New research showing how UK fleet managers view electric vehicle service, maintenance and repair (SMR) costs and downtime compared to internal combustion engine (ICE) cars and vans is now out.

One in four respondents believe that EVs are cheaper and bring reduced downtime compared to 14% for ICE

The 2024 Arval Mobility Observatory Fleet & Mobility Barometer, which quizzed 8,605 businesses in 30 countries, shows that 25% believe that EVs are cheaper and bring reduced downtime compared to 14% for ICE.

Also, 57% say EVs are better for mechanical repair compared to 14% for ICE, and 28% favour EVs for body repairs compared to 20% for ICE.

However, fleets think the different powertrain types are similar for tyres – 19% EV against 18% ICE – while ICE wins parts availability, which is perceived to be better at 43% versus 17%.

Shaun Sadlier, head of Arval Mobility Observatory in the UK, said: “Fleets are starting to build up a knowledge base about the SMR of EVs and this question – asked for the first time in our 2024 research – reflects their experiences compared to ICE cars and vans. It is important to underline that their responses are based on their impressions rather than actual SMR data.

“It is interesting to note the areas where fleets believe EVs and ICE vehicles are each scoring highly. EVs are clearly winning out in the mechanical repairs category, almost certainly a result of simply having fewer parts in their powertrains to wear or go wrong, and advantages are also perceived when it comes to general servicing, probably for similar reasons.

“However, ICE is felt to have a clear advantage when it comes to parts availability, the latter probably a result of the relative newness of EVs being operated at scale. Certainly, we are aware that parts availability for some newer cars and vans has been difficult over the last few years for all fuel types, due to market conditions.

“In the remaining categories, the picture is much more balanced, with no real clear advantage for either EV or ICE when it comes to tyres or body repairs.”

Sadlier also noted that few fleets have yet operated EVs through one complete replacement cycle yet.

“It will be interesting to see the responses to this question develop in future versions of the Arval Mobility Observatory Barometer, with fleets gaining more experience of their operation over time and as more data becomes available,” he outlined.

Have you experienced a difference between petrol and diesel, and battery electric vehicles, in terms of costs and downtime for vehicle maintenance, servicing and repairs?