International outlook: significant differences in fleet electrification persist across European countries

Road transport accounts for approximately one quarter of the European Union’s total carbon dioxide emissions. Since around 58% of new vehicle registrations in Europe are made by companies, corporate fleets play a key role in making transportation more sustainable. The adoption of new technologies appears to be delivering results: according to Ayvens’ research covering 29 European countries, the average CO₂ emissions of company fleets and the share of diesel-powered vehicles have declined across almost all industries over the past two years.

The change has been particularly significant in sectors that have traditionally relied heavily on internal combustion engine vehicles. In the construction industry, for example, the share of new diesel vehicles fell from 35% to 12% between 2022 and 2024, while 39% of newly registered vehicles were already fully electric. During the same period, the energy and chemical sectors recorded a 30% reduction in CO₂ emissions.

The findings clearly show that the green transition has begun across numerous industries. However, the speed at which companies can adapt to the new economic and regulatory environment varies considerably by country and sector.

Each year, the Ayvens Mobility Guide assesses the availability of the conditions necessary for electrification in individual countries and evaluates their level of readiness based on a range of key criteria.

According to the 2026 edition of the report, electric vehicles have become an economically competitive alternative to conventional powertrains in several European countries. The total cost of ownership (TCO) of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) is now lower than that of internal combustion engine vehicles in many Western and Northern European markets.The analysis also reveals that the most important factors influencing fleet operators’ decisions are not necessarily the availability of electric vehicle models, but rather local taxation policies, incentive schemes, and the maturity of charging infrastructure. At the same time, the European market remains highly divided.

While countries such as Norway, the Netherlands, and Belgium are among the leaders in electromobility, the transition is progressing more slowly in parts of Eastern and Southern Europe, where shortcomings in charging infrastructure and higher upfront investment costs remain significant barriers. Hungary currently ranks in the lower-middle tier of European countries when it comes to the electrification of corporate fleets.

For companies, fleet electrification is increasingly becoming a business and strategic matter. A key challenge is how organizations can balance economic efficiency, employee expectations, and sustainability goals. ESG requirements, sustainability reporting obligations, and the growing number of low-emission urban zones are all factors that will shape corporate mobility decisions in the long term. At the same time, employee expectations are evolving. More and more companies view electric vehicles as part of a modern and responsible employer brand. In addition, new technologies offer lower operating costs, quieter performance, and an entirely new driving experience.

Despite the positive trends, the transition is not without obstacles. In many European countries, the density and reliability of public charging infrastructure continue to present challenges, particularly for fleets with high mileage requirements. Furthermore, companies remain concerned about the residual value of electric vehicles and the long-term predictability of the regulatory environment. As a result, the coming years are likely to involve not only a race in technological development, but also competition among European countries in terms of economic policies and infrastructure investment.