Identify low-mileage vehicles in your fleet and decide if you need them. Your teams or duties may be able to share fewer vehicles more efficiently instead. 

Reducing the number of vehicles in your fleet will cut costs straight away. It will also make it easier to switch to a smaller number of EVs. Evaluate whether you need any vehicles that drive less than 6,000 miles a year. Also, consider whether you can share vehicles. 

If you have a pool fleet, where multiple employees use the same vehicles, focus on increasing utilisation. You can do this by moving mileage from grey fleet vehicles to fleet pool cars. A well-used pool car should drive at least 10,000 miles a year. If this isn’t possible, it may be more cost-effective to use car clubs or car sharing platforms, such as Hiyacar. These offer an alternative to owning your vehicles, but any cost savings would depend on how much you use them.  

See also 2. Rationalise your fleet, and 4. Sustainable travel hierarchy.  

For both car and van fleets, assess whether you need a larger vehicle. Is an SUV necessary, or would a small hatchback work just as well? Do you need a large (3.5 tonne) van, or could you use a smaller van more efficiently?  

Downsizing can cut fleet costs immediately and increase energy efficiency. Switching to EVs means using less energy. This, combined with using smaller batteries and vehicles, will also save on costs in the long term.  

See also 3. Downsize vehicles.  

Training on efficient driving can save on fuel costs and emissions. Training will also improve drivers’ confidence when switching to EVs. For example, it can address regenerative braking, charging processes, and range anxiety. Efficient drivers will also be able to extend the range on a single charge for EVs.