Fleet operators are falling behind in the shift to electric and hybrid vehicles, particularly in the heavy goods vehicle segment, according to broker insights shared by Direct Commercial Limited.

Findings from the insurer’s latest Broker Barometer show only 13% of surveyed brokers believe their commercial motor clients are adapting well to electric or hybrid vehicles. Forty-four per cent said fleets are adapting poorly or not at all. Just 9% consider operators somewhat prepared for sustainability regulations, while a further 25% described them as either somewhat unprepared or entirely unprepared.

The results point to broad market challenges and underline the specific barriers faced by HGV operators. Limited vehicle availability, mileage constraints and a lack of charging infrastructure continue to slow adoption. While light commercial vehicles show some progress, with electric vans now making up around 7% of new registrations, they still represent a small proportion of total fleets and tend to involve higher maintenance and repair costs.

Joe Hantson, deputy chief executive of Direct Commercial, said: "Brokers are telling us the same story across the board. Fleets aren’t resisting the sustainability agenda; they’re navigating practical challenges at different speeds. In LCVs, we’re seeing some adoption, but in HGVs it’s clear the shift will take far longer to gather momentum.

“At DCL, we’re focused on supporting brokers and their clients as they explore new technology, helping them manage the cost implications of newer tech, and making sure resilience and compliance go hand in hand with progress. It’s about matching insurance solutions to the reality operators face today, not where the market might be in five years.”

As the Government’s ZEV Mandate increases pressure on van fleets to shift to electric, DCL says brokers will have a vital role to play in supporting clients through operational, financial and regulatory changes – and in ensuring risk management solutions keep pace with evolving fleet technology.

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