Supporting fleet electrification with smarter in-life battery solutions
Fleet electrification is no longer a distant goal, it’s happening now. Yet, while there’s certainly been progress in getting more EVs on the road, concerns around battery longevity, cost and vehicle depreciation remain a challenge.
Without a strategic approach to in-life battery management, fleet operators risk higher operational costs, shorter battery lifespans and continued uncertainty for drivers. In this article, we explore how smarter in-life battery solutions can help businesses optimise their electric fleet performance, extend battery life and drive EV adoption.
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The rise of fleet electrification and its challenges
Thanks to advanced regulatory pressures, tax incentives, sustainability commitments and the impending ban on internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, fleet electrification surged in 2024.
However, while the focus for electric fleet operators has been getting more vehicles on the road, higher adoption has exposed a new set of challenges – keeping EVs on the road.
Beyond simply acquiring electric vehicles, the industry now faces the complexities of maintaining long-term battery health, maximising the value of their battery assets and meeting evolving regulatory demands.
Key challenges in electric vehicle fleet management:
- Battery degradation and maintenance costs
Batteries are the most expensive component of an electric vehicle and much like ICE vehicle batteries, they can encounter faults and their performance naturally declines over time (roughly 1-2% per year.) Without proper battery management, electric fleet operators can experience costly replacements if the battery is still in warranty, cutting into the long-term savings promised by electrification. - Downtime due to inefficient battery management
Unplanned downtime is a significant concern for fleet managers. Unlike traditional vehicles where servicing is well-established, electric vehicle fleet operators require specialised training and expertise to service their batteries. This lack of EV servicing infrastructure results delays and downtime, while decreasing fleet efficiency. - Sustainability and regulatory pressures
Many businesses adopted electric fleets to meet sustainability commitments and comply with emerging regulations. Yet, to truly maximise on the potential environmental benefits of electrification, batteries must be properly cared for throughout the entirety of its lifecycle. Outside of the appropriate management and repairs needed to keep EV batteries on the road for longer, this also includes the process of repurposing and recycling materials effectively when batteries eventually reach end-of-life.
The role of in-life battery solutions in electric vehicle fleet management
Fleet electrification will only ever be as successful as the batteries powering it, and ensuring long-term battery performance is where the real challenge lies.
Poor battery management can lead to faster degradation and higher costs for those managing electric fleets. Those taking a proactive approach to battery health not only optimise their return on investment but also reduce waste, minimise operational disruptions and support the UK’s long-term electrification goals.
Here’s how in-life battery solutions are shaping the future of electric vehicle fleet management:
- Extending battery life
A well-maintained EV battery can last far beyond its standard eight-year warranty. Through in-life services such as battery health diagnostics, repair and remanufacturing, electric fleets can extend battery usability to up to 15–20 years. This not only reduces replacement costs but also ensures that fleet operators get the most out of their EVs, translating to greater ROI and long-term cost savings. - Supporting sustainability goals
True sustainability in fleet electrification isn’t just about reducing tailpipe emissions by removing ICE vehicles from the roads. It’s about maximising the lifespan of each component and introducing a complete circular battery economy. In-life battery solutions ensure fewer batteries are scrapped prematurely, while providing second-life applications such as repurposing degraded battery materials sustainably. - Improving operational efficiency for electric fleet operators
There’s no denying that unexpected breakdowns are costly and disruptive to fleet operators. Implementing advanced battery monitoring and diagnostic solutions can help detect issues before they lead to downtime, allowing fleet managers to take proactive action. These real-time insights into battery health help fleets maintain a higher level of reliability, ensuring vehicles stay on the road longer and operations run smoothly.
Priorities for fleet managers to future-proof electrification
With fleet electrification remaining a key focus in 2025, operators must take proactive steps to ensure their EV investments remain cost-effective, reliable, and scalable.
One of the biggest priorities will be collaborating with in-life battery management providers that offer comprehensive lifecycle solutions, to help keep batteries in use for longer and minimise unexpected repair and replace costs.
Debunking EV battery misconceptions is another essential step. Many still believe that once an EV battery starts degrading, the vehicle is no longer viable. In reality, batteries can be repaired and remanufactured to original manufacturer standards. Failing that, the components can be repurposed for second-life applications such as energy storage systems. Fleet managers should take an active role in communicating this to drivers and stakeholders, to help build confidence in long-term EV viability.
How OEMs can support fleet electrification
Stronger collaboration between OEMs and fleets is key to unlocking the full potential of an electric future.
Not only must they support electric fleet operators navigate battery maintenance and operational efficiency through trusted partners and training, they should share the role of educating consumers and stakeholders on batteries and EV adoption. Working together is essential for achieving true electrification.
As fleet electrification continues to evolve and tackle the issue of longevity, it’s clear that fleet managers must adopt a proactive approach to battery management. By focusing on battery health and supporting with wider driver education, they can ensure cost-effective and sustainable electric operations for years to come.
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