Q+A: FleetEV on electric vehicles and the public sector

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What are the benefits of switching to electric vehicles for your fleet?

For FleetEV, moving to electric vehicles is about helping public sector organisations reduce emissions in a way that is practical and workable day to day.

Transport is one of the biggest contributors to carbon output across local authorities. Replacing suitable fleet vehicles with electric alternatives is one of the quickest ways to make a meaningful reduction.

Electric vehicles produce zero tailpipe emissions, which improves local air quality and supports Welsh Government climate targets.

FleetEV works with fleet managers to identify which vehicles can be switched now, where the biggest carbon savings can be achieved, and how to phase the transition so it fits with operational needs and existing replacement cycles.

There are also clear operational benefits. EVs generally cost less to run and maintain, and their simpler drivetrains can reduce downtime.

As a brand-agnostic broker, FleetEV works across multiple manufacturers and funding providers. This allows the team to recommend vehicles based purely on operational suitability, value for money and availability – rather than being tied to any single brand. Public sector customers are therefore able to procure the right vehicle through the correct framework, avoiding unsuitable specifications or unnecessary cost.

Have you got any examples of success stories in the public sector?

Yes. FleetEV now supplies 21 of the 22 local authorities in Wales and works with a wide range of other public sector organisations, including universities, National Parks, Fire and Rescue Services and Health Boards.

Using the Welsh Government Collaborative Procurement Frameworks, FleetEV has supported councils such as Denbighshire, Conwy, Gwynedd and Newport to introduce electric vehicles across a variety of fleet types, including:

Pool cars
Small and medium electric vans
Electric minibuses
Specialist vehicles, including electric tipper conversions

Each project starts with an assessment of how the vehicles are actually used, rather than relying on assumptions. This includes mileage, payload, routes and charging requirements.

FleetEV then supports the full procurement process through compliant routes and helps councils track the carbon savings delivered by the new vehicles.

This approach gives authorities confidence that the vehicles will perform as expected in everyday operations.

Does it save the public money in the long run?

Yes, cost per mile is still a key factor for most fleets, and electricity is typically cheaper than petrol or diesel. For vehicles in regular daily use, this delivers clear savings.

EVs also tend to cost less to service and maintain, which reduces overall running costs and downtime.

Taken together, this means many electric vehicles now offer a lower total cost of ownership over their working life.

The upfront cost difference between electric and diesel vehicles has also reduced significantly. In many cases, there is now little or no noticeable difference in capital cost.

FleetEV helps customers compare both running costs and full lifecycle costs using real operational data, so decisions are based on facts rather than assumptions.

Public money is then focused on the vehicles where electrification makes the most sense financially and operationally.

What are the common misconceptions about making the switch?

“EVs won’t work for our operations.”
In practice, many council vehicles follow predictable routes and return to base each day, which suits current EV ranges well. FleetEV bases recommendations on real usage data to ensure vehicles are suitable, including for specialist applications.

“We don’t have the charging infrastructure.”
Charging is often seen as a barrier, but it doesn’t have to be. FleetEV works closely with its sister company, Plug Charging, which designs and installs charging solutions for fleets of all sizes – from depot charging to on-street and workplace installations. This allows organisations to plan vehicles and infrastructure together, rather than treating them as separate projects.

“The transition is too complex.”
While fleet electrification does require planning, having a single delivery partner simplifies the process. FleetEV supports vehicle selection, compliant procurement and rollout, reducing the burden on internal teams.

“Switching a small number of vehicles won’t make much difference.”
Fleet electrification delivers immediate and measurable emissions reductions. Even modest fleet changes can have a meaningful impact and clearly demonstrate progress against climate commitments.

Are EVs just as enjoyable to drive?

Yes – and often more than people expect.

FleetEV regularly sees drivers who are initially hesitant about moving to electric vehicles go on to really enjoy using them day to day.

In many cases, the perception people have of EVs before driving one is very different from the reality. Once behind the wheel, the smooth acceleration, quiet operation and ease of driving tend to win people over quickly, particularly in urban and stop-start conditions.

This shift in attitude also helps with wider adoption, as positive driver feedback often encourages other teams to be more open to making the switch.

FleetEV’s role in the Net Zero journey

FleetEV works as a long-term partner to public sector organisations rather than simply a vehicle supplier.

The company supports fleet teams from early planning and suitability assessments through to compliant procurement and vehicle delivery, helping ensure electrification projects are delivered on time, on budget and in line with Net Zero objectives.

This includes reviewing existing fleets, identifying priority vehicles for electrification, supporting business cases, and helping organisations plan phased transitions that align with operational requirements and budget cycles.

FleetEV also works closely with customers to evidence carbon savings and track progress against sustainability targets, which is increasingly important for reporting and governance.

Across Wales, FleetEV is helping local authorities and other public sector bodies move from policy targets to practical, measurable action on the ground — building electric fleets that work operationally while delivering long-term environmental and financial benefits.