Conflict-led fuel price rise could make the case for EV fleets, says FleetCheck

Escalating tensions in the Middle East could act as a catalyst for faster electric vehicle (EV) adoption by UK fleets, according to FleetCheck.

With Brent Crude oil prices already reaching a five-month high and forecasts suggesting further increases, FleetCheck CEO Peter Golding said that rising pump prices may prompt fleets to revisit their cost strategies, potentially favouring EVs as a more economical alternative.

Golding said: “Clearly, we are fleet experts rather than commentators on the Middle Eastern situation, but it seems quite clear that the current situation, unless it is resolved unexpectedly quickly, is going to lead to a spike in petrol and diesel prices and potentially quite a dramatic one.”

He added that previous fuel price surges typically prompted fleets to tighten control through fuel cards, reduce business travel, and to increasingly consider EV as a cost-effective solution, particularly when home charging is available.

Golding said: “If electric cars and vans are charged at home, they are by far the cheapest way of covering miles on an operational basis.

“High and unpredictable oil prices do change the maths behind total cost of ownership and increase the attractiveness of EVs to fleets.”

He also highlighted that falling EV prices are tipping the balance in favour of electric adoption.

Many models are approaching price parity with petrol and diesel equivalents, a trend driven by increased competition from Chinese OEMs and more affordable offerings from established brands.