Drivers and challenges of electric vehicles integration in corporate fleet: An empirical survey

Di Foggia, Giacomo · 2021 · OpenAlex-citations

DOI: 10.1016/j.rtbm.2021.100627

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Summary

This study investigates the drivers and challenges of integrating electric vehicles (EVs) into corporate fleets, addressing a gap in empirical research regarding commercial EV adoption. While private EV uptake is well-documented, the role of fleet managers in decarbonizing transport remains underexplored despite their significant influence on emissions and their potential to stimulate private EV purchases through employee exposure. The research focuses on how technical understanding and financial expectations influence procurement decisions, aiming to identify barriers such as imperfect information and misaligned investment horizons. The authors conducted an empirical survey in Italy involving 93 fleet managers responsible for passenger and freight operations. The data collection followed a five-month research project that included preliminary face-to-face interviews to design the questionnaire. Respondents were recruited via an industry magazine, resulting in a 6.87% response rate from 1,352 invitations. The survey assessed demographic profiles, business contexts, and specific attitudes toward EVs, including technical knowledge of battery, plug-in hybrid, and hybrid vehicles, and expected investment payback periods. Statistical analysis, including independent group t-tests, was used to compare technical knowledge and payback expectations between large companies (>250 employees) and small-to-medium enterprises (≤250 employees). Key findings reveal significant barriers to EV adoption. First, there is a notable lack of technical awareness; 59% of respondents scored low to medium on their understanding of EV technical characteristics, with 30% reporting little understanding and 27% average knowledge. Second, there is a misalignment regarding financial expectations: 49% of fleet managers expect an investment payback period of under three years, and 84% expect it within five years, which may be unrealistic given current cost structures. Statistical tests showed no significant difference in technical knowledge or payback expectations between large firms and SMEs. Despite these barriers, respondents anticipate an increase in EV share from an average of 7.25% currently to 10.89% in the coming years. Additionally, 80% indicated willingness to integrate EVs if offered tax incentives and charging infrastructure partnerships. The study concludes that well-designed policies targeting corporate fleets can accelerate EV market growth by leveraging the causal link between fleet exposure and private adoption. The authors emphasize that overcoming market failures requires addressing the gap between expected and actual payback periods and enhancing technical literacy among decision-makers. By improving information availability and aligning financial incentives, organizations can better integrate EVs into their sustainability strategies, thereby contributing to broader decarbonization goals.

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