#Canada #Toronto #electric vehicles #fleet management #Element Fleet

Introduction

The automotive industry is witnessing a transformative shift as companies strategically realign their fleet management approaches, moving beyond mere ambitions for electric vehicle (EV) adoption. The 2026 Global Fleet and Mobility Barometer, released by Element Fleet Management Corp. in collaboration with Arval and Sumitomo Mitsui Auto Service (SMAS), sheds light on this evolution. The findings highlight the pressing need for effective strategies in managing costs and boosting operational performance while embracing the future of electrification.

Key Findings

The report compiles insights from over 10,000 fleet decision-makers across 33 countries, indicating a significant transition in how fleets view electrification and mobility strategies. Some pivotal statistics from the survey include:

• - 66% of companies are actively deploying or planning to deploy EVs within the next three years.
• - 99% of respondents have either implemented or plan to implement charging policies to facilitate electrification.
• - 31% of fleet managers identify the total cost of ownership (TCO) as their foremost challenge.
• - 94% are moving forward with employee mobility solutions, reflecting an increase in focus on enhancing workforce mobility through innovative practices.

Fleet Electrification Execution

Electric vehicles remain integral to fleet management strategies. A notable 46% of organizations are already utilizing electrified vehicle technologies. However, practical challenges persist. A significant number of fleet leaders (68% for passenger vehicles and 67% for light commercial vehicles) report inadequate charging infrastructures as a principal barrier to expanding EV adoption. In response, companies are hastening their strategies to enhance charging facilities, with more than half of survey participants preparing for on-site charging solutions.

Expert Insight

David Madrigal, Executive Vice President of Element, articulates the industry shift stating, "Fleet transformation is now defined by execution. Our clients are focused on deploying electric vehicles at scale, managing total cost of ownership and integrating connected vehicle data into daily operations."

The Focus on Cost Management

The emphasis on TCO reflects a broader trend; fleet operators strive to hone their predictive analytics capabilities, automate vehicle monitoring, and achieve better real-time visibility into their operations. A centralized fleet management platform that integrates a company's cost management, sustainability goals, and mobility data has become essential. Notably, about 26% of organizations aim to formalize their decarbonization goals within the next three years, illustrating an evolving approach towards environmental accountability.

Transformation Drivers

Bart Beckers, Chief Commercial Officer of Arval, notes, "Operational performance has become the primary transformation driver for fleets worldwide. Companies are moving from ambition to execution, redefining their electrification and integrating cost-management."

Expanding Employee Mobility Solutions

Beyond traditional vehicle-based benefits, the report also emphasizes the evolution of employee mobility strategies. A remarkable 94% of businesses are adopting or planning to implement various mobility solutions—ranging from mobility budgets to car-sharing initiatives. Moreover, 43% of the surveyed companies recognize human resources priorities as a key driver in these developments.

Industry Leadership

The collaboration between Element, Arval, and SMAS enhances the capacity to address both regional challenges and global fleet trends collaboratively. Yoshiaki Kageyama, Executive Vice President of SMAS, signifies the importance of integrated solutions in developing a connected and sustainable mobility ecosystem.

Conclusion

The 2026 Global Fleet and Mobility Barometer reveals a critical inflection point in fleet management, where intelligent mobility platforms and disciplined execution dictate future success. As companies transition from aspirations to actionable strategies, the need for a structured, data-driven management approach has never been greater. To explore the report further, visit our website to access the comprehensive findings.

About the Companies

Element Fleet Management, Arval, and SMAS each bring their expertise together in creating strategic, technological solutions tailored for a sustainable, interconnected future. These efforts will arguably shape the industry, aligning electrification initiatives, mobility solutions, and comprehensive cost control for fleet operators across the globe.