When we talk about reaching net-zero emissions, the conversation often zeroes in on passenger vehicles. But this narrow focus misses one of the biggest opportunities in front of us: the electrification of commercial and public sector fleets. 

In the UK, commercial fleets—ranging from road freight to shipping vehicles—account for approximately 40% of all road transport emissions. This makes them a critical lever in our journey to net zero. Yet, despite the scale of their impact, they’ve long been overshadowed in both public discourse and policy direction. 

An Overlooked Opportunity

The UK has the potential to lead the way in fleet electrification. And there’s already momentum: in 2023, no other European country registered as many electric buses as the UK. Thanks to initiatives like the Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas (ZEBRA) scheme, local authorities such as Warrington Borough Council have made real strides, adding over 100 electric buses to their fleets. 

But this progress is not evenly distributed—and that’s where the problem lies. 

The Dangers of a Two-Tier System in EV Infrastructure Funding

Much of the challenge sits within the realm of local government. Uneven access to public sector funding for charging infrastructure and a lack of targeted financial support for smaller businesses threaten to create a divide. Without a cohesive, long-term funding plan, we risk creating a two-tiered system: one where large, well-funded organisations move forward, and smaller ones are left behind. 

This divide isn’t just bad for business—it’s bad for climate goals. All businesses, regardless of size or sector, are being asked to meet net-zero targets. If we expect them to comply, then we must ensure the support structures are in place. 

What the Tech Sector Must Bring to the Table

Of course, this isn’t solely a government responsibility. The tech industry also has a vital role to play in overcoming barriers to electrification. 

One of the biggest issues for commercial fleets today is charging infrastructure—not just availability, but reliability. Many fleet operators report public chargers being out of order or poorly maintained, prompting a shift toward private charging networks. 

However, building out private charging infrastructure is costly, and not all businesses can afford the upfront investment. This again contributes to the divide between those who can afford to lead and those who lag behind. 

That’s where our Charge Assurance models can make a difference. These solutions remove the financial and operational barriers to EV adoption by bundling charging hardware, installation, performance monitoring, and maintenance into flexible, ongoing service packages. It’s not just about putting chargers in the ground—it’s about supporting fleets every step of the way. 

Building an Open, Collaborative Ecosystem 

As the EV sector matures, there’s a growing movement to adopt open ecosystems—industry-wide collaboration using standardised protocols to drive interoperability between charging providers, vehicle manufacturers, grid operators and governments. 

This kind of open collaboration is crucial, not just for the UK, but globally. Countries like the U.S. are facing similar challenges and opportunities when it comes to commercial fleet electrification. The faster we can share best practices and align on standards, the faster we can collectively move toward our climate goals. 

The UK has already proven it can lead on electrification. But to close the gap to net-zero, we need to shift the spotlight from passenger cars to the commercial vehicles that keep our economy moving. 

It’s time for targeted funding, cross-sector collaboration, and technological innovation that removes barriers and ensures every business can participate in the transition. Because if we get commercial fleet electrification right, we won’t just cut emissions—we’ll accelerate progress toward a more sustainable, equitable future.