The 2025 Electric Fleet Race: mid-year review
Feature
As the halfway point of 2025, the Electric Fleet Race has uncovered the impressive strides organisations have made in their vehicle electrification goals. As media partner, GREENFLEET spotlights the front-running organisations
As we reach the halfway mark of 2025, the Electric Fleet Race continues to spotlight the organisations making the strongest progress in fleet electrification. Each month, the Race tracks which fleets are leading the way, ranking businesses by the number of electric vehicles in their fleet, across different sectors and business sizes.
Charlie Cook, founder of Rightcharge, explains the Race’s mission: “The Electric Fleet Race was inspired by the incredible fleets we work with every day. We’ve seen firsthand the real progress they’re making on their electrification journeys, and we wanted to celebrate that. This initiative is all about shining a light on those leading the way and sharing their successes to show that going electric is possible for any business, in any sector, at any size.
As media partner, GREENFLEET is proud to showcase some of the race leaders and share their stories.
A rewarding challenge
Beko Europe leads the Manufacturing category, thanks to its growing fleet of electric vehicles.
Cole Pemberton, fleet manager, shares: “I’m extremely proud that Beko Europe is recognised in the electric fleet race and within the fleet industry as whole. Our switch to electric vehicles is a difficult but rewarding challenge, especially on our service van fleet where our customers need our services, so operational uptime is one of our key metrics.
“Leading our sector for electrification is important to Beko Europe, but we also want to make larger in roads into CO2 reduction, introducing hybrid vans for those areas where electric is not the best option.
“Our focus as fleet operators should always be on health and safety, not just for our drivers, but for the people in and around the communities where we operate, reducing tail pipe emissions is a core part of this in my opinion.”
Meeting milestones
Avon & Somerset Police is the front-runner in the emergency services category, with over 80 electric vehicles in operation.
Ben Mohide, electrification programme lead, notes: “Our transition to a fully electric fleet is progressing well, piloting electric vehicles has helped users to gain confidence in this new technology. We have recently passed one million miles on our EV fleet! This has been possible because of positive adoption by officers and staff, who tell us that they enjoy driving them and appreciate the community engagement opportunities that arise – EVs are a real talking point with the public!
“Our fleet team are preparing some new EVs right now, which will push us over 80 on the road. We have plans to push this number beyond 100 this year, in line with planned future investment in our charging infrastructure.
“The electric fleet race is a great way for us to measure our progress, and to learn from fleets in other categories in the race!”
With nearly 200 EVs on fleet – a number that keeps growing, Scottish Water leads the Water Industry category.
Paul Wilkinson, EV transition technical specialist, shares: “Scottish Water is delighted to be leading the Electric Fleet Race for the Water Industry in the UK. To reach Scottish Water’s target of a complete transition to a zero-emission fleet by 2030, we are charging on with our transition by not only replacing our vehicles with electric alternatives when it is practicable and economical, but also supporting this by installing a range of EV chargers across the country. By the end of May 2025, we have just shy of 200 EVs on the fleet, and this summer, we eagerly anticipate the delivery of our first ever fully electric HGV. In addition to this, we have over 200 lease cars and over 250 salary sacrifice cars within the business. These are all supported by over 330 chargers at Scottish Water sites across the country, with over 700 connection points available.”
Paul added: “We are constantly pushing to trial emerging technologies and new vehicles available on the market and would encourage other fleets to do the same. Another key tip for those at the beginning of their net zero journey is to be resilient, this is still a very new market, you need to be adaptable to the challenges you will face both internal in your business and to external issues you may not have planned for.”
Skanska leads the Construction category, and has taken a proactive approach to fleet electrification.
Chris Haynes from Skanska explains: “Our journey with electric vehicles has been incredibly positive. A key part of our success is our commitment to supporting employees in their transition to electric, which includes providing them with home charging points. The benefits in terms of reduced emissions and lower running costs are clear, and being recognised in the Electric Fleet Race is a fantastic testament to our dedication and validates our commitment to a sustainable future.”
A winning SME
Eric Wright Group tops the small fleet category, with an impressive 80 per cent of its fleet now fully electric.
Steve Openshaw, group fleet & transport manager, says: “Our goal of achieving a 100 per cent Ultra-Low-Emission Vehicle (ULEV) fleet and a predominantly battery-electric car fleet by 2027 is now a reality. In 2020, we had only one electric vehicle; today, 99 per cent of our fleet is ULEV compliant, and an impressive 80 per cent is full-battery electric. This remarkable transformation has resulted in substantial carbon savings for the Group.”
Understanding that the driver is key, Steve Openshaw continues: “To ensure a seamless transition to electric vehicles, we have developed a class-leading driver induction programme. This comprehensive training covers all aspects of EV ownership, from charging infrastructure to range anxiety. Industry experts have recognised our programme as one of the best in the business, and our innovative online team-based approach for remote depots has set a new standard for inclusivity.”
Looking forwards
As the Electric Fleet Race continues into the second half of 2025, we look forward to seeing more positive examples of fleet electrification success. Entry is free and just requires a short submission form.
Furthermore, the 2025 GREENFLEET Awards on 4 December has its very own Electric Fleet Race accolade, where three organisations within the Race will be crowned winners.
