Fleet electrification represents a significant economic and climate opportunity for Europe, according to the EY and Eurelectric report Fleet Forward: powering the transition to electric mobility.
The report shows that fleet transition in Europe could generate cumulative operational cost savings of up to €246 billion by 2030. The report also estimates that full fleet electrification could reduce CO₂ emissions by up to one billion tons by 2030.
Operational cost benefits are already visible in key fleet segments. The report finds that electric passenger cars and light commercial vehicles can produce significant operational cost savings per kilometer compared to their internal combustion engine counterparts, particularly where depot or home charging predominates. Electric trucks can also achieve lower operational costs on certain routes, where charging strategy and CO₂ -based toll systems are harmonized.
However, the report makes it clear that operational cost benefits alone will not drive the expansion of electrification. The total cost of operation remains influenced by higher initial vehicle prices, uncertainty about residual value, uneven incentive structures and delays in grid connection and charging infrastructure installation.
Mihai Drăghici, Partner, Consulting, EY Romania: „The EY-Eurelectric report confirms what we see in practice: fleet electrification makes economic sense in terms of operational costs, but the scale-up remains limited by structural gaps in the whole ecosystem. Romania's grant funding programs such as E-Mobility and E-Move, which support charging infrastructure, together with the broader national framework for e-mobility, are important supporting factors. However, they require greater predictability and closer alignment with the real operational needs of fleets. EY is working with fleet operators, energy companies, and policymakers to fill these gaps - from total cost of ownership (TCO) modeling and charging strategies, to network readiness and financing structures - so that fleet electrification can move from pilot projects to full-scale deployment.”.
According to the report, coordinated actions are needed across the entire ecosystem. Fleet operators need to match vehicle fleets to actual operating cycles and maximize smart charging at the depot, which the report identifies as key factors for reducing energy costs and improving operating margins. Vehicle manufacturers need to close upfront cost gaps, improve battery transparency and build confidence in residual value through buyback programs and standardized information. Policy makers need to ensure stable fiscal and regulatory predictability over several years. Grid operators and energy suppliers need to accelerate connection schedules and invest early in capacity to support electrified depots and load corridors. Financing institutions and leasing providers need to expand bundled and risk-sharing models that reduce balance sheet exposure.
Kristian Ruby, Secretary General of Eurelectric, said: „Six out of ten new cars in the European Union are sold to fleet owners, so the potential for savings and emission reductions is enormous. A well-designed fleet initiative can stimulate demand for battery electric vehicles to the benefit of European industry and energy independence”.
The report underlines that progress is real and the business case is getting stronger, but making full use of fleet electrification depends on practical coordination between industry, energy and political actors.