- Most EVs cover daily driving needs, eliminating charging anxiety for corporate fleets and meeting average commute distances.
- The UK’s expanding network of over 72,000 charge points ensures reliable, efficient charging access for businesses nationwide.
- Integrated platforms like Virta simplify EV adoption with tools for charging, expense management, and streamlined fleet operations.
Can corporate fleets overcome charging anxiety?
In 2023, over 75% of new EV registrations were by businesses. That makes corporate cars and vans integral to the emobility transition, with workplace leasing and salary sacrifice schemes making EVs far more accessible for many drivers. However, one key hurdle still exists that casts doubt over managers’ decisions to make their work fleets electric: Charging anxiety.
Charging anxiety is brought on by the assumed lack of viable and accessible charge points. This concern is amplified by the consistent negative press perpetuated by many traditional media outlets. This anxiety can lead you to ask questions like; will there be charge points free at my designated stop? Will they be fully operational when I get there? More crucially for managers; are there even enough charge points to support my fleet?

So, should fleet managers be concerned about charging when considering the switch to sustainable corporate cars and vans?
How far can an EV take me?
The facts are clear. Most EVs already meet the daily needs of most drivers. Studies show that 8 out of 10 drivers travel less than 100 kilometres a day. In fact, 6 out of 10 drive less than 50 kilometres daily. Earlier this year, a new world record was set for driving over 900 kilometres on a single charge. In short, an electric car can get you to any meeting or site visit that a petrol car could have.
According to the UK’s most recent census in 2021, 12.5 million people regularly travel to work by driving a car or van. That figure is likely to be slightly lower than the true amount considering its proximity to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The National Travel Survey showed that the average round-trip commute was just under 21 miles. Similarly, in the UK, the average van travels 12,500 miles per year. If you divide that by the average 253 working days a year, that’s just under 50 miles per day. Both of those figures are well within the range limits of any electric car.
However, factors like payload weight and towing will reduce electric van, light commercial vehicle (LCV), and HGV ranges. Inner-city last-mile fleets will likely go unaffected by range issues, but long-distance freight will become increasingly dependent on public infrastructure.
What about charging?
The assumption is that charging is slow, complicated, and unreliable. However, the charging sector has been moving fast.

Rapid charging stations are becoming very common in service stations and hubs. These incredible units can recharge most batteries up to 80% in just 30 minutes. What’s more, as of November this year, the UK boasts over 72,000 charge points.
However, long-haul fleets still face challenges with public charging accessibility. MegaWatt charging is still new technology, so HGVs may struggle to find suitable infrastructure. Also, many fleet drivers park their vans at home. That means only those with a driveway could benefit from home charging. Meanwhile, the rest will be reliant on on-street charging. That means charging expenses will vary significantly.
Fleet operators will require their own infrastructure at hubs and depots. Challenges differ surrounding infrastructure installations, with sites requiring the necessary permits, grid connectivity, and space, to house charge points. A successful installation will also increase the energy usage for the site, requiring specific tariffs and capacities.
The main issues for fleet managers are; how do we access charging? How do we cover business expenses? How do we manage electricity use?

Finding a platform for success
The good news is that the solutions are out there. EV technology has become increasingly advanced, and management tools have advanced with it.
The key is finding the right help to ease your transition. Companies like Virta offer turnkey solutions for corporate fleets. It has over 105,000 chargers directly connected to its platform, Virta Hub, and over 500,000 connected globally. That’s plenty for any business fleet.
Their automated invoicing system consolidates all charging events into a single bill. That both simplifies financial processes and accommodates multi-country operations. And tools like Dynamic and Adaptive Load Management help optimise power usage by ensuring the infrastructure is appropriately scaled.
The platform allows drivers to charge at home, on-site, at work, or at over 500,000 charging points via roaming. And to make things even more convenient, home charging reimbursement is automated, allowing drivers to easily recover electricity costs.
Additionally, fleet reservation features let managers allocate charging slots in advance, reducing delays and ensuring vehicles are ready for use. A cloud-based platform provides detailed data on energy use and charging patterns, helping optimise operations and control costs.

The EV transition for corporate fleets is no longer a question of feasibility but of strategic planning. Thanks to the incredible work of the emobility sector, charge anxiety is becoming a thing of the past. Now, average fleet usage and daily driving distances are well within the capabilities of modern EVs. The UK’s expanding charging infrastructure, bolstered by rapid technological advancements and robust government support, further alleviates concerns about access to reliable charging points.
The real challenge lies in navigating the complexities of integrating EVs into existing fleet operations. This is where comprehensive platforms like Virta come into play, offering seamless solutions for charging access, expense management, and operational efficiency. By addressing these practical concerns, fleet managers can confidently embrace the shift to sustainable transportation, not only aligning with environmental goals but also positioning their businesses for long-term success.
With the right tools and planning, the move to EVs is not just achievable – it’s a smart, forward-thinking decision for the future of corporate mobility.