79 % of fleet decision-makers say there are now suitable EVs in the market for their specific business needs , which applies , more so , to commercial vans and lightduty vehicles . A more complex challenge to master is that of heavy goods vehicles ( HGVs ) and bulk transportation methods . This is where we see further options like hydrogen fuel-cell engines entering the mix .

As XPO ’ s Head of Sustainability for UK and Ireland Dr Nicholas Head explains , “ Going all-electric for large operations with multiple fleets is currently impossible by the end of 2024 ”.

Alongside this , we learn from Head “ there are three significant factors that are hurdles to overcome . In addition , financing the transition will take time as technologies prove themselves and become established in the market ”.