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Return home8.1. Fleet rationalisation and efficiency improvements
Optimising fleet efficiency through rationalisation, downsizing, and driver training reduces costs and supports the transition to electric vehicles, saving fuel, energy, and emissions.
Improving fleet efficiency can help reduce operating costs and release funding that can be reinvested in fleet decarbonisation initiatives. For example, savings generated through efficiency measures could be ring-fenced to support the purchase or leasing of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure.
There are a number of ways to reduce fleet operating costs, including improving vehicle utilisation, removing underused or low-mileage vehicles, right-sizing vehicles so that they are appropriate for their intended use, and providing driver training to improve efficiency and reduce fuel or energy consumption.
By reducing unnecessary fleet costs and improving operational efficiency, organisations can create additional financial capacity to support the transition to lower-emission vehicles and associated infrastructure.
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Identify low-mileage vehicles within your fleet and assess whether they are still required. In some cases, teams or services may be able to share a smaller number of vehicles more efficiently.
Reducing the number of vehicles in your fleet can deliver immediate cost savings and make the transition to electric vehicles (EVs) more manageable. Consider reviewing any vehicles that travel fewer than 6,000 miles per year and assess opportunities for vehicle sharing.
For pool fleets, where vehicles are shared by multiple employees, increasing utilisation should be a priority. This can be achieved by replacing grey fleet mileage with journeys undertaken in fleet pool vehicles. As a guide, a well-utilised pool car should typically travel at least 10,000 miles per year. Where this level of utilisation cannot be achieved, alternatives such as car clubs or vehicle-sharing platforms, including Hiyacar, may offer a more cost-effective solution. The benefits will depend on usage patterns and local availability.
See also 2. Rationalise your fleet and 4. Sustainable travel hierarchy.
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For both car and van fleets, assess whether larger vehicles are genuinely required for the tasks they undertake. For example, consider whether an SUV is necessary or whether a smaller hatchback could meet operational needs. Similarly, review whether large vans are essential or whether smaller vans could perform the same role more efficiently.
Downsizing vehicles can reduce fleet costs immediately while also improving energy efficiency. Smaller vehicles typically consume less energy and, when transitioning to electric vehicles (EVs), often require smaller batteries. This can reduce both purchase costs and long-term operating costs.
See also 3. Downsize vehicles.
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Driver training focused on efficient driving techniques can reduce fuel or energy consumption, lower operating costs and cut emissions. Training can also help increase driver confidence when transitioning to electric vehicles (EVs).
For EV drivers, training can cover topics such as regenerative braking, charging procedures and strategies for managing range. Addressing these areas can help reduce concerns about vehicle range and improve familiarity with electric vehicle technology.
Drivers who adopt efficient driving techniques can also maximise the distance travelled on a single charge, helping to improve vehicle efficiency and support successful fleet electrification.
