When companies rethink: Why e‑mobility in European fleets is reaching a turning point

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The electrification of corporate fleets is gaining noticeable momentum across Europe – but not evenly. While some countries and industries have already made significant strides toward electric drivetrains, others remain more cautious. This is reflected in the latest findings of DKV Mobility’s E‑Mobility Study, based on surveys of fleet managers in eight European countries.

A closer look at the European fleet market shows where companies currently stand, which factors are accelerating the transformation – and which obstacles are still holding them back.

What drives companies – and what slows them down

Europe’s fleet market is in a transitional phase. Diesel remains the dominant powertrain in corporate fleets, followed by petrol vehicles. Electrified drivetrains – including fully electric vehicles, plug‑in hybrids and mild hybrids – have gained a relevant share, but overall still lag well behind conventional combustion engines.

At the same time, pressure on companies is clearly increasing. Rising costs, growing sustainability requirements and the need to integrate electric vehicles into existing fleets are among the most common challenges. In this context, one thing becomes clear: electrification is demanding – but increasingly unavoidable.

Fleet size also plays a significant role. The larger the fleet, the more pronounced the perceived challenges. At the same time, large companies and businesses in the transport sector in particular are showing a clear direction: many plan to substantially increase the share of electric vehicles in their fleets over the next two years.

Motivation meets obstacles: the tension surrounding electrification

On the path to e‑mobility, companies face a paradox. While many are keen to electrify their fleets, key barriers remain. These include:

high acquisition costs for electric vehicles
rising electricity and charging prices
driving ranges perceived as insufficient
a public charging infrastructure that is still inadequate in many areas
additional maintenance and administrative effort

The international comparison is particularly revealing. While some countries have already put effective solutions in place, others are still at an early stage of the transformation. In the Netherlands, for example, obstacles are perceived as significantly less severe overall, whereas in Poland and Romania they are felt more strongly than in most other countries.

Charging infrastructure: the foundation of every transformation

Charging infrastructure provides particularly valuable insights. While public infrastructure is often seen as insufficient, many companies have already taken matters into their own hands: around 90% of companies operating electric vehicles already have their own charging points at company premises. Overall, a clear majority plan to further expand their in‑house charging infrastructure over the next two years.

In some countries – including Germany – the rollout of wallboxes is already well above average. Looking ahead, most companies intend to continue investing.

What does this mean for the future?

The willingness to electrify is there – as are the first concrete investments. Companies that set the right course today can secure a clear competitive advantage. Successful electrification requires more than just vehicles; it calls for a holistic approach encompassing infrastructure, cost management and strategic planning. This is where it will be decided which companies become frontrunners of the mobility transition – and which fall behind.

About the study

For the study, the market research institute Innofact AG conducted a total of 1,732 standardized online interviews on behalf of DKV Mobility in November 2025. The respondents were fleet managers from eight European countries. The full study is available here.

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